Object Record
Images
Metadata
Catalog Number |
01.C.12 |
Object Name |
Flask |
Title |
Flask with Portrait of Benjamin Franklin |
Artist |
Dyott, Thomas W. |
Artist 2 |
Kensington Glass Works |
Date |
ca. 1825-26 |
Description |
Flat-sided clear glass pint flask, with plain lip and pontil mark on underside of base. Shoulder-length portrait of Benjamin Franklin with inscription, "BENJAMIN FRANKLIN" above head and "WHERE LIBERTY DWELLS THERE IS MY COUNTRY" along shoulder. Shoulder-length portrait of Thomas W. Dyott on reverse with inscription, "T.W. DYOTT, M.D." above head and "KENSINGTON GLASS WORKS PHILADELPHIA" along shoulder. |
Label |
In the 1820s, Thomas W. Dyott, a Philadelphia patent medicine manufacturer, expanded his business to include making glass containers for his medicines. He produced bottles commemorating historical American figures, such as George Washington and the Marquis de Lafayette, and also sold multiple flasks with portraits of Benjamin Franklin. A savvy businessman, Dyott also used the bottles to promote himself and his company. He included a portrait of himself on the reverse of this flask, along with the words "Kensington Glass Works Philadelphia." |
Material |
Glass |
Dimensions |
H-6.75 W-4.375 D-2.75 inches |
Credit line |
American Philosophical Society |
Search Terms |
19th century nineteenth century Philadelphia advertising Founding Father glass vessel |