Antique Victorian 19th Century Glass Ice Cream Penny Lick or Deception Glass

A 19th century ice cream glass. They were known as a penny lick where you actually get a penny of ice cream in the glass and suck it out. With TB spreading. These glasses were discontinued. This is a fine example of its kind, it is around 8.5 cm high x 5.5 cm width and in great condition.
A modest, entirely plain glass used for ices, perhaps made by the newly invented ice cream-making 'machine'. Although in outline the same shape as a drinking glass, the bowl is all but solid, allowing only a minimal lick. Made in the mid-19th century, at a time when cheap, press-moulded glass was beginning to become the most available type, a hand-made but undecorated artefact such as this was still extremely marketable.
Used in cafes, seaside booths and places of entertainment, a smear of ice was spread on the surface and licked off by the customer. The glass was then returned to the seller for immediate use by the next customer!
This can be dated to ca.1890 as it has turned “Sun Purple”
Sun Purple
From 1885 to 1914, manganese dioxide was used as a clearing agent by glass makers to make sure the glass remained clear. However, when exposed to the sun over time, the manganese dioxide in the glass will cause the glass to turn a purple tint. The main source of this clearing agent was Germany.
This supply was cut off with the outbreak of World War I. After World War I, selenium became the preferred clearing agent. When exposed to the sun’s rays, selenium will turn glass yellow.
Scottish antiques…”they had the same effect as countless other “deceptive” glasses in that they gave the impression of containing more “good stuff” than was actually the case – an early example of packaging intended to convince the buyer that they were getting a better deal than was actually the case. Fact was, though, they did often provide something over and above what might be expected, as ice-cream and licks in the 1800’s was a significant source of typhoid outbreaks due to the lack of pasteurisation and general uncleanliness with regard to dairy products – nothing better than fever, intestinal haemorrhage, encephalitis and death to go with your short-lived, initially refreshing treat!”