This important branch of glass-making demands more than a passing
notice. Although it is commonly believed here that the invention
originated in this country, the claim cannot be fully sustained. Fifty
years back the writer imported from Holland salts made by being pressed
in metallic moulds, and from England glass candlesticks and table
centre-bowls, plain, with pressed square feet, rudely made, somewhat
after the present mode of moulding glass. From 1814 to 1838, no
improvement was made in Europe in this process, which was confined to
common salts and square feet.
America can claim the credit of great improvements in the needful
machinery which has advanced the art to its present perfection. More
than three quarters of the weekly melt is now worked up into pressed
glass, and it is estimated that upwards of two million dollars has been
expended in the moulds and machines now used in this particular branch
of glass-making. This leaves Europe far behind us in this respect. With
us there is active competition for excellence. It is, however, conceded
that James B. Lyon & Co., of Pittsburg, stand first. To such a degree
of delicacy and fineness have they carried their manufacture, that only
experts in the trade can distinguish between their straw stem wines,
and other light and beautiful articles made in moulds, and those blown
by the most skilled workmen. When we consider the difference in the
cost between pressed and blown ware, this rivalry in beauty of the
former with the latter becomes all the more important to the public, as
it cheapens one of the staple necessaries of civilized life.
Great credit therefore is due this firm for their success in overcoming
difficulties well understood by glass-makers, and doing away with the
prejudice of the skilled blowers, who naturally were not inclined to
put the new and more mechanical process of manufacturing glass on a par
with the handicraft of the old. Lyon & Co. also excel all other
American firms in large ware for table services, as well as in the more
delicate objects of use.
In speaking of the improvements in glass-making in America, we must not
overlook what has been done by the New England Glass Company.
Convinced of the importance of scientific skill in their business, they
secured some years ago the services of Mr. Leighton and his three sons,
at a liberal compensation. Besides possessing the best practical
knowledge, they had also artistic taste, which enabled them to give
elegant finish to their workmanship, and to introduce new and more
beautiful patterns into it.
They did not neglect, however, the more homely but useful articles; but
executed orders for large and heavy objects for druggists' and chemical
wares and philosophical apparatus, so satisfactorily as to secure a
monopoly in them. Their richly cut, gilded, colored, and ornamental
glass is considered equal to European work.
John L. Gillerland, late of the Brooklyn Glass-Works, is remarkably
skilful in mixing metal. He has succeeded in producing the most
brilliant glass of refractory power, which is so difficult to obtain. A
gold medal was awarded his glass, in face of European competition, at
the Great International Exhibition in London, 1852. In making rich
glass, the gaffer or foreman must understand the science of chemistry
sufficiently well to mix and purify his materials in the best possible
manner, removing all crude or foreign matter, and combining the proper
substances into a homogeneous mass. Without this practical experience
and knowledge, his glass, instead of being clear and brilliant, and of
uniform color, will be dull, and of many hues or shades. It is
important also that his personal character be such as to command the
respect of the workmen.