Antique 1923 Hallmark silver top dressing table jar London B & G West.
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Lovely tall ribbed jar, probably for hat pins. Some age related wear (to lid, see pictures) with nice clear Hallmarks. Unfortunately I can't find any information on the maker.
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13 cm tall
4 cm round
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Tall, ribbed dressing table jars were historically part of a vanity or dressing case set and were used for storing various personal grooming items, cosmetics, and toiletries in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The ribbed design was both decorative and functional, often made of glass with ornate metal (frequently silver) lids.
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History
Origins in Toiletry Sets: The use of jars and bottles for cosmetics dates back to ancient Egypt, but the dressing table as a distinct piece of furniture with accompanying accessories became popular in 17th and 18th-century Europe.
Victorian and Edwardian Eras: The late 19th and early 20th centuries were the "golden age" for elaborate dressing table sets. Middle-class Victorians were particularly fond of these sets, which often came in a fitted travel case (a "necessaire de voyage").
Design: The jars often featured decorative cut or ribbed glass bodies with high-quality, hallmarked silver or other metal lids. The ribbed or "reeded" glass design became particularly popular in the early 20th century, fitting the geometric aesthetic of the Art Deco movement.
Status Symbol: These sets were a mark of wealth and social standing, with the number and opulence of the bottles reflecting the owner's status.
Common Uses
The specific function of a jar could often be identified by its shape or the presence of specific features like aeration holes in the lid. Common historical uses included:
Creams and Pomades: Storing face creams, lip pomades, and hair pomades.
Powders: Holding face or body powders.
Perfumes and Colognes: Taller, bottle-shaped jars with internal cork stoppers were specifically used for scents.
Hair Receivers: Some shorter, lidded jars with a finger-sized hole in the center were specifically for collecting loose hair from a brush, which was then repurposed for stuffing pincushions or creating hairpieces.
Hygiene Items: Specialized jars were used for toothbrushes, nail brushes, and bars of soap.
Miscellaneous: Other potential uses included storing matches (some had a striking surface on the lid), spirit bottles, or small trinkets.
Modern Uses
Today, these antique jars are primarily used for decoration or can be repurposed in practical ways, such as:
Decorative Accents: Displaying as a vintage accent on a vanity or shelf.
Storage: Holding modern cosmetics, cotton balls, or makeup brushes.
Organizers: Storing small items like jewelry, buttons, or hair accessories.
Planters: Used as small pots for succulents or cacti.