Presentation vase 1843

This presentation vase was made by the New England Glass Company, which operated between 1818 and 1888. A seemingly simple object like this vase can tell us a lot about the society that produced it. The New England Glass Company was one of the leading glass manufacturers in the United States during the 19th century. By looking at company records and historical accounts, we can learn about the company's innovations in glassmaking technology and its role in the industrial revolution. We can also investigate the lives of the workers, many of whom were immigrants, and the social conditions in which they lived. Moreover, the vase itself is engraved with a depiction of the company's factory, suggesting a sense of pride in its industrial achievements. This pride reflects the broader cultural values of the time, which emphasized progress, innovation, and the growth of American industry. By studying objects like this vase, we can gain insights into the economic, social, and cultural history of the United States.