Here are more strange, and perhaps wonderful, uses for glass.
Eyecups: In days past, eyes were washed with various liquids to counter problems. To do this, the eyecup was created. Its outer edge is molded to fit the orbital opening in the skull, and the reservoir is only large enough to hold a small portion of liquid and still allow the eye to open. One filled the reservoir, fit the eyecup over one’s eye, and opened the eye to apply the liquid to the cornea and sclera. As to the effectiveness, I cannot say. A collection of these would indeed be a conversion starter, first by explaining what they are.
Fan Bases: Glass lamp bases are quite common, but did you know that there were fans made with glass bases. Before air conditioning, an electric fan was essential to living through summer in almost all regions of the US. A glass base makes a lot of sense, in the name of physics. With the heavy motor and fan blades (and cage to prevent horrible accidents) at the top of the neck, a glass base would provide a heavy and stable base. I have never seen such, but I am going to start asking at antique stores, just to see how prevalent they were. This would be a small collection, I imagine, and probably with little competition.
Darning eggs: Used to repair holes in socks, darning eggs were made from a number of material, including glass. Watch auctions for lots of sewing baskets and contents, or check your local antique stores. Let me know if you find one.
Mourning jewelry: In the Victorian era, a lock of hair from a deceased loved one was placed in special jewelry to keep as a reminder. The jewelry usually had a locket-like reservoir, and sometimes the top was made of glass, so the contents could be seen at all times. Similar lockets may be made today, for pictures or small treasures.
Glass hatchet: Libbey made glass hatchets as souvenirs for the Columbian World’s Fair held in Chicago in 1893. Obviously just for show, this is certainly a novel object to make from glass. I think I am going to have to get one of these myself.
I will add more oddities as they find me.
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