Jefferson Glass Co Appraisal

Jefferson Glass Co. 'No. 271' Finger Handled Nappy with Gold and Red Flash

This is a vintage pressed glass 'nappy' (a shallow open serving dish) featuring a distinctive integral loop finger handle. Produced by the Jefferson Glass Company around 1905, this piece exhibits the 'No. 271' pattern, characterized by an intricate combination of embossed floral, scroll, and geometric motifs. The dish is crafted from transparent light pink glass, likely a very faint rosy-tinted clear glass or manganese-doped glass that has turned slightly over time. It is embellished with polychrome cold-applied decorations, specifically vibrant red (cranberry-style) and gold flashing on the raised medallions and floral elements. The base of the bowl shows a complex pressed starburst or radial pattern typical of Early American Pattern Glass (EAPG). The finger loop is stout and seamlessly integrated into the rim, showcasing the high-quality molding process of the era. Measurement is approximately 5 to 6 inches in diameter excluding the handle. The condition appears fair to good for its age; while the structural integrity of the glass is sound with no visible cracks, there is significant thinning and loss of the gold and red flashed finish, particularly on the interior base and side medallions due to handling and age-related wear. Small flea bites or factory mold rough spots may be present along the scalloped edge. This piece is a collectible example of Victorian-era table service aesthetics.