Early 19th Century Hand-Blown Glass Insect Trap - 9½"

Hand-blown in clear glass and dating to the early 19th century, this spherical fly or wasp trap rests on three applied pad feet and features a small inlet beneath, a slender neck, and a rare tiered stopper topped with a ball finial. The glass displays gentle waviness and scattered bubbles from the making, attesting to its age, along with light surface wear. Overall condition is very good. Originally designed to trap flies or wasps, the vessel would have been partially filled with a sweet liquid or vinegar solution, attracting insects through the lower opening, where they became trapped inside. Both practical and decorative, it remains fully functional today and offers a compelling glimpse into early domestic ingenuity, equally appealing as a period curiosity or as a graceful sculptural object on display. 

Light wear.
Approx. overall 9½" high x 6¼" diameter
Approx. overall 24cm high x 16cm diameter