Appreciation

Thank you David Donaldson for a informative lesson on blowing glass.

Frank Strovel

Timonium, Maryland

From Scott Hansen

Alan –

This is an October 1975 photograph with the following text from Steuben on the back:

THE BICENTENNIAL GOBLET

Glass design by Donald Pollard

Engraving design by Donald Pollard and Patricia Weisberg

Height 8″ Diameter of bowl 4 1/2 ”

$1,600.00

Limited to an edition of 200

Engraved crystal goblet commemorating the Bicentennial of the United States of America.

The straight-sided bowl is slightly tapered; the double-knopped baluster stem, rising from a domed circular foot, encloses a teardrop air bubble. Hand-fashioned, the form of the crystal is derived from one of the earliest authenticated goblets of the eighteenth century — the “Bremen” goblet, made in 1788 at the New Bremen Glass Manufactury, New Bremen, Maryland, under the direction of John Frederick Amelung.

The bowl is engraved with an emblem based on variations of the Great Seal of the United States, symbol of the strength of the nations. An American eagle, derived from late eighteenth-century coins, bears an unsupported shield with thirteen stripes — symbol of the self reliance of the thirteen original states. In its left talon the eagle holds thirteen arrows — symbolizing the nation’s power to declare war; in its right, which it faces, an olive branch — symbolizing peace. In its beak is an unfurled scroll inscribed: “E PLURIBUS UNUM” (One Out of Many).

The eagle is encircled by fifty stars representing the states of the Union today. Surrounding the circle is an inscription — bridged at the top by sun-pierced clouds through which thirteen stars appear. The inscription reads: “1776 THE BICENTENNIAL OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 1976.”

Because of the complexity of the engraving, only 200 goblets will be made; each will be inscribed with the appropriate edition number.

Donald Pollard, designer, joined Steuben Glass in 1950. A graduate of Rhode Island School of Design, he worked first in silver under the auspices of the Institute of Contemporary Art in Boston. His designs in crystal have been shown in many Steuben exhibitions and are represented in major public and private collections the world over.