Decanter

This decanter is from the same larger luxury glass table service as a compote and three drinking vessels in the collection (69.257, 2015.459.2-.4). The decanter bears an engraved gothic-style “H” in a carved shield on one of the alternating clear vertical panels. The service descended in the family of Johns Hopkins (1795–1873), prominent businessman, entrepreneur, abolitionist, and
philanthropist of Baltimore, Maryland. Hopkins may have purchased the service for use in his country estate, Clifton, outside of Baltimore, which he extensively renovated into an Italianate mansion in 1858. It is known that he enjoyed entertaining there, welcoming family, friends and dignitaries, including the Prince of Wales (later King Edward VII). The glass is exceptionally well-cut and designed, representing some of the best of independent glass cutting in the New York City area. The quality of the material is equally good, for which the Brooklyn Flint Glass Works was especially admired.