Edwardian Style Cut Glass Marmalade Jar with Sterling Silver Lid
Hollowware (Condiment Jar and Lid) · Unknown manufacturer, likely American or British (suggestive of Frank M. Whiting or Gorham silver mounts on glass). Makers of during this period often specialized in providing silver fittings for glassworks like Hawkes or Libbey.
Pattern: Non-specific pattern, featuring a wheat or fern wheel-cut motif on glass with an ornate acanthus-style finial.
Type
Hollowware (Condiment Jar and Lid)
Maker
Unknown manufacturer, likely American or British (suggestive of Frank M. Whiting or Gorham silver mounts on glass). Makers of during this period often specialized in providing silver fittings for glassworks like Hawkes or Libbey.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925) lid and finial; leaded or crystalline glass jar. The lid is likely thin-gauge silver spun over a form.
Dimensions
Approximately 3.5 to 4.5 inches in height and 3 inches in diameter. Weight of the silver lid is likely under 30-50 grams.
Description
A charming and functional condiment jar consisting of a clear glass vessel decorated with delicate wheel-cut wheat sprigs. The piece is crowned by a domed sterling silver lid featuring a highly detailed, cast foliate finial. The contrast between the brilliant silver and the translucent glass makes it a classic tabletop accessory from the early 20th century.
Key Features
Distinguished by the ornate cast finial and the specific 'wheat' motif cut into the glass jar; the lid features a pronounced stepped dome.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925) lid and finial; leaded or crystalline glass jar. The lid is likely thin-gauge silver spun over a form.
Finish & Decoration
Bright-polished silver lid with an oxidized cast silver finial featuring scrollwork. The glass body is wheel-cut with a stylized wheat or fern leaf decoration.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Expected marks would be on the outer rim of the lid or interior flange, likely reading "Sterling" or bearing a lion passant. No marks are clearly visible in the photo.
Construction Details
The lid is machine-spun from a flat sheet of silver; the finial is cast and soldered to the top. The jar is mould-blown glass that has been wheel-cut.
Functional Features
Removable domed lid with a wide flange to sit securely on the mouth of the jar. Designed for serving preserves, honey, or marmalade.
Handle & Grip Details
Cast silver finial in a foliate bud or acanthus shape, designed for easy gripping with fingertips. Solid silver construction.
Craftsmanship Details
The wheel cutting on the glass is of standard commercial quality; the silver lid is a production piece with a nicely detailed cast finial showing typical turn-of-the-century mass-production techniques.
Authentication Indicators
The style of the finial and the method of joining it to the lid are consistent with early 1900s manufacturing; however, the lack of visible tall hallmarks requires physical inspection of the rim.
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely USA (Newark or Providence) or England (Birmingham or Sheffield), areas known for silver-topped glass condiment sets.
Era & Period
Early 20th Century (1900-1920) Edwardian or American Aesthetic movement influence, characterized by mixing silver with fine crystal/glass.
Age Estimate
Circa 1910-1930 based on the style of the wheel-cut glass and the finial design.
Cultural Significance
Represents the rise of middle-class entertaining in the early 1900s, where silver-augmented glass provided an affordable luxury and a beautiful aesthetic for the morning table.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. Significant tarnish and potential silver-plate wear-through at the rim (suggesting it might be silver plate rather than sterling if 'copper' color appears). Glass appears free of major chips, but lid has minor surface scratches and oxidation.
Value Estimate
$40 - $85 USD depending on confirmation of sterling marks and presence of maker's marks on the glass base.
Care & Maintenance
Hand wash glass only; polish silver lid with a non-abrasive cream like Wright's. Avoid putting in the dishwasher as heat can crack old glass and ruin silver finishes.
Similar Pieces
Hawkes crystal jars with Gorham silver lids; Webb Corbett glass with Birmingham hallmarked lids; modern 'Queen Anne' style plated jars.
Interesting Facts
These jars were often part of larger breakfast sets including toast racks and egg cups, reflecting the formal dining etiquette of the era where condiments were never served in their original packaging.