Libbey Glass started in 1818 as the New England Glass Company, in East Cambridge, Mass., and moved to Toledo, Ohio, in 1888. The move was prompted by strikes and a costly fuel problem in the east. Northwest Ohio had an abundant supply of natural gas and the Toledo area was ideal for industrial growth.

Cut glass" is glass that has been decorated entirely by hand by use of rotating wheels. Cuts are made in an otherwise completely smooth surface of the glass by artisans holding and moving the piece against various sized metal or stone wheels, to produce a predetermined pleasing pattern. Cutting may be combined with other decorative techniques, but "cut glass" usually refers to a glass object that has been decorated entirely by cutting.

The Brilliant Cut Glass era in American extended from 1876 -1917. First introduced by eight enterprising American companies at the 1876 Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia.

This lovely "Libbey" brilliant cut glass round nappy is ablaze with hobstar, hobnail, fan and cut ray patterns with saw-tooth edge. Wonderful large six-point star in base of bowl. The nappy measures 5" across and 1 3/8" in height. Signed "Libbey" in the center of the item. There are no cracks, chips or repairs; near mint.