Glass Identification - Post here for all ID requests > Glass

Anyone any ideas about this piece?

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philippad2005:
Clear Glass Vase - sort of honey pot shape. Measures 18 cms high and is approx 12 cms at its widest point and is heavy weighs 750 grams. A number of marks on the base - the number 2, four numbers that I cannot make out could be 2491, and a 'bird' or a 'flower' mark.

Bernard C:
Philippa — Welcome to the GMB.

It looks to me like an old honey jar in which honey was sold, fitted with a lid.   Comparing it with jam and marmalade jars in my kitchen cupboard, it's about the right size for a 2lb net weight container, which may explain the "2" on the base.  These honey jars, imitative of the old style coiled straw beehive or skep, were often re-used as flower vases, and they look very attractive too on a window ledge with the light shining throught the horizontal rings.   I've often wondered whether they were the inspiration behind the 1930s optic ribbing used for hand-blown vases by such firms as Thomas Webb, Whitefriars, and Royal Brierley.

It could have been made anywhere, but here in Britain more than likely by one of the huge bottle works of Barnsley.

As for the size, I know it's rather large, but most containers were made in both retail sizes and catering sizes to suit from the small café to the huge hotel.   I've had a 7lb Taylor's Mustard pot through my hands and I have heard of even larger.   It makes your eyes water just thinking about it!

Bernard C.  8)

philippad2005:
Hi Bernard.  Many thanks for the information.  I found it in amongst other glass items that I've dated between 1860's to 1910.  Is it possibly from a similar period? Philippa :)

Bernard C:
Philippa — I would give a broader date than that, circa 1860 – 1950 or even later.   Someone who knows bottles might be able to tell you what type of machinery was used to make it — dating it more accurately.

You haven't provided a location in your profile (always useful), but if you are ever in the S. Yorkshire area you might find it interesting and instructive to visit the bottle museum at Elsecar Heritage Centre, see here.

Bernard C.  8)

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