Masonic firing glass
A Masonic firing glass is a drinking glass associated with Masonic toasting customs. Many older examples have a thick stem and heavy foot. Nøstetangen Norsk Glassmuseum relates the construction to striking the glass against the table after a toast. Robust construction is a feature, but cannot alone establish who used an object.
The museum records production at Nøstetangen, Hurdal, Gjøvik and Hadeland. Its model page shows different shapes, including stems containing air and engraved examples. Historical names such as Frimurer Brendeviins Glas occur in connection with Weyse's 1763 catalogue. The term therefore does not denote one identical model from a single factory.
Document bowl, stem, foot, glass and engraving together. A heavy foot does not automatically establish Norwegian origin, great age or a particular lodge. Compare a specific catalogue model and documented museum example. Distinguish older glasses from later production inspired by historical designs.
