Skip to main content
Glass fishing float
Glass fishing float

Glass fishing float

Date1950s
Object number00044416
NameFloat
MediumGlass, fibre.
ClassificationsTools and equipment
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Patricia Henjel
DescriptionThe glass floats and net were probably used around Sydney during the mid 20th century. These types of floats were originally produced in Norway around the 1840s and then Asia. No longer in use in Europe they are still being hand made and used in some small coastal fishing communities in China and Japan although more modern devices are predominantly in use.HistoryOriginally produced in Norway around 1840 and later Japan, glass fishing floats were a common piece of fishing equipment. The earliest floats, including most Japanese glass fishing floats, were produced by hand by a glass blower. After being were removed from the pipe they were sealed, often with a makers seal, identifying the float for trademark. Newer methods involved the use of molds, thus speeding up the process and achieving a more uniform shape and size. Although not as common, glass floats are known to still be manufactured and used in places such as China and Japan. In Japan, amongst coastal fishing communities, floats are still hand blown.SignificancePich, Walter C, Glass ball : a comprehensive guide to oriental glass fishing floats found on Pacific beaches : origin, history, marks