Soda Glass Holder

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Description: Cylindrical glass holder with a high scrolled strap handle attached to a cast openwork ring of daisies and anthemions mounted to a spun tapered cup on circular, domed pedestal base. Six-petaled flower thumbrest; die-rolled geometric floral patterns on handle and on angled rim on cup. Underside of base struck with two marks, "JAMES W. TUFTS / BOSTON / WARRANTED / QUADRUPLE PLATE" arranged in a circle around a "T" at center of four-pointed star and "2151"; "33" scratched on side opposite of stamp. Holds a bowl from a clear, colorless wine glass.; Maker is James W. Tufts (1835-1902) of Charlestown and Boston, MA. Tufts was an apothecary store apprentice who went on to open his own chain of drugstores in Massachusetts. His interest in sodas sold at his stores led him invent and patent the Artic soda fountain in 1863 and he served as the first president of the Artic Soda Fountain Co. (later merged into the American Soda Fountain Co.). He diversified his business by manufacturing soda fountain equipment and, beginning in 1875, a variety of silverplated wares (not all were soda-related). He retired to North Carolina in 1895, where he worked with Frederick Law Olmstead to develop the town of Pinehurst. The silverplating business continued under his name until around 1915.
Location: Currently not on view

Physical Description: silver plate (overall material)
Measurements: overall: 7 1/4 in x 4 5/8 in x 3 1/4 in; 18.415 cm x 11.7475 cm x 8.255 cm

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