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The Hawkes Cut Glass Company (1880-1959) specialized in cutting fine brilliant cut glass and tableware. The company was established by Thomas Gibbons Hawkes (1846-1913). Born in Ireland, Hawkes immigrated to Brooklyn in 1862, and then moved to Corning to work for the Hoare and Dailey Cut Glass Firm. He opened his own cut glass firm in 1880.
“Cut glass" is glass that has been decorated entirely by hand by use of rotating wheels. Cuts are made in an otherwise completely smooth surface of the glass by artisans holding and moving the piece against various sized metal or stone wheels, to produce a predetermined pleasing pattern. Cutting may be combined with other decorative techniques, but "cut glass" usually refers to a glass object that has been decorated entirely by cutting.
The Brilliant Cut Glass era in American extended from 1876 -1917. First introduced by eight enterprising American companies at the 1876 Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia.
These beautiful salt cellars have a combination of intricate cut designs including hob-stars, triangles and arches on a heavy blank with saw-tooth edge. The cellars measure 2 5/8” in diameter and have an acid-etch "Hawkes" mark in center of the cellars. A few tiny chips on the bottoms are noted. Very good condition.