RARE! Handsome and Elegant US Navy Antique Acid-Etched Cut Crystalware and Stemware Decanters and Glasses, Late 19th Century Victorian Fluted Shafts, Globe Body, and Star-Burst Bottom Design
Historically Significant in Illustrating and Documenting the US Navy's Evolution and Adoption (ca 1890s-1905) of it's Official "Department of the Navy" Seal and "Fouled Anchor" Insignia Both of Which Are Still in Use Today.

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These US Navy antique crystal wine decanters and liqueur decanters show the progressive stages and evolution of what is now the Department of Navy Seal which has essentially remained unchanged since about 1905. It is our belief that the U.S. Navy had authorized an official 'Navy Seal" in the very early to mid 1890s which consisted of an "Eagle Clutching Fouled Anchor" and had produced a complete line of dinnerware which included fine Limoges porcelain china produced in France and imported through a U.S. distributor along with a complete set of crystalware as seen here. This authorized "Navy Seal" and dinnerware pattern was utilized until about 1905 when replaced with two new patterns.

Photo to the left of the crystal decanter illustrates the earliest US Navy pattern (ca 1894) of the Federal Eagle clutching an Anchor with the monogram scripted initials USN on the backside. Photo to the right illustrates the various types of crystalware decanters, bowls, and stemware glasses which were used in the various Officer's wardroom messes aboard ship and shore. Note that the bottom of the crystal bowls uses the starburst design exactly like that of the decanters!

Note the scripted monogrammed initials USN on the small "v-shaped" liqueur glasses, port or sherry glasses, and the larger champaigne glasses. Besides the scripted USN insignia there is also the Fouled Anchor, Squareknot, USN, and Department of Navy topmarks.

It is our contention that at about 1905 the US Navy (possibly under the direction of Admiral Dewey) discontinued the use of the "Eagle Clutching Fouled Anchor" but used it as the basis of standardizing on two new patterns of china each having its own unique insignia to be used in an Officers mess based upon rank.

The first Officers Dinnerware Pattern took the original naval insignia of "Eagle Clutching Fouled Anchor" and encircled it with a chain and rope design along with the words "Department of the Navy" and the monogrammed initials "USN" below it as the new standard pattern then and now known as "The Department of Navy Seal" and has essentially remained unchanged since 1905. This new Navy Seal sometimes had 2, 3 and 4 stars cut to either side denoting rank of admiral.

The second Officers Dinnerware Pattern pattern took the Fouled Anchor from out of the clutches of the eagle, making it stand upright and fouled with chain along with the monogrammed initials "USN" below. It is presumed that this second dinnerware pattern was used for lower ranking officers mess, Jr. Officers and Wardroom Officers. Whereas the Department of Navy Seal pattern was used for more senior ranking naval officers and civilian leadership.

Above is a closeup example of the collection of distinct stemware found in the collection at The Pirates Lair.

Further, all US Navy Cut Crystal Decanters were made in the then popular late 19th century design of "Victorian Shaft with large cut flutes, a Globe body, and Star-burst cut bottom" which was found on the more elegant crystal decanters used in formal occasions.

These US Navy crystal decanters were part of the Navy's inventory and in-use from the very early 1890's thru at least to WWI and were used aboard US Navy Vessels in the Officers Wardroom, Captains Cabin and Admirals Quarters and were designed to impress and provide for a sophisticated genteel dining experience entertaining foriegn political, military and naval dignitaries.

These US Navy acid-etched cut crystal decanters have the very earliest authorized "Navy Seal" ca early 1890's which was introduced just prior to the Spanish-American Span-Am War and which consisted of an "Eagle Clutching a Fouled Twisted Stock Anchor" on the front with the scripted sytlized initials "USN" on the back. The next evolution of the "Navy Seal" was incorporating the Eagle Clutching Anchor into a formalized seal and making it the heart of a newly designed "Department of the Navy Seal" which debuted on/about 1905 at the time of the Great White Fleet.

The "Department of the Navy" seal which debuted about 1905 is for all intents and purposes the same Department of Navy seal still in use today except for a few minor changes made in the early 1940's.

The third US Navy cut crystal decanter shown here was possibly made specifically for the Jr. Officers and Wardroom Officers consisted of a "Twisted Stock Fouled Anchor with Chain" with the initials "U.S.N." underneath in the pre-WWI font along with the periods separating each letter located mid-height of each letter in the classic 19th Century style.

Sometimes the "Department of Navy" crystal decanters also include 2, 3 and 4 stars typically on each side of the seal. This leads us to believe that the Department of Navy emblazoned decanters in general were used only by senior Naval Officers such as the rank of Captain while the decanters with the stars were obviously used by Admirals.

Above is the very earliest US Navy Crystal Decanter with "Eagle Clutching Anchor" on the front and scripted/stylized "USN" on the back. Handsome and elegant, early 1890's to about 1905. It also has a handblown hollow stopper. This particular insignia has also been found in gold relief on fine china demitasse cups, large fish or salmon servers, small bowls and dinner cups with backstamped dates ranging from 1893 thru 1898 from three different producers! So the specific insignia of an Eagle Clutching Anchor has been authenticated to the very early to late 1890's on both china dinnerware and crystal decanters assuring that this was a Navy-standard dinnerware pattern and competitively obtained.

Above is an example of dated 1893-1898 US Navy china produced in Limoges, France sporting the "Eagle Clutching Anchor" insignia as also found on the decanter. This fish server and other pieces of similar china are used to help establish use and provenance since the china pieces all have manufacturer bottom marks and dates of production. This particular piece is a large 24" fish or salmon server.

Here are shown the back view of the crystal decanter with the stylized scripted text "USN." and also shown is the bottom of the decanter cut in the sunray pattern which all of the decanters have.

Above are two photos of a ca 1905-1920 US Navy crystal decanter with the newly debuted "Department of Navy" seal with a star to the left and right of the seal denoting that this was made for and used in a Two Star Admirals Mess. Note the eagle clutching the anchor at the center and heart of the seal which was taken from the earlier 1893 version, and also note the initials "U.S.N." beneath with the older 19th Century Pre-WWI font style with the separating periods mid-height between the letters. It certainly appears that the US Navy, possibly under the direct supervision of Admiral Dewey, began to standardize and begin to make a hierarchy of dinnerware dependent upon ones rank and mess. The earliest known piece of china dinnerware with the above "Department of Navy" seal was backstamped and dated 1905 and was found on a small 8" oblong serving dish. Below you will see a US Navy candy dish which has a dated backstamp of 1906.

Above is a museum quality hand glazed square candy dish also used as a reception dish at the entrance to a naval officers home quarters illustrating the early "Department of Navy" seal exactly like what is cut into the crystal decanter, and is backstamped 1906.

This candy dish and the crystal decanter were just a small part of an overall huge complete set of dinnerware with this topmark insignia which first saw use on/about 1905 and with only a slight modification at the beginning of WWII is still in use today.

Above illustrates a ca 1905-1920 US Navy Crystal Decanter with the "Twisted Arm or Twisted Stock Anchor Fouled with Chain" and the initials "U.S.N." beneath with the older 19th Century Pre-WWI font style with the separating periods mid-height between the letters. Note the beautiful attention to detail of the cut fouled anchor, great craftsmanship. The "Fouled Anchor" insignia typically denoted the Wardroom Officers Mess.

And like the crystal decanter and candy dish with the Department of Navy seal, this particular Fouled Anchor topmark also had a complementary full line of china dinnerware as well.

To the left is a china demitasse cup which is part of a huge and complete 'soup to nuts' US Navy dinnerware ensemble using the the same matching "Twisted Stock Fouled Anchor and Chain" in gold relief as acid-etched in the above crystal decanter.


The earliest backstamps found for this china dinnerware with gold fouled anchor so far is ca 1908, but this is not to say that the china was not produced earlier in conjunction with the Department of the Navy pattern.


With the documenting naval china pieces with backstamps that include dates of production, and which also have the same naval insignia as the crystal decanters it becomes clear that the US Navy had designed and had produced two distinct patterns of naval dinnerware on or about 1905 which replaced various earlier patterns.


Note the great attention of detail to the gold relief fouled anchor and corresponding chain links which perfectly match the fouled anchor on the crystal decanter.

Above photo to the left illustrates a Crystal Decanter with a Department of Navy insignia (w/o stars) and 3 sherry or cordial crystal glasses with a Fouled Anchor insignia with initials USN below denoting the Wardroom Officers Mess.

Photo to the right shows a Crystal Decanter with a Department of the Navy Insignia with 2 Stars denoting a Two Star Admiral and 3 crystal wine glasses with a Squareknot Insignia with initials USN below denoting the Jr. Officers Mess.

Above is a close up of the newly debuted 1905 Department of Navy seal (w/o stars) found on a crystal decanter denoting that this was for the Senior Officers Mess, most likely Captain, Commodore or Civilian leadership.

Above photo shows a crystal decanter with the Department of Navy seal along with 2 Stars on either side denoting that this was for the mess of a 2 Star Rear Admiral.

Note that the above cut crystal decanter and small sherry cordial glass set are now found and are part of the collection of a certain retired Naval Captain, a friend and shipmate of The Pirate!

This antique cut crystal acid-etched crystal decanter and cordial glass set is comprised of a crystal decanter with the 1905 Department of Navy Seal and USN monogram along with 5 matching fluted crystal glasses with the 1905 Naval Fouled Anchor with USN monogram.

Obviously the sherry cordials are matched with the above previously shown decanter with the Naval Fouled Anchor and USN monogram but all US Navy crystalware was produced in such a way as to be used interchangeably without taking away either elegance or presentation.

Many glassmakers made crystalware and stemware for the US Navy over the years, but the quality of the cut crystal glass indicates found on these decanters and stemware indicates possible manufacture by Dorflinger of White Mills, PA. (See Reference: page 211 of the Dorflinger book by John Feller, bottom photo).

The 5 acid etched crystal glasses are 4.5 inches in height and have the circa 1905 Fouled Anchor insignia with USN monogram below it and are in museum quality condition. The stems are panel cut and polished and the glass is brilliant clear.

The cut crystal decanter is 11 inches tall and is acid etched with the circa 1905 Department of Navy seal containing an encircled eagle clutching the Fouled Anchor with USN mongrammed below it. The decanter neck is also panel cut and polished to match the glass stems.

The cut panel extending to the top edge is a Dorflinger characteristic with the base cut with a star pattern. The stopper is heavy solid glass with cut facets.

The above champagne glass, like the previous cordial glasses, are of cut crystal with a polished fluted stem and the acid etched fouled anchor and USN monogram. As one can readily see the US Navy had produced an entire range and set of fine crystalware for all occasions along with matching china as well as silverplated serving dishes and bowls.

The above crystal wine glasses are like the previous cordial and champagne glasses with polished fluted stems, acid etched squareknot and USN monogram. Again, this clearly demonstrates that the US Navy had produced an entire crystalware setting consisting of varying size decanters and glasses for specific types of before, during and after dinner beverages.

Additionally it is now documented that the US Navy also standardized on specific insignia patterns for its various messes as early as 1905-1920, ie: Warrant Officers (USN only), Jr Officers (Squareknot), Wardroom Officers (Anchor), Senior Officers Mess (Department of Navy Seal w/wo Stars).

RARE - U.S. Navy 36oz Crystal Decanter Spanish-American War era 1890-1910, 36oz One of a Kind! RARE - Eagle and USN insignia and inscription illustrates the forerunner of the US Navy Department of Navy Seal established in 1905! 11" high, holds 36oz - Perfect Museum Quality Condition, Investment Grade - Perfect Gift for a Naval Officer	CLICK PHOTO! Wine or Liqueur Decanter	Used in Senior Officer's Wardroom or Captain's Cabin Mess Used for decanting fine wines or after dinner liqueurs	$995. SOLD! 11" High, 36oz	Call 540 659 6209 To Purchase
RARE - U.S. Navy 36oz Crystal Decanter Spanish-American War era 1890-1910, 36oz Beautiful Antique 100-120 Year Old US Navy Antique 36oz Crystal Decanter of Spanish-American War and Great White Fleet Vintage 1890-1910 with Navy Eagle Clutching Fouled Anchor Insignia on Front with Stylized USN Inscription on the rear. 12" high, holds 36oz, Original Stopper. Small Flea Bite Chip on Lip Rim. The Crystal, Bottom Star Burst, Eagle Clutching Anchor and USN Insignias Are Clear and Crisp.	CLICK PHOTO!	Beautiful Antique 100-120 Year Old US Navy Antique Crystal Decanter of Spanish-American War and Great White Fleet Vintage 1890-1910 with Navy Eagle Clutching Fouled Anchor Insignia on Front with Stylized USN Inscription on the rear. Even Has the Original Mess Steward Inscribed Small "24" Inventory Control Number Etched onto the Lip.	$995. Sold! 11" High, 36oz	Call 540 659 6209 To Purchase
RARE - U.S. Navy 24oz Crystal Decanter Spanish-American War era 1890-1910, 24oz Eagle Clutching Fouled Anchor and USN insignia and inscription illustrates todays Department of Navy Seal established in 1905! 9" high, holds 24oz - Very Good Condition - Original Stopper - Perfect Gift for a Naval Officer	CLICK PHOTO!	Beautiful Antique 100-120 Year Old US Navy Antique Crystal Decanter of Spanish-American War and Great White Fleet Vintage 1890-1910 with Navy Eagle Clutching Fouled Anchor Insignia on Front with Stylized USN Inscription on the rear. The USN Inscription Has Been Rubbed into a Haze Which May be Professionally Polished Out.	$795. Sold! 9" High, 24oz	Call 540 659 6209 To Purchase
RARE - U.S. Navy 12oz Crystal Decanter Spanish-American War era 1890-1910, 12oz Beautiful Antique 100-130 Year Old US Navy Antique 12oz Crystal Personal Decanter of Spanish-American War and Great White Fleet Vintage 1890-1910 with Navy Eagle Clutching Fouled Anchor Insignia on Front with Stylized USN Inscription on the rear. 8" high, holds 12oz, Original Stopper. The Crystal, Bottom Star Burst, Eagle Clutching Anchor and USN Insignias Are Clear and Crisp. Even Has the Original Mess Steward Inscribed Numeral "29" Inventory Control Number on the Lip. Perfect Museum Quality Investment Grade Piece.	CLICK PHOTO!	Beautiful Antique 100-120 Year Old US Navy Antique Crystal Decanter of Spanish-American War and Great White Fleet Vintage 1890-1910 with Navy Eagle Clutching Fouled Anchor Insignia on Front with Stylized USN Inscription on the rear. Even Has the Original Mess Steward Inscribed Small "29" Inventory Control Number Etched onto the Lip.	$795. Sold! 8" High, 12oz	Call 540 659 6209 To Purchase
RARE-U.S. Navy Lead Crystal Decanter w/ Dept of Navy Seal Great White Fleet - WWI era Pieces Vary From Everyday Use to Museum Quality Condition and Priced Accordingly! Etched 1905-era original Department of Navy Seal - Perfect Gift for a Naval Officer	CLICK PHOTO! for Antique Crystal Decanter	Used in Senior Officer's Wardroom, Captain's Mess, or 2 Star Admiral's Mess Used for decanting fine wines or after dinner liqueurs, comes with stopper.	$495-$695. 36oz 24oz 12oz 6" high to 10" high	Call To Order 540 659 6209
RARE and HUGE Acid Etched Cut Crystal Vintage Nautical Decanter - Great Waterfront Home Gift Made specifically to be used for shipboard use aboard a boat or yacht! 10" high without 2.5" stopper, 8" wide base, weighing 2lbs, holding 2 quarts of liquid. Great for wine or wine coolers and perfect for serving Sangria! The very detailed acid etched ocean scene of a two masted schooner or sailing vessel with sea gulls really sets this crystal decanter or carafe apart from all others.	CLICK PHOTO! Wine or Sangria Decanter	For shipboard or landlubber use for a nautical decor! Very low center of gravity prevents this crystal decanter from slipping or sliding on a pitching or rolling deck or party table!	$395. Sold!	Call to Order 540 659 6209
RARE - Heavy! Matching U.S. Navy Lead Cut Crystal Glass Votive Candle Holders - SpanAm War, Great White Fleet,WWI era Large AND heavy to prevent sliding or tipping during rough seas. Two dazzingly beautiful and georgous cut crystal glass votive candle holders used from the Spanish American War, Great White Fleet and WWI era (1890s to 1900s). Only flaw is the peak of one small prism has been rubbed on one of the votives. The insignia is of an intricately cut and fantastically detailed Twisted Arm Fouled Anchor and initials USN both in the pre-WWI configuration. - Perfect Gift for a Naval Officer	CLICK PHOTO!	Used in Senior Officers Mess w/ Matching Decanters! 3.5" wide x 2.3" high, weighing 1.5 lbs each!	$395. Sold!	Call To Order 540 659 6209
Cut Crystal Champaigne Glasses, Scripted USN , ca 1894-1910 SpanAm War, Great White Fleet, WWI era Champaigne Glasses with the Scripted Initials USN matching the monogram found on the crystal decanter w/ Eagle Clutching Anchor with 5 panel cut fluted stems. These crystal glasses were used for champaigne, frozen ices served between courses, and after dinner ice creams.	CLICK PHOTO!	Champaigne 6oz, 3.5" wide x 3.5" high	$175. Sold!	Call To Order 540 659 6209
Cut Crystal Champaign Glasses, Anchor w/ USN , ca 1894-1910 SpanAm War, Great White Fleet, WWI era Champaigne Glasses with the Old Style Fouled Anchor with initials USNThese crystal glasses were used for champaigne, frozen ices or sherberts served between courses, and even after dinner ice creams.	CLICK PHOTO!	Champaign 6oz, 3.5" wide x 3.5" high	$200. Sold OUT!	Call To Order 540 659 6209
Cut Crystal Liqueur Glasses Scripted USN ca 1894-1910 SpanAm War, Great White Fleet, WWI era Liqueur Glasses with the Scripted Initials USN matching the monogram found on the crystal decanter w/ Eagle Clutching Anchor with 5 panel cut fluted stems. These crystal glasses were used for after dinner sweet liqueurs and cordials.	CLICK PHOTO!	Liqueurs 1.5oz, 2" wide x 3" high	$175. Sold!	Call To Order 540 659 6209
Cut Crystal Port Wine Glasses Scripted USN ca 1894-1910 SpanAm War, Great White Fleet, WWI era Port Wine Glasses with the Scripted Initials USN matching the monogram found on the crystal decanter w/ Eagle Clutching Anchor with 5 panel cut fluted stems. These crystal glasses were used for after dinner port wines and sherries.	CLICK PHOTO!	Ports/Wine 5oz, 2.5" wide x 4" high	$175. Sold!	Call To Order 540 659 6209
Large Cut Crystal Sherry/Wine Glass Jr.Officer Mess w/ Square Knot, Great White Fleet - WWI era Single cut crystal wine glass used from the Spanish American War, Great White Fleet and WWI era with Jr. Officer Square Knot insignia - Perfect Gift for a Naval Officer	CLICK PHOTO!	Sherry/Wine 4oz 2.75" wide x 4.5" high br>Perfect Condition! br> Only 2 Left!!	$225.	Call To Order 540 659 6209
Elegant Cut Lead Crystal 1 Oz Whisky or Liqueur Shot Glass Wardroom Officers Mess, Fouled Anchor w USN, Great White Fleet - WWI era Single cut crystal 3" High x 1.25" Wide, 1 Oz Whiskey Shot Glass or Liqueur Glass used from the early 1905 Great White Fleet and WWI era with Fouled Anchor and USN Insignia - Perfect Gift for a Naval Officer	CLICK PHOTO!	RARE! 1oz Whisky Shot Glass 1.25" wide x 3" high	$150. Sold!	Call To Order 540 659 6209
Cut Crystal Port Sherry Wine Glasses w/ Early Department of Navy Seal ca 1905-1918 Great White Fleet, WWI era Port or Sherry Wine Glasses with the Early 1905 Department of Navy Seal with USN beneath and 2 Stars to the left and right of the seal. These glasses have the matching seal found on the crystal decanters and are part of the stemware and crystalware set. These crystal glasses were used for after dinner port wines and sherries.	CLICK PHOTO!	5oz, 2.5" wide x 5" high	$200. each 1 Available	Call To Order 540 659 6209
3 Oz Cut Crystal Sherry/Apertif Glass with 1905 Great White Fleet WWI-era Department of Navy Seal w/ USN and 2 Stars Single cut crystal wine glass used from the Spanish American War, Great White Fleet and WWI era w/ the very first Department of Navy Seal insignia - Perfect Gift for a Naval Officer	CLICK PHOTO!	Sherry/Apertif 3oz 2" wide x 3" high	$190. 1 Available	Call To Order 540 659 6209
Elegant Cut Crystal 3 Oz Sherry/Apertif Wine Glass Wardroom Officers Mess, Fouled Anchor w USN. SpanAm War, Great White Fleet - WWI era Elegant 19th Century Craftsmanship Single cut crystal 3" High 3oz Wine Glass used from the 1890s thru SpanAm War, Great White Fleet and WWI era with Fouled Anchor and USN Insignia - Perfect Gift for a Naval Officer	CLICK PHOTO!	RARE! 3oz Aperfif/Sherry Glass 2" wide x 3" high	$200. Sold! Sold Out!	Call To Order 540 659 6209
Crystal Bowl ca 1905-1918 Great White Fleet, WWI era Bowls with the first use (1905) Department of Navy insignia w/ smaller USN monogram beneath and star burst bottom as also found on the matching crystal decanters. These crystal bowls were used to serve nuts, fruits, and cocktail condiments.	CLICK PHOTO!	Serving Bowl 6" wide x 1.25" high	$150. Sold!	Call To Order 540 659 6209
ONE OF A KIND! 19th Century US Navy Silverplated Decanter with Removable Ceramic Liner! Museum Quality Investment Grade Condition! A Stunningly Beautiful Late 19th Century or Early 20th Century 1880s-1900s US Navy Senior Officers Mess Silverplated Ice Water Decanter with Removable Ceramic Liner. Patent Dates Galore: 1858-1878! Certainly Used During The Spanish American War thru to the Great White Fleet era! The Intricate Silverplated Detail of the Furniture and Designs on the Decanter are Absolutely Stunning Only Found in the Victorian Era. The Stylized "USN" Monogram is Part of Regulation US Navy Dinnerware (and Hygieneware) Used During this Period Which Also Dates This Piece to the Late 19th Century. Only Having 1 Star Indicates That the Piece Was Made and Used in the Senior Officers Admirals Mess. Perhaps even by a Commodore Commanding a Task Force as the Navy Did Not Have 1 Star Rear Admirals Until the 1980s. However This Would Make a Perfect Gift for Todays Contemporary For any Senior Naval Officer - Perfect Gift for a Naval Officer or Naval Antique Collector!	Click Photo!	The pitcher stands about 13.5" tall including the finial and 10" wide from the spout to the handle. The bottom diameter is 7 1/2". Used in Senior Officer's Mess, 1880s to early 1900s, Spanish American War thru Great White Fleet era. Manufactured by Reed and Barton w/ Patent Dates: April 6, 1858, August 4, 1868, November 17, 1868, April 6th, 1872, Extended 7 Years. Removable Ceramic Liner Manufactured by: James Edwards & Son, Dale Hall, England. Folks, it just doesn't get any more rarer than this!	$4995.	Call To Order 540 659 6209

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