Topic: So, I have a Sowerby thing...

[LinzC]

...and it looks like the sort of thing that would be used as a toothbrush holder, or a vase that's contained inside another pot.  The last possibility is, I presume, what it has been used for as it has blushing and deposits inside. The lip on it would make it awkward to drink from, so I'm sure its not a tumbler (as was stated).

The "vase"? is not very large 3 1/2" tall, 3/8" wide lip, 3 1/4" diameter at the top and 1 5/8" across the base.

Aesthetically it has nothing going for it at all.  I'm just curious (as always) as I've not come across, what is essentially, a liner with a Sowerby mark before and I could find nothing through the boards search feature. Nor, anything in the pattern books that look a a multi-part object with this shaped piece.  So, does anybody have any ideas? (other than chucking it )

[LinzC]

Think I just accidentally answered my own question. 

In the 1885 catalogue, there is a pattern #1692 under Custards & Jellies, available in two sizes - although it doesn't say what the sizes are.  It looks a likely contender.

[Paul S.]

I'm surprised that something as plain and utility as this shape should have been described, by the factory, as a jelly or custard, though agree that's what it says in the catalogue.      I've never seen a C19 jelly or custard as plain and simple  -  and at this period Sowerby were making traditionally shaped custards and jellies, which are more decorative and shaped, and shown in the same catalogue.
Quite why the lip I'm unsure, and agree very boring design wise, though it is about the right size for a jelly or custard  ...............  I should bin it if I were you or use it for your toothbrush

[chopin-liszt]

It looks exactly like the sort of inkwell I had in my school desk. (showing my age)
But it is a bit bigger. I think my inkwell was just over an inch tall.
I don't know how big the well would have been in my teacher's desk.

[Lustrousstone]

It was probably a mould for custard or jelly rather than a serving dish. One portion would just plop out nicely

[LinzC]

That's a really good point Christine. 

It is very similar in size/shape to the moulds I'd use for my madeleines (English not French).  It's a perfect size for an individual portion.

  Happy now - it might not be used for my toothbrush after all.