Museum of Connecticut Glass

Home

Connecticut Glassworks

Fund Raising

Links

Upcoming Events

Contact The Museum

Board and Officers

Museum History

Flyers

Reprints



The Meriden Flint Glass Company 1876-1888

Founded in Connecticut in 1876, the Meriden Flint Glass Company employed some of the glass industry's most talented craftsmen, producing internationally award-winning cut and decorated glass.

Although it was only in operation for a brief time, the company was important in the history of the American glassmaking industry and played a role in the development of the early American labor movement.

Meriden Britannia Company administrators were majority stockholders in the Meriden Flint Glass Company, and acted as Directors of the glassworks. Meriden Britannia Company silver catalogs printed between 1877-1888 show many fine illustrations of the glass pieces made for them by the Meriden Flint Glass Company.
The Meriden Flint Glass Company closed in 1886, was sold to James Murray, and then operated as the James Murray & Company glassworks until June 23, 1888. Wave Crest glass, Victorian and art nouveau style glass, was made in Meriden. Noel Tomas notes: Other companies who produced known products include Handel Co. (lamps and plates), A. J. Hall & Co. (painted plate wares) and Helmschmeid Co. as well as the well known large company C.F Monroe.

> Diane Tobin's book, "The Meriden Flint Glass Company -- An Abundance of Glass," can be purchased online.

> To read Bruce Mitchell's informative notes, see Meriden Glass which includes a photo of the building. Bruce serves on the Board of Directors of the Museum of Connecticut Glass.

> For additional information on the Meriden Britannia Company, click here. Bruce Mitchell's notes describe the relationship between the silverplate and glass industries.