STIEGEL, HENRY WILLIAM. (1729-86). German born, American ironmaster and glass-maker. In 1750, he emigrated to Philadelphia and by 1758 he was operating an iron factory in Lancaster County, PA, that became one of the most successful in the colonies. In 1764, he opened the first of his three glass factories, and in addition to making standard sheet glass, he employed German, Venetian, and English glassblowers to make some of the most widely marketed glass tableware of the time. Although his glass wares were not signed and there are several varieties of Stiegel ware, including those colored wine-red, amethyst, and blue, and some with molded patterns, purists prefer to limit the term to a fine flint or green variety of glassware with engraved or enameled decoration.
Magnificent, Rare Printed and Manuscript Document Signed,vellum, folio, Manheim, Pa., February 4, 1773.
This indenture transfers from Henry Steigel and Elizabeth Steigel to Hubbard Baumgartner, “a piece of parcel of land...Together with all and singular other Buildings, Improvements, Ways, Paths, Water, Water Concession rights, Members, Privileges, Herditaments….” This lengthy document on vellum is signed twice, “Henry Wm. Steigel” and again by, “Elizabeth Steigel”. (Item ID: 879)
$3,500.00
Legendary for his lavish expenditures, by 1774 Stiegel was bankrupt and imprisoned for debt, and his business never truly recovered after that. This ornate document has three red wax seals. Autographs of the great financier and early American glassmaker are rare.
