And they weren’t decorative.
The Answer: Vintage Glass Drink Stirrers (with a Twist)
After some digging—and a few conversations with people who know their antiques—the mystery finally unraveled.
These are vintage glass cocktail stirrers, most commonly used in the mid-20th century.
But not just any stirrers.
The small side “bump” is the key.
What Is the Little Bump For?
That tiny protrusion isn’t decorative—it’s functional.
It’s designed to:
Rest against the rim of a glass
Prevent the stirrer from slipping completely into the drink
Keep the stirring end suspended at the right depth
In other words, it’s an early ergonomic design—simple, clever, and elegant.
Before disposable plastic swizzle sticks took over, glass stirrers like these were considered refined, reusable barware. They were often part of a matched set, used during dinner parties, holidays, or special occasions.
Why Were They in a Crockery Cupboard?
That part actually makes perfect sense.
