Irish decanter from Waterford
A decanter in cut lead crystal, with rings round the neck and the glasshouse moulded underneath.
The Penrose brothers founded the Waterford glasshouse in 1783, when Ireland could export glass free of duty. It closed in 1851; today’s Waterford Crystal was founded in 1947. Examples are in the National Museum of Ireland and the Victoria and Albert Museum.
Materials: Lead crystal
Manufacture: Blown into a mould with the maker’s name in the base and cut on stone wheels in diamonds and flutes.
The three rings round the neck that gave a sure grip.
The moulded inscription PENROSE WATERFORD under the base.