Hand Pressed Glass Cup Plate Sandwich Glass Horse Railway

This Historical Reproduction Cup Plate features the words "SANDWICH GLASS HORSE RAILWAY" around the rim. The Sandwich Glass Horse Railway was a horse-drawn railway system established in 1829, which allowed for more efficient transportation of goods and materials for the Boston and Sandwich Glass Company. The railway played a crucial role in the success of the glass company, which became one of the most important manufacturers of glassware in the United States. Pairpoint Glass cup plate number 127 was commissioned in 1981 by the Sandwich Historical Society as the second plate in the Historical Series, which were plates similar to those produced at the Boston and Sandwich Glass Company. The design of the cup plate features a horse-drawn carriage.

Measuring 3.5" in diameter, this cup plate was released in 1974 and produced for roughly a decade, using a glass press and hand carved pressing mold, following the same process used for cup plate production in the 19th century. The mold has since been destroyed.

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. Many early cups were handleless, with deep saucers.  The hot liquid was poured into the saucer and sipped from it.  A cup plate, usually in a matching pattern, was created to act as a coaster to hold the cup while the saucer was used.