The Wheel of Portland Steamer Centerville Historical Society Pairpoint Glass Cup Plate
Paddle Wheel Steamer Portland - The Portland Ship Wheel
Handcrafted on Cape Cod, Made in USA
This vintage Pairpoint Glass cup plate features the ship's wheel of the steamer "Portland." The cup plate was commissioned by the Centerville Historical Society on Cape Cod in 1982. The paddle wheel steamer "The Portland" was lost during the great hurricane of 1898. "The Portland Wheel" and other wreckage was picked up by the crew of the High Head Life Savings Station in Truro, Massachusetts. Pairpoint Cup Plate 164 is a unique collectible piece of Cape Cod History as it is a simple little plate with a tragic underlying story behind it. Please note that the last photo is provided for size illustration purposes only and does not depict the exact item for sale. Handcrafted on Cape Cod using traditional techniques, each 3.5 inch cup plate is an expression of the artisan's skill. Employing hammer and chisel, the craftsman meticulously created a steel mold for every design. With an antique press, molten glass was pressed into the engraved mold, resulting in a series of cup plates that possess similarity, yet retain their unique characteristics. The irregularities serve as a testament to the handmade nature of each piece, adding to their inherent charm. Embedded within the design, you will find the artisan's initials and the Pairpoint trademark. Besides their aesthetic appeal, these cup plates serve various practical purposes. They can be used as catchall dishes to keep track of small trinkets like keys or jewelry, or as ring dishes to safely hold your cherished treasures.
Additional Information:
- SIZE: Approximately 3.5" in diameter, 0.5" in height
- SHIPPING: Your cup plate will be carefully packaged in a vintage box and mailed from Maine, securely protected in a padded bubble mailer.
- PHOTOS: Please enlarge all photos to verify the condition. Please note that the actual color of the cup plate may slightly differ from what is shown in the detailed photos.
- CONDITION: Embrace the handcrafted charm! Expect to find unique characteristics such as swirls, small lines, bubbles, specks, or tiny flecks, as they are all part of the normal craftsmanship.
- MADE IN AMERICA: The Pairpoint Glass Co. of Sagamore, MA, proudly holds the distinction of being the oldest glass-making company in the USA. Renowned for their craftsmanship, they manufactured quality crystal cup plates from the 1920s through the 1990s. Most of these vintage cup plates were commissioned by institutions like historical societies, museums, churches, and other non-profit organizations.
- USES: Let your imagination soar with possibilities! Glass cup plates can be used as charming additions to window sills, elegant table settings, unique guest favor place card holders, guest soap dishes, trinket or vanity accessories, jewelry catchalls, small coasters, or even as eclectic glass for stained glass or other art projects.
- ADDITIONAL CUP PLATES: Be sure to explore my other listings for more cup plate designs. If you require multiple pieces of a listed design, send a message, and I'll be happy to assist you.