Roundel showing Columbia with eagle and liberty cap. Bohemia, probably 1840-1860. H. 20.1 cm. D. 18.4 cm (2011.3.6) Purchased with funds from the Kenneth R. Treis Greater Milwaukee Foundation Fund. This piece is an interesting example of Bohemian glass made for the American market, which was very popular in the second quarter of the 19th century and later. The red overlay glass engraved with the emblems of the United States is unusual, and its’ exact use is not known, although it might have been intended for use in a parade or something similar. Columbia was a popular symbol of the United States throughout the 19th century. The first known use of her name, derived from Christopher Columbus, was in 1777, and she was became known as the “Goddess of Liberty” so she is frequently shown with a Liberty Cap, The eagle, of course, was also a symbol of the new country. Six different American historical flasks show Columbia, the Goddess of Liberty and they all have an American eagle and shield on the reverse. The flasks were probably made in the 1820’s and 1830’s, but the roundel is probably later since most of the European souvenir glasses are later in date. The museum has a number of Bohemian pieces made for the American market, but all of them are drinking glasses of one shape or another. All of the glasses in this category in the museum collection are engraved with views of various places in the United States and all are non-lead glass. They can be dated in many cases because of the prints which were the source of the scenes on them. The views range from little known places like the Ontario Female Seminary in Canandaigua, New York to patriotic places like the Capitol Building in Washington. Most of them have identifying inscriptions in English, but one in our collection is inscribed “Das Capitol zu Washington” which confirms a continental origin. For further information on Bohemian glass for the American market, see “Glasses Engraved with American Views”, by Jane Shadel Spillman, THE MAGAZINE ANTIQUES, July 1994, pp.78-85.