Covered goblet

German glassmaker John Frederick Amelung (1741/2–1798) opened a glasshouse in western Maryland in 1787, responding to America's desire for economic independence from Britain and the need to develop domestic manufactures. Within a few years, he was producing a variety of window glass, bottles, and tableware at his New Bremen factory. Some of Amelung's products feature elaborate engraved decoration in the Germanic style. This example is signed by the factory and is the earliest dated example known. Engraved with the arms of Bremen, Germany, and the inscription, "Old Bremen Success and the New Progress / New Bremen Glassmanufactory 1788 / North America State of Maryland," this goblet, or pokal, was found in Germany and may have been presented by Amelung to his German investors as a triumphant toast to his successful American glass factory.