Blown and Etched 'R&S CAUFFMAN' Advertising Flask,
probably Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, mid-19th century.
Tall tapering body with cylindrical neck, the sides with applied pinched and sculpted decoration, the front etched 'R&S CAUFFMAN/No 26/North 3rd ST/PHILIADELPHIA' above an etched flower; the back etched with an arc of thirteen six-pointed stars over a spread wing eagle and large shield above a spray of flowers, 10cm wide, 5cm deep, 22cm high (4 3/4in wide, 2 1/4in deep, 9 1/8in high).

Note:
Philadelphia merchant R.S. Cauffman is documented as working in the city as early as 1837 and as late as 1855. A. McElroy's Philadelphia Directory for 1837 gives the address as 17 North 3rd St. describing the company as 'Merchant' and indicates they deal in China. In McElroy's Directory for 1840-47 the address of the company is given as 27 North 3rd St., describes the company as 'Merchant' and indicates that company deals in crockery.

The 1849 issue of McElroy's Philadelphia Directory is the earliest to give the company's address as 26 North 3rd St. The company is noted as working at that address until at least 1855 and is described as a 'Merchant' and sometimes noted as dealing in crockery. The 1858 issue of McElroy's Philadelphia Directory does not include an entry for R.S. Cauffman and it is assumed that the company when out of business between 1855 and 1858.

Small flake on the edge of the rim, areas of roughness along the applied decoration on the sides, scattered scratches on the surfaces, no open bubbles, cracks, or evidence of repair.