Antique Bottle & Glass Collector

Page 9

COUNT YOUR RIBS Some of the most abundant patternmolded New England glass objects are “Pitkins,” a term used to describe ribbed vessels, often double-patterned and swirled. The most commonly used count is the 36-rib (or grooves) mold, which was especially prevalent throughout Hartford County, Connecticut glass factories between the years 1780-1830. Harry Hall White was an early pioneer of glass collecting, and more importantly, a researcher and explorer of glass factories. He uncovered evidence of 36-rib mold production at Keene, New Hampshire, and Coventry, Connecticut. Through other excavations, we know this was the rib count of choice at Pitkin, the Mather works, and also Glastonbury. There were certainly numerous 36-rib objects produced throughout New England. Given this information, determining a specific glass factory origin by rib count alone would likely prove inconclusive. However, other characteristics can help solidify a strong determination. Although more commonly found in flask form, these objects are more scarce in inkwell form. Any vessels beyond that, such as jars, bottles, and tableware, should be considered extremely rare. New England bottles with 28, 32, and 38 ribs have been recorded, but without question, the 36-rib mold is the most popular and the quintessential New England patternmolded bottle. PHOTOS: TOP: A selection of various 36-rib molded objects in different forms and styles. BOTTOM: Pattern-molded New England glass can certainly be quite colorful. Here are three bright green colored Pitkin flasks made from the 36-rib mold.

October 2020

7


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.