Hand Pressed Glass Cup Plate "Ashumet Barnswallow"

This Historical Reproduction Cup Plate, Pairpoint catalog #138, is the second cup plate was commissioned from Pairpoint Glass by the Friends of Ashumet in 1981. Each April, barn swallows return from their yearly hazardous migratory flight South America, a distance of nearly 6,500 miles to nest at Ashumet Holly Wildlife Sanctuary on Cape Cod. The build their nests of mud, grass, and feathers and observe two nesting periods through the spring and summer. Falmouth artist and active member of the Friends Marilyn J Cohen drew the design which was then engraved by Alvin White.

Measuring 3.5" in diameter, this cup plate was made by hand using a glass press and hand carved pressing mold, following the same process used for cup plate production in the 19th century.

1825 - 2025 Bicentennial Celebration: in 2025 the Sandwich Historical Society is celebrating 200 years of glass making in Sandwich, by offering for sale a collection of vintage reproduction cup plates. Proceeds from cup plate sales go directly to fund the special events and services offered as part of our 2025 bi-centennial celebration. We thank you for your support of the Sandwich Historical Society and its Glass Museum! 

Glassmaking in Sandwich, MA, began in 1825 with the establishment of the Sandwich Glass Manufactory by Deming Jarves, a Boston entrepreneur. The factory was reincorporated in 1826 as the Boston & Sandwich Glass Company, and manufactured glassware until 1887.  

Cup Plates were commonly used in the early 19th century. Teacups at the time had no handle, so it was the custom to pour hot tea into a saucer for cooling and drink from the saucer. The cup was set aside on a decorative cup plate like this one to prevent soiling the table linens or marring the tabletop.