Lafayette Cup Plate

This vintage Pairpoint Glass cup plate features a paddle wheel steamboat identified as Lafayette. The cup plate was originally produced between 1978 and 1980 and the mold was then destroyed, making it a limited edition item. Made specifically for the Sandwich Historical Society, using a press from 1850, this cup plate was designed to be similar to those produced at the Boston & Sandwich Glass Co.

This vintage cup plate’s central motif may be a reference to the "Lafayet" (sic) salt boat produced by the Boston & Sandwich Glass Company in the mid 19th century. The salt boat depicted the Lafayet, a picturesque paddle-wheeler of the day, that was likely named in honor General Lafayette, a popular Revolutionary War hero.

The cup plate’s rim design features a shielded eagle clutching arrows, anchors, stars, dots and intricate scrollwork. Crafted on Cape Cod through traditional methods, each 3.5 inch cup plate showcases the artisan’s skill. Using a hammer and chisel, the engraver created a steel mold for each design. With an antique press, molten glass was pressed into the engraved mold, resulting in a series of cup plates that possess similarity, yet retain their unique characteristics. The irregularities in each piece attest to their handmade nature, contributing to their unique charm.

Beyond their aesthetic appeal, these cup plates serve various practical purposes. They can function as catchall dishes for organizing small items like keys or jewelry, to securely hold your cherished treasures.

It was the custom in the early 19th century to pour hot tea from a cup which had no handle into a deep saucer for cooling, then drink the tea from the saucer. The cup was set aside on a small plate called a cup plate to prevent soiling the linen or marring the table top.