Victorian Era Cranberry Glass Swirl And Hobnail Pitcher With Applied Crystal Handle Appraisal

Victorian Era Cranberry Glass Swirl and Hobnail Pitcher with Applied Crystal Handle

This is a fine example of Victorian-era art glass, specifically a pitcher crafted in the striking 'cranberry' or 'ruby' hue. The body of the pitcher is comprised of blown-molded glass featuring three distinct decorative segments. The upper neck displays a dynamic spiral optic swirl pattern, transitioning into a middle section of sharp hobnail or diamond points, and finishing with a lower band of molded geometric florets and chevrons. A significant distinguishing feature is the heavy, applied clear crystal handle, which shows 'rigaree' or decorative crimping at the lower terminal point where it joins the body. The color is deep and consistent, suggesting the use of gold chloride in the glass batch, typical of high-quality cranberry glass from the late 19th century. The piece features a polished pontil mark on the base, indicating it was hand-finished. In terms of condition, the glass appears bright with no visible clouding or 'sick' glass symptoms. There are no obvious chips to the delicate hobnails or the spout. The construction reflects the high craftsmanship of North American or British glasshouses such as Fenton or Stourbridge, dating approximately from 1880 to 1900. Its quality is marked by the clarity of the crystal handle and the sharp definition of the decorative molding.