Introduced to the UK from the late 18th century and popular throughout the 19th century, a rummer is a type of drinking glass defined by its large bowl, short robust stem and a solid broad foot.
The name rummer has nothing at all to do with rum but is rather a derivation of the German term Roemer, or Romer, meaning Roman, a reference to the glass design’s origins. From as early as the 3rd century AD, the banks of the Rhine were a centre of fine glass production, with the factories likely to have been established under the direction of the Roman Empire. The traditional German rummer was popular from the 15th to the 17th century and differs markedly from its British counterpart.
Usually green in colour, the German variant stands on a hollow base built from coiled strands of molten glass and has a thick stem studded with glass buttons, known as prunts. These decorative prunts, styled in the form of fruit or animal heads, not only provide an aesthetic appeal but also have a practical use, serving to enhance the grip of the drinker. A later example of which from Fileman Antiques can be seen in the second image.
Initially produced with a curve shaped bowl, British rummers evolved to feature both bucket style and cylindrical bowls to suit all tastes. The large dimensions of the bowl made them an excellent surface for decoration and soon craftsmen were using wheel decoration to add owner’s initials, armorial features, floral motifs and masonic imagery.
Amongst the most popular and common designs of the 19th century were commemorative tributes to Admiral Lord Nelson and views of the Wearmouth Bridge in Sunderland, which was considered one of the wonders of the Industrial age. They were also used for sporting achievements, such as horse racing trophies, and as commemorative gifts for weddings, births and anniversaries.
Despite there continental origins the rummer became a quintessentially British staple of everyday life, transcending class. By the mid-19th century rummers were as common in the wealthiest country estates as they were in inns and pubs throughout the land.
Click here to view a selection of rummers currently available from BADA members.