Covered Butter Dish 1870 - 1890

This covered butter dish was made by Adams and Company in the United States, although its exact date remains unknown. The mass production of pressed glass like this was a significant development in the nineteenth century. It democratized access to decorative tableware, previously only available to the wealthy. Factories like Adams and Company, driven by technological advancements, could produce intricate designs at a fraction of the cost of handmade glassware. The "hobnail" pattern, with its raised bumps, was particularly popular, evoking a sense of luxury and abundance. This seemingly simple object speaks volumes about the changing social and economic landscape of the era, about the impact of industrialization on domestic life, and the rise of a consumer culture. Further archival research into factory records and period advertisements would help us better understand its place in the homes of everyday Americans.