The Washington times., 1902-07-06

nial days are champagne glasses and
water glasses Of the Colonial period.
or these there arc two patterns. Some
are delicately tapering, with round
bases and quite tall; others are shorter.
with square bases, and the rims dec
GRATED with arrow heads-for the saw
ages in those times were more to be
feared than the proverbial snake in
the glass;" which. by poetic license, was
supposed to be hidden In every glass
used for sDirituous liquors.
Old Pewter Tankard.
And this reminds me of an old pewter
tankard belonging to the Coates branch
of the house, which was brought from
England in 1888, and from its size 1t will
hold fully three pints, surely enough
for refreshing drink Of English
brcwed ale. This old tankard has the
lilies of France on its cover. and the
princess feather handle. 1t is a rare
relic, for the art Of making articles of
this kind of pewter seems to have been
lost or crowded out of existence by the
cheapness of glass and the progress in
the art of glass making.
In addition to the champagne glasses
and the pewter tankard, there Is fine
cut glass beaker of a generous loving
cup size. which has been loaned to the
Daughters OF the Revolution for their
exhibit Of Colonial articles. This beaker,
holding nearly a pint. must have been
an inviting cup when filled with choice
wine of imported quality, or even with
a wine made from the wild grapes so
abundant in this country.
/ also noticed In the dining room of
the manor an antique dining table of
solid mahogany. made as plainly as
possible, for the wood contained in the
table is beautiful of itself. 1t is not one
of the frivolous tables of the present
day-an extension table that sells on
bargain days for s4.9S-but a strongly
built table with two drop leaves. and so
heavy that it is quite enough for a
strong man to lift one end. Carving on
this table would be wholly out of place;
1t is only the cheaper products that we
carve and gild and disguise with lavish
ornamentation.
The old sideboard with its upright
medicine cupboard on one corner is an
other interesting piece Of furniture.
This, like the dining room table, was
built for use. not for display, but many
a householder would gladly exchange
one of the elegant twentieth century
affairs for this quiet unpretentious Co
lonial sideboard.
The old sewing table with its conven-
lent drawers, plain in pattern, but built
of solid mahogany, Is found in the liy-
ing room. Plain as 1t is. 1t has held
the sewing materials of many genera
tions and is still in good condition and
as serviceable as ever.
Richly Trimmed Candlesticks.
On the high Colonial mantel, which is
a counterpart of the mantel in the par
lor, are three richly trimmed CANDLE
sticks, with marble bases and curious
ly carved supports. ornamented with
roses of England and other English en-
blems, which show that they belonged
to a very early period.
Enough of the furnishings of the fire.
place remain so that we can easily i'm
agine the cheer that would come from |
4 roaring wood fire in the old fireplace,
at season of the year when fires are |
needed, the polished andirons and fen
ders rejecting the light from the red |
fire light and casting fanciful shadows
into the dark corners of the room
Some of the fire utensils, such as a |
very heavy poker and pair Of tongs. !