The Exeter flute glass

The flute is a drinking glass of exaggerated height, made in virtually clear soda glass. Its place of manufacture is not firmly established: either the Netherlands or England, more probably the former. The bowl is diamond-engraved with a bust of Charles II in an oval beneath the inscription 'God Bless King Charles the Second.' Below, a new branch sprouts from the stump of an oak tree, alluding to Charles' descent from his martyred father, Charles I.

According to a tradition passed down through the family who donated the glass to our museum in the early 20th century, the glass was used in a banquet at Exeter Guildhall celebrating the Restoration of Charles II in 1660.

Acknowledgments: © 2015 Royal Albert Memorial Museum & Art Gallery, Exeter City Council