Flask c. 1845 - 1865

This dark brown glass flask, produced by the Willington Glass Co. sometime between 1845 and 1865, features an embossed image of an eagle clutching a shield with the word "LIBERTY" above it. This simple yet impactful design is a prime example of 19th-century American glassblowing, reflecting the nation's burgeoning industrialization and its pride in its democratic ideals. The flask, now housed at The Art Institute of Chicago, showcases the artistic possibilities of everyday objects, and its relatively small size (19.1 × 9.5 × 5.4 cm) suggests it was likely used for personal consumption, potentially for spirits or other beverages.