Punchbowl and Stand

This dazzling cut crystal punchbowl likely dates to the 1890s, and was made by the famous firm of T.G. Hawkes & Company from Corning, New York. Done in the popular “Russian” pattern, the bowl is cut overall in a star and hobnail design, with a scalloped rim cut in alternating diamonds and scallops. The punchbowl actually consists of two pieces, the large bowl with vertical sides and a matching crystal base. For all its sparkling beauty, the Hawkes punchbowl was not a custom or specialty purchase.

Much of the crystal at Clayton was made by Hawkes, including sets of water goblets also in the “Russian” pattern. Hawkes & Co. first received a design patent for the “Russian” pattern in 1882. It was designed by Philip MacDonald, a glass cutter for the Hawkes company.

In the Gilded Age, punches were not always reserved for special occasions, as they tend to be today. Roman Punch, made of lemon water-ice, champagne, rum, maraschino, and vanilla was popular during the period, and was often served as a first course at dinner, just before the soup.