Topic: International Bottle Co jar and lid with prongs

[glassobsessed]

Bought this lidded jar today out of curiosity. There is a registration number on the bottom and I believe this indicates a design registered by John Walsh Walsh in around 1923. I wondered what was the intended use for the jar and what are the three 'prongs' on the inside of the lid for? :huh:

The jar is 14cm tall and 9.5cm in diameter (5.5 x 3.75 inches), the lid and jar have been ground to give a good fit (I presume).

Thanks, John.

[Anne]

Hi John, the Blue Book gives RD no 697965 as being registered to the International Bottle Company on 10/5/1923. The number is one of those not included in the listing on the Great Glass website. I wonder if the prongs were to hold something like a scoop or a spoon in place safely under the lid?

[Source: The Glass Association, Registration Numbers 1908-1945 (popularly known as The Blue Book!)]

[glassobsessed]

Thank you Anne, I guess the title of this thread needs changing then as it is a bit misleading.

You could suspend something from the prongs or hold something in position in the centre of the jar, like several vanilla pods in a sugar pot (probably not a good example). There are also two areas on opposite sides of the pot which have tiny raised diamonds giving a rough texture, they provides a lot of grip if that is their purpose.

The more I think about it the more I believe the prongs are for holding something but I have no idea what.

John

[Ron]

It looks like a humidor. The prongs would hold a sponge which acts as a humidifier to keep the tobacco from drying out.

[glassobsessed]

I think you may well be right Ron, I have been able to find other examples of humidors one of which had a similar kind of arrangement under the lid. :hiclp:
Also helps to explain why the lid is fitted so well.

Maybe this design was registered to protect this particular arrangement of prongs.

Is the International Bottle Company mentioned in the Blue Book the same company that exists today with the that name?

Thank you both, it would have taken ages (if at all) to come up with this information.

John.

[Anne]

 :hi: John, could we add copies of these images to the GlassGallery Registered Design album please?

[glassobsessed]

Of course Anne, I would be honoured...

Use these or if you prefer I still have the high res originals.

John

[Lustrousstone]

Is the International Bottle Company mentioned in the Blue Book the same company that exists today with the that name?

I think so, except it's gone bust. It looks like they were taken over by an Indian company. Asset stripping springs to mind. They were certainly quite prolific at registering designs.

[Anne]

John, thank you. These will be fine as they fit the size limits on GG and show the items well too.