Ancien officiel lot x6 verres à vin bile naine courte géorgienne finement gravée c1790/1815

Super Rare Set x 6 Antique c1790–1815 Georgian Engraved Lead Crystal Dwarf Ale / Wine Glasses

An exceptional and incredibly rare complete set of six late Georgian “dwarf ale” glasses, dating from circa 1790 to 1815. These finely hand-blown lead crystal glasses were crafted during a period of transition between Georgian and Regency aesthetics, and they exemplify the elegance and precision of glassmaking at the turn of the 19th century.

Known as dwarf ales due to their distinctive short stems, these glasses were designed for strong beverages such as ale, port, sherry, and fortified wines. Their more compact stature not only provided stability but also reflected the drinking customs of the period, when smaller servings were often preferred.

Each glass features a conical bowl, beautifully engraved with agricultural motifs including sprigs of barley, hops, and vine leaves—a subtle celebration of the natural ingredients associated with brewing and viticulture. This decoration is deeply etched with finesse, reflecting the skill of the engraver and the quality of the crystal.

Beneath each bowl sits an annulated knop (a ringed bulge), a refined structural detail that was popular among higher-end Georgian glassware. The knop leads to a plain stem and rests on a well-balanced foot, each with a snapped pontil scar underneath—a sign of hand-finishing from a free-blown process rather than mould production.

These glasses have a wonderfully clear tone and a brilliant ring when tapped, typical of high-lead content crystal. Surviving as a matched set of six, they are especially rare and desirable, representing a superb investment for collectors of 18th and early 19th-century glassware or those seeking historical pieces with enduring beauty and functional appeal.

Perfect for refined entertaining or as a focal point in a period interior or cabinet, these glasses offer a tangible connection to the sophistication and rituals of Georgian drinking culture.

Size:5 x W 6.5cm H 14.2cm

1x W 6.5cm H 13.5cm

Please go to our shop on Ebay for other similar items, we can also look to combine postage where possible