Topic: 1800's ? What is this used for?

[selina]

Hi,

Ive had this item for a couple of weeks but havent been able to figure out what its used for. There were originally 2 of them but I only bought the one as the other was damaged. Too shallow for an egg and I thought even for salt. I guessed 1800's as it has that finish on the top where the glass hasnt been finished properly.

It measures 5cm /2" high and almost the same across the top. Ive shown it with an egg cup to gauge the sizing. Any info would be great. Age, maker, use.

Trudy

[Bernard C]

Trudy — Raymond Notley (Shire Album No. 162) tells us that the price of glass fell throughout the Victorian era, and that such penny goods were available from the 1880s to the start of the Great War.   They were generally made in continental Europe.   Unfortunately he doesn't enlighten us as to their function, other than suggesting salts.   I suspect that they didn't have such a function;  that they were sold to keep children occupied and quiet, much like today's appalling chocolate bars and sweets, only a good deal healthier.

Bernard C. 

[Lustrousstone]

I had one of these, only flatter I think. I assumed a toy or a manufacturer's sample - it was incredibly detailed once we'd taken off the paint that pretended to be primrose pearline

[selina]

Thanks Bernard. Yes Christine, it does have a great deal of detail for something so small. Like a miniature comport. I wonder if they were like todays mini kitchen items for kids. Same as mums but smaller.
How would I list it? Title wise I mean.