Deep pink cranberry glass pitcher with a bumpy hobnail exterior and a clear glass handle. The pitcher has a rounded, wide body and a scalloped rim.
This magnificent cranberry glass pitcher is a definitive example of 19th-century American craftsmanship, attributed to the renowned Hobbs, Brockunier & Co. of Wheeling, West Virginia. Produced during the height of the Victorian era, specifically around the late 1880s, this piece features the iconic Dew Drop pattern—commonly known today as hobnail. The deep, ruby-red saturation is achieved through the masterful use of gold chloride in the glass batch, a hallmark of high-end Victorian art glass. The substantial, bulbous body is entirely covered in precisely molded hobnails that capture and amplify the light, creating a dazzling optical effect. The clear, heavy-set handle is hand-applied, and the underside reveals a beautifully polished pontil mark, confirming its hand-blown, antique origin.
The scale and vibrant color of this "squat jug" silhouette make it a premier focal point for a Victorian sideboard or a collection of EAPG (Early American Pattern Glass). While it carries the weight and presence of a historical artifact, its bold texture and saturated hue allow it to integrate flawlessly into a Contemporary or maximalist Bohemian & eclectic interior. Whether it is anchoring a festive holiday table or displayed on a sun-drenched shelf where the light can pass through the rich cranberry depths, this pitcher serves as a sophisticated testament to the golden age of American glassmaking. It is in excellent condition, with remarkably crisp hobnails and a clear, brilliant luster.
Details: Measures about 7" in height by about 7" wide. Excellent condition.
This item is antique, over 135 years old. All measurements are close but approximate. I measure in quarter inches.