Title: Antique Victorian Glass Deceptive Rummer / Toastmaster Goblet (c.1860–1880)
Description: Antique Victorian Glass Deceptive Rummer / Toastmaster Goblet (c.1860–1880)

A  fascinating piece of 19th-century British social history: an authentic Victorian Deceptive Rummer Glass (often referred to as a "Sham Dram" or "Toastmaster's Glass").

The Historical Trick (Deceptive Bowl)This glass features a heavily deceptive, thick-walled ovoid bowl. To any onlookers or tavern patrons, the glass appears to hold a generous pour of liquor or wine.

In reality, the solid glass bottom inside the bowl rises dramatically, leaving a tiny internal capacity that holds only a fraction of a normal drink. These were cleverly used by Victorian toastmasters to stay sober through endless rounds of toasts, or by unscrupulous tavern keepers to stretch their liquor supply!

Manufacturing & Age
The base features a distinct gadget mark (tool impressions left by the spring-clip iron rod used to hold the foot during hand-finishing), dating this piece firmly to the mid-to-late Victorian era (circa 1860–1880). 

It features a beautiful, sturdy capstan-style stem and a wide, stable flat foot.

Estimated Measurements

Height: Approximately 11.7 Rim Diameter: Approximately  6.3cm, Foot Diameter: Approximately 6 cm 

Weight: Notably heavy in the hand due to the solid thick glass base inside the bowl.

Condition Report excellent antique condition overall. No cracks, deep flea bites, or chips to the rim or foot. The glass remains beautifully bright and clear with no internal cloudiness ("sick glass"). As expected with a genuine 150+ year old piece of tavern glass, there is light, authentic wear and faint surface scratching to the underside of the base from decades of use.

A wonderful, tactile addition to any collection of antique British glassware, social history, or barware curiosities.
Condition: Used
Delivery option: Delivery
Location: SA15
Category: Antiques