Filtering flask

Object/Artifact

Historic Hudson Valley

Name/Title

Filtering flask

Entry/Object ID

SS.62.609

Description

Watercooler or filtering flask for chemicals: large bulbous jug; unglazed exterior; at top, two heavily lipped necks, flanking a cylindrical projection, through which is a small horizontal hole; at bottom, reinforced rectangular area with round bung hole; at shoulder, impressed: "H.NASH / UTICA," and on opposite side, "NASH".

Made/Created

Artist Information

Artist

Henry Nash

Attribution

Maker

Date made

circa 1837 - 1839

Inscription/Signature/Marks

Type

Inscription

Transcription

See description

Dimensions

Dimension Description

Overall

Height

13-1/4 in

Diameter

12 in

Dimension Notes

Display Dimensions: 13 1/4 x 12 in. (33.7 x 30.5 cm)

Material

Earthenware Yellow

General Notes

Note Type

Curatorial Remarks

Note

NOTE: According to Susan Meyers, Museum of History and Technology, Smithsonian Institution, states that this type of vessel was used in chemical factories for the purification of gases and other activities associated with the production of chemicals. Rubber tubing could be attached to each of the top holes and sediment could be drained from the bottom hole. By the 1820's, chemical industries were starting up in America, yet this vessel is an early example of chemical stoneware. Miscellaneous: Reason for two spouts, in as much as jug is not internally divided into two compartments, remains somewhat obscure. Most obvious and simple explanation is that as jug was designed to be suspended, the two short necks would balance the cooler, allowing it to hang straight...

Note Type

StorageNote

Note

Home Location: Historic Hudson Valley, Sunnyside, Tower Bedroom, Second Floor, 1B