Stevens & Williams of Stourbridge, England, made many types of glass, including layered, etched, cameo, and art glass, between the 1830s and 1930s. Some pieces are signed S & W. Notable engravers at the Stevens & Williams manufactory include: Joshua Hodgetts (1858 -1933) - Hodgetts was a amateur botanist who used his knowledge to cover vases and objects with naturalistic motifs. Many of his works also have an oriental emphasis following the trend of the day for Chinoiserie. Frederick Carder (1864-1963) Worked at Stevens & Williams 1881-1902 known for museum quality works in the Art Nouveau style. (Also founded Steuben Glass Works in Corning, New York in 1903). William Fritsche (working 1870’s onwards) Bohemian born glass engraver. Worked for Thomas Webb & Sons and engraved items in Classical style, particularly on the rock crystal body.
This lovely rare "Zipper" pattern finger bowl and under-plate, circa 1885-1910, is pink blown crystal, acid etched with the design registration mark "Rd 55693". on both pieces. Acid etched marks was used on British glass starting in 1883. The finger bowl measures 2 7/8" in height, 5 1/4" across the box-pleated top; the under-plate measures 6 7/8" across with no cracks, chips or repairs; near mint.