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.
In many households—especially decades ago—barware wasn’t kept in a “bar.” It lived alongside fine china, crystal glasses, and serving pieces. These stirrers were likely used when guests came over for:
Aperitifs
Digestifs
Coffee liqueurs
Cocktails served after dinner
Your grandmother probably brought them out only on special occasions—which explains why they survived so well.
