Sterling silver goblet, London 1862-3

Sterling silver goblet with gilt interior, London 1862-3, maker George Fox
Size: 6 ½ h in
C18681
Wine has long been a part of special occasions, and is indispensable in celebrations and in situations when a pledge or oath is offered. Originally wine bottles and wine glasses (which began very small in size) were kept away from the table, brought by a footman who would also refill the glass after the contents were consumed. Not until the late 18th century did the wine bottle, and subsequently the glass, move to the table.
The wine glass grew in size, becoming an adornment for the table and conveying status. The glass wine glass as we know it with the bowl with stem and base, originated in Venice circa 1400. Venetians learned how to purify their alkaline source to make ‘cristallo’, a clear glass which was much in demand. These first examples were very fragile, which the English solved when they moved toward sea-coal (instead of oak) to fuel their fires which produced a stronger glass and bottle. Interestingly the stronger bottle played a crucial role in the birth of champagne. The English were also to add lead oxide and flint to make glass stronger still. Today there is an organization (ISO) which regulates international specifications for wine-tasting glasses.
Wine glasses have been made from clay, copper, pewter, timber, horn, leather, silver and glass. The shape began as a goblet or tumbler, growing taller with the addition of the stem, and becoming more sophisticated with twists and knops and decoration. The stem, while making the glass more sophisticated, also kept the warmth of the hand away and therefore the temperature of the wine at its optimum temperature. By the seventeenth century it was believed that precious metals promoted better health. The demand for silver goblets increased, but remained exclusive to the wealthy until the price of silver became more affordable. This example from 1862 has a gilt interior and is a fine example of Victorian workmanship.