Images(3)

Ship's Decanter

Dateca. 1805

OriginEngland

MediumColorless lead glass

DimensionsOH: 8 5/8" (with stopper); H: 7 9/16" (without stopper); OD: 6 9/16"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase, Michael L. Westfall in Memory of Susan K. Westfall

Object number2025-2,A&B

DescriptionShip's decanter of squat conical shape rising to short neck with three plain neck rings; the body cut with wide narrow flutes; radially fluted mushroom-shaped stopper.
Label TextThis decanter was made for use on a ship, the squat base providing stability and making it less likely to tip than a mallet-shaped decanter, thus preserving its contents for the ship’s captain (and maybe select crew members). It dates to around 1800-1810 and would have been the type used by American ship captains after the Revolution as the young United States entered the China Trade, as well as by naval captains during the War of 1812.