This duplicating machine was used to trace the same pattern onto twenty-one pieces of glass...all at the same time! First, "blank" (undecorated) glassware was coated with melted beeswax and each piece was clamped in place along the front of the machine. Next, a plate with the selected pattern was placed on the left side of the machine. When the machine operator traced over the pattern on this plate, the weighted stylus above each piece of glassware removed the wax in the same design. The glassware then was removed from the machine and dipped into an acid bath. The pattern was etched onto the glass where the wax had been removed. Finally, the wax was removed and the glassware was polished. Gold or silver was sometimes applied to decorate the rim. This was accomplished without electricity. It required just one person operating a system driven by pulleys and weights.

Heinz History Center
Pittsburgh, PA

07.23.26