Pontilstången

Pontilstången is a Swedish term referring to a pontil rod, a tool used in glassblowing. It is a solid metal rod, typically made of iron, that is attached to the base of a glass object during the final stages of its creation. The pontil rod allows the glassblower to hold and manipulate the glass piece while it is still hot and pliable, particularly when shaping the opening or rim. Once the glass object has been finished and cooled sufficiently, the pontil rod is broken off, leaving a small mark or "pontil mark" on the underside of the piece. This mark is often a distinguishing feature and can be used by collectors and historians to identify the origin and method of glass production. The process of attaching and detaching the pontilstången requires skill to avoid damaging the glass. Different types of pontil rods exist, varying in thickness and length, depending on the size and shape of the glass being worked.