Ale glasses in the Georgian period were a lot smaller than those used today, this is partly due to fashion; there was a trend for smaller measures of all alcohol, with most glasses intended for alcohol consumption having steadily increased in size over the last 300 years. Diners would be topped up more frequently by serving staff, and would have different alcohols served to compliment different courses, each requiring a different type of glass. Also, whilst ale is now synonymous with beer, this was not always the case. Ale used to mean fermented sweet malt drink which was unhopped and had a higher alcohol content than modern day ale, hence the need for smaller measures.
 
This is a lovely early 19th century ale glass with engraved barley decoration and conical foot with pontil mark.
 
This type of glass would be used in a relatively wealthy household.
 
In very good condition
 
Dimensions:13cm high with a 6cm base