Pittsburgh Glass Ribbed Vase with Handles, ca. 1885

The term “Pittsburgh Glass” here refers to glass made in the Pittsburgh area of Pennsylvania and not to a specific glasshouse, of which there were many in that area in the late 19th Century when this example was made. An identically shaped (different color) piece can be seen on page 425 of “Pittsburgh Glass 1797 – 1891” by Lowell Innes and at the Historical Society of Western Pennsylvania.

This mold blown, opaque ribbed vase is almost 12 inches tall and has applied handles, stem and foot. The color combinations, white mottling and what appears to be some vaseline glass – combine to make this vase visually appealing and, for me at least, belie its age.