Cider glasses

Cider from the 1640s became a drink of the nobility as well as a farm drink. War with France interrupted supplies of wine and raised national fervour. Naturally the nobility wanted to match if not exceed the quality of French wine. I have written other posts on this. The time was right the Enlightenment was underway and the Royal Society was formed to accelerate this. One aspect was the development of strong glass. However in addition to this glass blowing was advancing at a pace too and many fine pieces were commissioned. If you have a great cider, it's natural to want to display it in a fine glass. An early stimulus was opposition to the newly introduced cider tax. As part of political opposition gentry had glasses made with "No Excise" inscribed on them ( very similar to Jacobite glasses showing support [very discretely as it was treasonous] for Bonny Prince Charles). 

This glass I have recently aquired. It is not political and made a little latter circa 1750. It is unusual in that it has a name inscribed on it D Noble. Sadly the name has lost its context. Perhaps he was a famous cider maker? He certainly has resources and good taste. The stem is a fine example of a double mercury twist  and reflects the light superbly.