Antique Victorian 1882 silver top ribbed glass dressing table jar hat pins etc ? By Finnegan's of Manchester fully hallmarked London 1882
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17 cm tall
3 cm round
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Displayed with other items - illustration only not included
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Some minor age related wear
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Antique Finnegan’s Manchester Cut Glass Vanity Jar / Toilet Bottle
Silver- lid,
A refined and beautifully proportioned antique vanity jar, featuring a tall, fluted clear glass body topped with a finely engraved silver lid. The lid is decorated with a repeating engine-turned pattern and centred with an ornate engraved monogram, giving the piece a distinctly personal, Victorian feel.
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The underside of the lid is clearly stamped “Finnegan, Manchester”, along with British silver marks, confirming its origins with one of Manchester’s most respected silversmithing firms. The interior retains a warm gilt wash, typical of quality toilet and dressing table wares of the period.
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Originally intended for use on a dressing table, this type of jar would have held toiletries such as cologne, salts, hair tonic, or grooming powders. Today, it works just as beautifully as a decorative accent, or repurposed for cotton buds, matches, or simply admired as a piece of late-Victorian craftsmanship.
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Condition
Good antique condition overall. The glass is clean and bright with some light age-related marks and tiny imperfections consistent with age and use. The silver lid shows gentle surface wear and patina, adding to its authentic character. The lid screws on securely.
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About Finnegan’s of Manchester
Finnegan & Co. were a prominent Manchester silversmith and retailer, established in the mid-19th century and flourishing during the Victorian and Edwardian eras. Manchester at this time was a powerhouse of industry and wealth, and Finnegan’s catered to a growing middle and upper class eager for well-designed domestic luxury goods.
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The firm specialised in high-quality silver and silver-plated items, including dressing table pieces, presentation wares, and personal accessories. Finnegan’s became known for combining tasteful design with reliable craftsmanship, making their wares both desirable and practical. Pieces bearing the Finnegan mark are now well regarded by collectors for their quality and understated elegance.
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Why we love it
A classic example of Victorian/Edwardian dressing table ware
Made by a respected Manchester silversmith
Elegant proportions with lovely engraved detail
Practical, decorative, and timeless
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A charming and collectible piece of British vanity history, perfect for adding a touch of antique refinement to a bathroom, bedroom, or curated interior.
