Lafayette Masonic Flask

[NCYankee81]

Greetings to any and all reading this: I am hoping that I have come to the right place for some information on my flask. I have what I believe to be an original GI-84 Lafayette flask. From my research, this seems to be a very rare piece and I would love to find out a bit more about the origins, uses, etc of this flask. From what I have read, it was made between 1825-1826 from a glassworks in Coventry, CT. The condition is probably "good"; no cracks or flaws outside of the bubbles that are associated with its original manufacture. The busts are a bit weathered and have lost some of the crispness but, generally, it is in good shape. Note, the horizontal bar does have the vertical ends and there are 2 six point and 1 12 point star on the back leading me to believe this is a GI-84 flask. Does anyone have any other informatoin on this flask? Of course, value is something I would like to learn about though I suspect I wouldn't sell it. The bottle belong to my late grandfather and I would like to keep it in the family. However, I have seen values for almost exactly the same bottle as high as 7k-10k dollars. If this is the case I would like to move it to more secure confines!

 

[sandchip]

Man, what a killer piece! And even sweeter that it was your grandfather's. I'm not seeing much wear (weathering) in the pics. Looks like is was blown that way to me (underblown, stiff parison, worn mold, etc.) If there's no damage to speak of, then you've probably got a winner there. Got a shot of the base? Love our pontil marks around these parts!

 

[sandchip]

...

 

[2find4me]

Sweeeeeeeeeeeeeeet!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Get a shot of the pontil!!!!! This one sold for $8,190 [URL=http://www.hecklerauction.com/auctions/100/view/?lot=5]http://www.hecklerauction...ctions/100/view/?lot=5[/URL]

 

[NCYankee81]

Here you go guys, here is a shot of the pontil scar. I would have thought this to be mold made, unless my understanding of a pontil scar is incorrect.

@2find4me, yes I found that listing as well and it got me even more interested! Do yall think that is a legitimate value?

 

[woody]

Looks good to me.

 

[Ohiosulator]

These Lafayette flasks are very popular, their prices hold pretty well. Its a great piece.

 

[botlguy]

That one looks like the real deal for sure and I know of no reproductions of a LAFAYETTE flask. They are indeed scarce to rare so would bring mid 4 figures if sold, depending on potential high point wear.Excellent flask, thanks for sharing.

 

[sandchip]

Here you go guys, here is a shot of the pontil scar. I would have thought this to be mold made, unless my understanding of a pontil scar is incorrect.

You're right, it was blown into a two-piece mold, then held by a pontil rod, in this case, a blowpipe, while the lip of the flask was finished. The ring shaped scar on the base is where the pontil was attached. Beautiful piece of early American glass.

 

[cowseatmaize]

If this is the case I would like to move it to more secure confines!

Confine away but it's kind of a shame. That's the kind of thing that needs to seen, just not handled often. A safe deposit is secure but very dark.[]Perhaps a temporary loan to a glass museum?[8|]Anyway, very nice flask!!!