Window glass has been recovered from several 18th century contexts at Colonial Dorchester. Although it is typically in a highly fragmented state, large numbers of small window glass shards are readily identified by multiple characteristics – they are relatively thin (although thickness of window glass panes varied throughout history), aqua or light blue/green in color, and flat. Crown glass, a common variety of glass distinguished by its method of production, was frequently imported to South Carolina from England for use in windows. During the early Colonial period, glass windows were a sign of wealth and luxury and therefore, it’s prevalence among archaeological sites at Colonial Dorchester can be seen as an indication of the affluence of the community members.

Hume, Ivor Noel. 1969. A Guide to Artifacts of Colonial America. University of Pennsylvania Press. Philadelphia, PA.

Konzo, Seichi, and Carter Doyle. 1990. “Speaking of Windows.” Building Research Council, Technical Note No. 16. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.