MORRISON HECKSCHER: One of the most successful nineteenth-century glassmakers was the French-émigré Christian Dorflinger. His factories in Brooklyn and later, Pennsylvania were celebrated for their rich cut glass . . .

ALICE COONEY FRELINGHUYSEN: . . . or glass that was elaborately cut, crisply cut, . . . so that actually it felt very sharp if you would pick it up, and it gave a marvelous prismatic effect when light hit it.

MORRISON HECKSCHER: Curator Alice Cooney Frelinghuysen. This is one of the most important pieces in the Met’s collection. A variety of cut motifs adorn it.

ALICE COONEY FRELINGHUYSEN: A very elaborate star-cut foot, faceted stem, and with a carved shield on it with a diamond-point inscription . . . that says, "Presented by the officers and members of the Dorflinger Guards to Mrs. Dorflinger, January 14th, 1859."

MORRISON HECKSCHER: The Guards were the Dorflinger firm’s ceremonial fire brigade. Dorflinger himself also received a gift – the richly decorated silver tea service nearby. The occasion was Dorflinger’s retirement from the Long Island Flint Glass Works in 1863. The set is replete with glassmaking vignettes specific to that factory. Notice, for instance, how the finials on top are all glassblowers.