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Antique pressed glass wall match holder dating to 1876, featuring a molded female portrait traditionally identified by collectors as Jenny Lind, the celebrated Swedish opera singer known as the “Swedish Nightingale.”
The Early American Pattern Glass Society catalogs this design as “Jenny Lind (AKA).” Other references have alternatively identified the figure as Columbia or Lady Liberty in connection with America’s 1876 Centennial.
Molded into the glass is “PAT JUNE 13 1876,” corresponding with U.S. Patent No. 178,504 issued to Washington Beck of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The design was created as a functional wall-mounted match holder: matches were stored in the open pocket behind the portrait, while the diamond-textured area beneath the figure served as the match striker. A molded hanging hole at the top allowed it to be mounted near a stove, fireplace or lamp.
Jenny Lind was one of the great international celebrities of the Victorian era. The Swedish soprano became enormously popular in America following her highly publicized 1850 concert tour organized by P. T. Barnum, creating a wave of “Jenny Lind” decorative and household objects.
Clear pressed glass with wonderfully detailed facial features, flowing hair and draped clothing. There are remnants of old surface material or decoration visible in areas on the reverse. These have been left undisturbed. Please note that the actual glass manufacturer is currently unidentified by the EAPG Pattern Index.
Beautiful antique condition!
Measures approximately 4.5 x 2.5 x 2 inches.
