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Top : Techniques : Hollow-blown

American Magnum Bubble Weight
United States
Either William Zick, Jr., Morgantown Glassware Guild, Inc., Morgantown, West Virginia
or John Gentile, Gentile Glass Company, Star City, West Virginia, early- to mid-twentieth century
Diameter: 12.7 cm (5 inches) Height: 13.3 cm (5 1/4 inches)
(702379)

Doorstop, magnum weight; three large, red, upright lily flowers with bubble centers; opaque white leaves and ground; light amber glass dome

The flowers are formed by crushed glass pieces adhered to several layers of clear gathers and shaped with a knife or other tool. Glassworkers created the hollow bubbles by puncturing the molten glass with thorns or other pick-like tool. The air entering the glass also experienced a chemical reaction that made the bubble gleam like silver.

Photo by Marlin Roos, Illinois State Museum