Hen And Nest Dish Appraisal

Iridescent Pressed Glass Hen-on-Nest Covered Dish

This item is a pressed glass hen-on-nest covered dish, likely used for butter, candy, or trinkets. The piece is composed of two main sections: a base or 'nest' and a detailed figural 'hen' lid. The glass exhibits iridescence, showcasing a captivating play of colors ranging from shimmering purples and reds in the hen's head and neck to greens and bronzes across its body and tail feathers, indicative of carnival glass or similar iridescent finishes. The hen's body is intricately molded with textured feathers, giving it a realistic appearance, with particularly well-defined tail feathers. The head features a distinct comb and wattle, characteristic of a rooster or a well-developed hen. The base is shallow with a beaded rim, designed to cradle the hen lid securely. The overall construction appears robust, typical of pressed glass items from the late 19th to mid-20th century. There are no immediate visible signs of major damage such as chips or cracks, suggesting good preservation. The iridescence, while attractive, can sometimes obscure minor surface wear. While specific maker's marks are not visible in the image, such dishes were produced by numerous glass manufacturers during the Victorian and early 20th century eras. The design suggests a classic, perhaps American, folk art or novelty pressed glass tradition. The craftsmanship is decent for mass-produced pressed glass, with clear molding and good detail given the material.