Massive Meriden 161 Pitcher

This pitcher is so finally detailed, it really makes one wonder how these cutters didn’t go crosseyed after a day’s work. This piece is cut in Meriden’s 161 design – one of their most coveted and hardest to find.  The 161 pattern is particularly striking, especially on this pitcher.

Four bands of cutting spur from the center of the pitcher – they include two bands of cane on either side of a clear-button hobstar chain. The hobstar chains are surrounded on either side by tight, detailed checking. In the very center of the design is additional clear button hobstar with more checking. What’s stunning about this picture is how the pattern symmetrically repeats itself on the lower portion of the piece. It almost looks like a sunset reflecting off the ocean. The center and back quarters of the pitcher feature a long vesica with three deeply stacked hobstars divided by checking. The vesica sits atop a large, star of David. The handle of the pitcher is triple-notched. The base of the pitcher is finished with a rayed star.

The blank on the pitcher is beautiful and really allows the meticulous cutting pop off the glass. It measures 10 1/4″ tall and 6 1/4″ wide. It’s in perfect condition with hardly a scratch on it. After seeing and handling this pitcher, it’s no mystery as why this pattern remains so popular with collectors – it’s particularly well done and shows so well on this form.