Etsy

The History of Sandwich Glass

Your piece of Sandwich Glass is over 100 years old!
The original Sandwich Glass factory in Sandwich, Cape Cod, Massachusetts was in operation from 1825-1888. There are conflicting stories about this famed company, but my story came from residents of Sandwich, MA whose families worked at the factory. Legend has it from those who were residents of Sandwich in the 1900's, that the original formula for the glass was destroyed along with the building. This original, authentic and high quality glass formula has never been successfully reproduced. By adding metallic oxides to their formula, the vibrant, jewel like colors of Sandwich Glass came alive. The ruby color glass required gold which they imported from Italy, and much of the sand was from Virginia, USA. The Company imported materials for their glass from other areas as well. Because much of this information is unknown and unavailable today, the original Sandwich Glass was never accurately reproduced. After fire destroyed the building,there remained left behind, and buried under the ground, thousands of broken pieces which were discards from many color and product experiments from the 500 or so employees and craftsmen that worked at this glass factory. These fragments were dug up through the years. Some of the fragments are naturally smoothed from natural influences, but most is tumbled and drilled by me. I believe I am one of the very few who may still have a great deal of this glass in this form. My Mother- in -law grew up across the street from the original factory and was one of those who dug up much of the glass. I was fortunate enough to be given all this glass which is slowly disappearing. Reproduction Sandwich Glass is being produced, but it cannot compare to the quality of antique, original recipe Sandwich Glass. Enjoy your piece of Original, Antique Sandwich Glass!