Product Description
This Virginia 250th Anniversary Commemorative Flask is made in the USA by master glass artist Phil Gilson, using historically accurate glass-chipping methods passed down through five generations of Mr. Gilson's family. In 2026, the United States of America celebrates its 250th birthday, and this flask is one of several limited-edition collectibles made exclusively for Colonial Williamsburg retail stores. This America 250th anniversary souvenir is a great gift and addition to your collection. Grab yours before they sell out!
Features
- Virginia and America 250th Anniversary Souvenir
- Limited edition flask
- Cobalt blue color
- Food-safe glass
- The front side includes the text "VA 250"
- The reverse side includes the text "1776 - 2026"
- Measures approximately 6"H x 4.25"W x 1.75"D (this is a handmade item - exact dimensions may vary)
- Made in USA
- A Colonial Williamsburg retail shops exclusive!
Please note: This is a hand-made item produced using historically accurate 18th-century methods. You can expect variations in color, small bubbles, and other minor irregularities, as well as slight variations in dimensions due to the manufacturing process. These are not defects.
Sold online and at the Prentis store in the Historic Area.
Inspiration
The revolutionary spirit of the 18th century lives on at Colonial Williamsburg every day — through bold ideas, groundbreaking preservation, hands-on education, and dynamic civic engagement. As we celebrate the nation's 250th anniversary and Colonial Williamsburg's 100th, we welcome America — and the world — to join us in 2026 in honoring the past, engaging the present, and inspiring the future. See our 2026 digital planner on our main website to learn more about the monumental year ahead.
About the Artist
Phil Gilson might be the last colonial American-style glassblower working full-time in the traditions developed in the 18th Century. A cousin of the Wistars, owners of America's first successful glass operation, Gilson's craft is not only a passion but a family legacy since the 1730s.
Gilson focuses most of his work on producing and perpetuating designs for historic homes, museums, schools, and the living history and re-enacting community. He makes many pieces using original molds and hand tools handed down for generations.
Gilson is the last of two known master chippers in the country. Chipping is the trade of carving directly into cast-iron glass molds to re-create embossed bottles and flasks of the past. The custom carvings enable Gilson to produce modern commemorative interpretations by placing interchangeable inserts in antique molds.
His work includes custom free-blown, pressed glass, and dip-molded pieces. All of his work is made in well-documented historical bottle-glass colors.
Early American Life magazine's esteemed directory of Traditional American Crafts includes Phil Gilson as a member.
