A Faithful American Original: This Gift Box Set of two limited-edition cocktail glasses is a true reproduction of the original Martini glass used at New York’s legendary pre-Prohibition Knickerbocker Bar. Crafted from historic Morgantown Glassworks molds, each glass faithfully preserves the proportions, balance, and character of the earliest Martini service. Includes a four-page illustrated history of the glass—its life and times. Inspired by Mr. Astor’s Top Hat: The sculptural stem takes the form of a gentleman wearing a top hat—an homage to John Jacob Astor’s New York and the refined world of Edwardian high society. True to period scale, these glasses are intentionally modest in size—roughly one-third the capacity of today’s oversized cocktail ware—allowing drinks to stay colder, sharper, and more focused in flavor. Designed for Balance & Performance: With a lower center of gravity and a flat-bottomed bowl, this glass offers superior stability compared to modern shallow-V designs. The wide rim guides the cocktail to the center of the tongue, enhancing freshness and balance, while the solid figurative stem provides a comfortable, confident grip and keeps warmth away from the drink. Versatile for Classic Cocktails: Originally created for the Martini, this glass is equally suited for Whiskey Sours, Daiquiris, Aviations, Grasshoppers, Gimlets, and other straight-up classics. Ideal for vintage cocktail parties, theatrical presentation, or collectors of historically authentic barware. A Conversation Piece with Provenance: Legend holds that the Martini cocktail itself was invented at the Knickerbocker Bar by bartender Martini di Arma di Taggia—and that these whimsical glasses were designed in the likeness of Mr. Astor’s top hat. Equal parts sculpture and serviceware, they bring storytelling, artistry, and history to the bar. Dimensions for Authentic Service: Height: 5 ½ inches Rim Diameter: 3 ¼ inches Capacity: 4 ¼ ounces Perfectly scaled for pre-Prohibition cocktail traditions and refined, spill-resistant service. Meet the Brand: Since 1997, HISTORY COMPANY has specialized in extraordinary products inspired by history and authenticity—where Every Gift Holds a Story, and where you are sure to find the perfect item for keeping or giving.
The Knickerbocker Bar Martini Glass — A Top Hat, a Toast, and a Legend
A proper cocktail glass should do more than hold a drink—it should tell a story.
This historically inspired Martini glass is a faithful reproduction of an original Morgantown Glassworks design, featuring a sculptural stem in the form of a dapper gentleman wearing a top hat—an unmistakable symbol of John Jacob Astor’s New York and the refined confidence of early American high society.
The design dates to the Edwardian era, when top hats were essential attire at the Knickerbocker Hotel’s famed bar—known discreetly as “The Forty-Second Street Country Club.” It was here, amid polished brass and well-heeled patrons, that the Martini found its footing as America’s signature cocktail.
Beyond its visual charm, the glass is engineered for balance and function. Its flat-bottomed bowl lowers the center of gravity, making it steadier and harder to tip than modern cocktail glasses. The solid sculptural stem keeps the drink cold while offering a comfortable grip, and the wide rim delivers the cocktail cleanly to the palate—just as it was intended over a century ago.
Presented in a Gift Box Set of Two “Top Hat” Cocktail Glasses, complete with a brief illustrated history, this set is equal parts barware and artifact—a gentleman’s reward, for keeping or for giving.
