This style continues on into the 18th C, but frequently the 17th C glasses have not developed the massive solid-bowl bases that are a hallmark of the later glasses. Some stems are also truly hollow, as distinct from having a large irregular 'tear'. This group shares many similarities with taper stem glasses and there is transitional overlap between the two groups. It is sometimes difficult to decide which side of the line a particular glass should fit. Examples from both groups display a marked Dutch influence, with some or all of these features being wrythen or ribbed. The glass shown below is one of the type we have classified under the group 11C. Its stem consists of a knop over an inverted baluster. This particular glass appears intact, but has had a segment of the bowl replaced. It was excavated in Holland, but has exact parallels in England.
This page talks about this sort of glass and includes a classification of all the variations we know about. If you know of any other variations please let us know, so we can keep the list up-to-date.
The types of drink for which these glasses were made are about the same as previous groups, although one glass has been found with a small bowl that may be for spirits. It has a short, slender stem and we are not yet sure that it belongs to this group.
Moulded decoration is common in this group, often wrythen. One glass is known with "God Bless King Wilijam" diamond-point engraved on the bowl. This almost certainly dates from 1688 or 1689.
Many features of these glasses are similar to Dutch glasses of the period. It is possible that these date to the period after William and Mary took the English throne in 1689, in a similar way to the introduction of German glass styles after the accession of King George I in 1714. However, some of these features represent a natural extension of the designs produced by Ravenscroft, so there is no certain basis for such an assumption. Archaeological evidence is not much help over such a short period, since evidence from Port Royal (more details) and Guildford suggests that glasses stayed in use for up to twenty years. One feature found on a number of glasses in this group (and other groups of the same period) may turn out to be significant. This is a particular type of glass decay where the surface has a crystalline appearance, usually opaque white in colour (although bright yellow has been seen!). It is possible that this is due to inadequate melting of the glass batch when initially made. If so this may be due to the introduction of covered pots in the glass furnaces (see Pioneering Glass Making).
For notes on the 17th Century glass classification used Click here. The detailed 18th C baluster classification can be found in "Glass Notes, no 14" published by Arthur Churchill Ltd., in December 1954. Unlike the classifications of some earlier stem forms, the basic form of the tapering stem does not include a strengthening merese at either the stem- to-bowl or the stem-to-foot junctions.
(note these glasses all fit into Barrington-Hayes' 18th C baluster classification and consequently his designations are used)
11C Stems with a knops or collars over an inverted baluster knop