Glass.... stick?

I've been given something to research at work (boss knows I love a challenge). Well, challenge accepted. I can't for the life of me even imagine what it is.

It's like a long decorative, very pretty, glass stick. I could assume it could be some sort of swizzle stick... if it were smaller. Or maybe for those who like a very big drink.

Or possibly a very fragile decorative glass pencil ornament??


Any insight?

 

I received a couple of these as a gift in the early to mid- 1990's. If I remember correctly, they came in those Chinese, silk-lined, fabric covered boxes with little toggle closures.

I believe they were called something like "thread glass" and they were meant to be dip pens (tho I doubt many people ever used them as such - the "pointy end" was never really right for that use.)

 

don't tell your boss about us....or you may lose your job !!

 

Oh, that's so VERY cool!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

So pretty ! Id have bought it !

 

similar pens come from Italy

 

Wow, thanks! I've never heard of these before kinda cool, but rather weird to invent a glass pen....

Research is only one part of my job. The other is listing such items on eBay

Is there any way to try and date it? I'd really hate for it to be one of these modern replica's