1903 Syria Temple Pittsburgh Saratoga EAPG Shriners Glass Mug Chief Sword Handle For Sale

Offered here is an original 1903 Syria Temple commemorative glass mug produced in connection with the Imperial Council gathering held at Saratoga Springs, New York.

Syria Temple was based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and issued distinctive commemorative glassware associated with Shrine gatherings of this period.

The front features a raised Native American chief portrait with feathered headdress, retaining a substantial amount of its original hand-painted decoration. The unusual handle is molded in the form of a sword or scimitar and retains portions of its original painted and gilt decoration.

The reverse carries a frosted Shrine design with PITTSBURGH and 1903, incorporating the familiar crescent-and-star Shrine imagery.

An important manufacturing detail: three vertical mold seams are clearly visible around the body of the mug. These are original mold seams created when the glass was manufactured and are not cracks or damage. They are visible in several of the photographs and are characteristic of the molded construction of the piece.

Condition: Very good antique condition for its age. The glass remains clear and displays well. The molded chief design is crisp, and substantial original painted decoration remains. There is age-related wear and loss to some of the painted and gilt surfaces, particularly around the feathers, handle, and upper rim. The sword-form handle is intact. No major cracks or large chips are apparent.

Please enlarge and review all photographs carefully. They show the actual item being offered and form an important part of the condition description.

This is an attractive early Syria Temple / Shriners commemorative glass and would appeal to collectors of fraternal memorabilia, early American pressed glass, Pittsburgh history, Shrine memorabilia, and turn-of-the-century commemorative glass.