Ludwig Moser & Sons was founded in Karlsbad, Austria, in 1857—today, this Czech Republic city is known as Karlovy Vary. Moser perfected numerous cold-working techniques, from engraving and carving to gilding and painting. Later, the firm would also become known for its sparkling cut crystal, which was produced without the use of lead.

In its first few decades, no glass was blown or manufactured at Moser. The focus was entirely on engraving and polishing blanks provided by Loetz and other Bohemian glassworks. But by the end of the century, though, Moser had built its own factory and was supplying the highest quality cut and decorated glassware to Franz Josef I, the Emperor of Austria. A commission for Edward VII of England followed in 1908 and for the rest of the century, Moser would produce glass for monarchs, maharajahs, and popes.

At the beginning of the 20th century, most Moser stemware and pitchers were clear, save the engravings and and decorations ground and painted on their delicate surfaces. In 1909 ...that changed when the company’s designers began to create colored art glass vases and bowls, which were rimmed with intricately detailed bands of gold. Moser glassware was also given the golden touch, usually at the top of the glass, with a frosted or etched body below.