This beautiful hand-cut crystal vase was made in Poland by Violetta Crystal Glassworks. Its design is decorative and functional. It reflects vases produced in the late 19th and early 20th century when hand-cut lead Crystalware was popular in England. The lead content in the glass makes the glass softer and easier to hand-cut. The crystal clear glass sparkles in the light. Crystalware was kept for special occasions such as weddings and religious events. The Violetta Crystal Glassworks was founded in 1864 by Franz Losky, at the district of in Stronie Śląskie. Its original name was Oransko-Nassawska Glassworks, then later named Oranienhütte. The Glassworks came under Poland's rule after World War II. In 1950 it was subject to the Central Board of the Glass Industry and Precious Ceramics, with its seat in Sosnowiec, and the Glassworks was called United Glassworks of the Lower Silesia Region – State Crystal Glassworks in Stronie Śląskie.In 1953 it began exporting its products. In 1970 the name was changed to Violetta Crystal Glassworks in the Polish district of Stronie Śląskie. The firm became the major exporter of Polish glass. From 1992, structural changes in the company resulted in the loss of production, which stopped altogether in May, 2008. Minex CEI SA bought the plant in 2011 and operated it until the end of 2018.This hand-cut lead crystal vase design reflects that of vases produced in the late-19th and early-20th centuries. It is representative of decorative domestic items used during that era, particularly for important and special occasions such as weddings and religious events. Crystalware was cherished for its beauty. The vase is also significant for its association with the renowned Violetta Crystal Glassworks established in 1864 by Franz Losky, which was at one time the greatest exporter of hand-cut crystal made in Poland.Vase; clear hand-cut glass, 24 per cent lead crystal. The vase is wide at the top with a scalloped edge. It tapers inwards to a round foot. A clear rectangular label with gold text is attached. It is branded Violetta hand-cut crystal, made in Poland. On the label: "MADE IN POLAND" "Violetta" "Hand cut 24 % lead crystal" "(R)" within a circleflagstaff hill maritime village, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill, warrnambool, flagstaff hill museum and village, domestic object, decorative object, functional object, vase, crystal vase, cut glass vase, hand-cut glass, violetta, violetta glassworks, polish glassworks, made in poland, vase with scalloped edge, crystal glassworks, franz losky, oransko-nassawska glassworks, oranienhütte, stronie śląskie, hand-cut crystal, crystalware

Part of Kyneton Fire Brigade trophy collectionPart of Kyneton Fire Brigade trophy collectionCut crystal bowl, star pattern on base, leaves and flowers on sides, scalloped edge at top. Manufacturer's sticker on side of bowl: Bohemian / Hand / Cut / Crystal / Made in Czeckoslovakia. trophy, kyneton fire brigade, country fire authority, fire brigade demonstrations

The object is a large, diamond-cut crystal bowl with a lid. The front and back of the bowl are decorated with frosted etchings of the coats of arms of the Royal College of Surgeons in Australia (now Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, or RACS), and the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI). The front-side etching depicts the crest of the RCSI, which comprises of two Irish elks, an eagle above a flag, and a shield with a cross and hand pointing to the left. Above the crest are the words "FACULTY OF ANAESTHETIST / Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland", and, below it, "Bicentenial Year 1988". The back-side etching depicts the crest of the RACS, which comprises of a representation of Chiron on the left side and a representation of Apollo on the right, a shield between them, and a sphynx above the shield itself. Above the crest are the words "FACULTY OF ANAESTHETIST / Royal College of Surgeons in Australia", and, below it, "Bicentenial Year 1988"crystal, bowl, bicentennial, commemorative, royal australasian college of surgeons, royal college of surgeons in australia, royal college of surgeons in ireland, coat of arms, crest, anaesthetist, surgeon