Abstract: Apparatus for and a method of preforming into an elongate mold charge a gob of molten glass issuing from the outlet orifice of a forehearth and delivering such elongate charge to the forming cavity of a forming mold with the virgin or untouched surface of the charge facing downwardly in such cavity thereby providing to the mold cavity a mold charge having one or a lower surface of high optical quality. A mothering or serving cup receives said gob from said outlet orifice and is horizontally moved to spread or preform the gob into the elongate mold charge with the upper surface thereof being untouched, and the cup is then inverted to deliver the charge to a mold cavity with said upper surface of the gob facing downwardly.