Bergen Glassworks (Flesland)
Bergen Glassworks stood at Flesland and belongs to the industrial glass history of western Norway. It was established in the 1870s to secure supplies of glass bottles. Bergen and Flesland should be read in historical context, not treated as secure maker identifications for every glass object from the area.
Land purchase and establishment
Bergen City Archives records the purchase of the land in 1874 and gives 1875 as the establishment year. Bergen's city encyclopaedia uses the operating period 1874 to 1927. Distinguish these statements rather than treating a single year as an unconditional date for every aspect of the beginnings.
The encyclopaedia then records production of glass fishing floats at Flesland until 1956. Later float production should not automatically be equated with the earlier bottle operation's working period or corporate structure.
Where is the evidence?
The City Archives describes surviving fragments including drawings and site plans. The main archive was transferred to Moss Glassworks and is held by Østfoldmuseene. This archival history offers a route for further research, not proof of the manufacturer of an unmarked bottle.
A collector's checks
Photograph base, mouth, embossing, mould seams and any labels. Transcribe marks accurately before interpreting them. A brewery name, glass colour or discovery location near Bergen does not alone establish manufacture at the works. Label uncertain attribution as uncertain, and distinguish documented maker from possible retailer and later use.
Sources
Bergen byarkiv: Bergen glassverks skolekommisjon; Bergen byleksikon: Flesland.
