Help identifying vintage handblown glass mugs - possibly continental Europe?

Hello. I have a set of 6 near identical glass mugs. They are actually quite small just under 10 cm (4 inches). They have a very distinctive appearance with a large looping handle and a ridge across the middle of the mug. They are clearly handblown; having a very prominent "pontil" mark at the base. The handle reminds of Continental (porcelain) cups that I have seen in the past. Has anyone seen anything like these mugs? I am extremely helpful for any advice. Best wishes,
James

 

How do you know they're vintage?

Debora

 

Thanks for your question. I should have said that they have been in the family for (I would guess) at least 20 years, although it could have been much longer ago because they belonged to a relative who is now dead. This relative was buying things between the 1950s and the 1980s, although it is possible that they were given as a gift as late as the 2000s.

Best wishes,
James

 

And in what part of the world? (I ask because this is an international forum.)

Debora

 

The lady that probably bought these lived in the UK, but travelled widely in Western Europe and USA/Canada (between the 1950s and 1980s). I said that it seemed European in style to me. But perhaps it could have been made by an art glass studio in the UK?

Best wishes,
James

 

They look like custard cups.

 

Irish coffee maybe?

Debora

 

Debora, surely you of all people recognize James' avatar picture? The view from Calton Hill on the "Athens of the North".

 

Now that is embarrassing. I lived in Edinburgh for a while.

Debora

 

That is a great suggestion. I have looked into custard cups on the internet, and if you look at Georgian and Victorian custard cups they all have that similar type of looping handle. I suspect that middle class people from the Victorian era would immediately recognise that as being a custard cup (or similar) based on this handle shape. Also, if you look at the irregular ridge going across the middle of the cup; I think this is an artistic representation of the way that viscous fluid appears after you have taken a drink from it. I am sure we have all had the experience of taking a drink of some thick fluid and most of the contents seem to be stuck to the side of the cup in a way similar to this.

Best wishes,
James

Edit: Sorry, I replied to the wrong comment. I meant to reply to Ownedbybear who made the suggestion of coffee cups.

 

I’ve seen an awful lot of custard cups in my time! Yes, the handle is a clue.

 

Looks like the initials RB etched on the bottom. Picture #4 at 4 o'clock.
Doesn't look like any shelf wear on the one pictured. 80's or later is my best guess.

 

Thanks. I have just been looking at these cups again. You are definately right, that there is no superficial scratching (or other wear) to the glass. I think your suggestion that they are 80's or later is correct. So, I suppose they are modern production based on an old style.

Best wishes,
James