Antique Rare Pair c1810 Georgian Engraved Vine Barley Rummer Glass Lemon Squeezer Foot

A rare and highly attractive matched pair of early 19th-century Georgian rummer glasses, dating to around 1810, each with a large rounded bowl, finely engraved botanical decoration and impressive square lemon-squeezer foot. Pairs of Georgian rummers are far less commonly encountered than single examples, and this pair presents beautifully together with strong symmetry, period character and excellent decorative presence.

The bowls are generously proportioned in the classic Regency rummer form, designed for punch, wine, negus, ale or mixed drinks at a time when large drinking glasses formed an important part of Georgian social dining. The scale gives them real presence, while the open bowl shape allows the engraved decoration to be fully appreciated.

Each bowl is beautifully engraved with trailing vine, barley or hop-like foliage, tendrils and stylised leaves, creating a continuous decorative band around the glass. The engraving is delicate and atmospheric rather than heavy, catching the light softly and giving the glasses a refined Georgian quality. The botanical subject is especially appropriate for drinking glasses of the period, with vine, barley and hop imagery all carrying natural associations with wine, ale, brewing, harvest and hospitality.

The stems are short and solid, rising from broad square lemon-squeezer feet. This distinctive foot form is one of the most desirable features of late Georgian glass. The deeply moulded underside, with its radiating ribbed pattern, was both decorative and practical, creating a strong, stable base while producing a brilliant optical effect when viewed from below. The square foot gives the glasses a more architectural and substantial look than plainer round-footed examples.

The glass itself has the attractive character expected from early 19th-century production, with slight variations, brightness, thickness and handmade irregularities giving each piece individuality. The bowls, stems and feet show the quality and weight associated with period table glass, and the pair has survived in great original condition without damage, which is particularly notable given the vulnerable square feet and large open bowls.

These glasses would have belonged to the world of Regency dining and entertaining, when rummers were used for generous servings of fortified wine, punch and mixed drinks rather than the smaller, more standardised glassware of later periods. Their bold form, engraved decoration and lemon-squeezer feet make them highly displayable and very collectable.

A scarce and elegant matched pair of Georgian engraved rummer glasses, combining large Regency bowls, attractive vine and barley engraving, square lemon-squeezer feet and excellent survival. A particularly desirable pair for collectors of Georgian drinking glass, early 19th-century tableware and decorative period glass. 

Size: 13cm height, 9cm diameter bowl, 6cm diameter foot

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