Hand Pressed Glass Cup Plate "The Sandwich Skaters"

This Historical Reproduction Cup Plate features holiday ornaments and pine boughs around the rim and two skaters, one pushing the other in a skating sled with "Magic" inscribed on its blades. The legend "SM '83" appears below. The liner note reads as follows: "The 1983 holiday cup plate is based on an original sketch by Edmund Chipman who was a decorator at the Boston & Sandwich Glass Factory from 1871 to 1888. The sketch was an invitation to his finacée Lizzie Hatch for a ride on his sled which he named "Magic". Here, Chipman portrays the magic of skimming across a frozen pond on a clear frosty day that ushers in the Christmas season."

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.