Gorham 'Athenic' Antique Sterling Silver and Hoare Glass 'Cigar Jar', Providence, RI, 1901

Also referred to as a humidor, this rare item has a large, thick glass body deeply engraved with three scenes of spreading leaves and 3-petal clover displays. Another engraved floral scene travels around the shoulder of the glass. The collar to the base has three cartouches surrounded by an art nouveau scene of leaves and flowers and cutouts separating the three areas. One cartouche is monogrammed 'EMJ.' The domed cover is in Gorham's 'Athenic' design with bold plants and deep lines. An attached handle is bub-shaped with a blossoming flower on top.

Although this would make a wonderful cookie jar, this rare container is documented as a 'Cigar Jar,' with the glass supplied by 'Hoare' (J. Hoare & Co., Corning, NY) and invoiced on '4-15-1901.' (1) The finial has its own product number and was also used on marmalade jars (2), which are much smaller.

This magnificent jar is marked on the finial and base with Gorham's trademark and 'STERLING.' The finial is also marked 'D904' and the bottom edge of the cover is marked 'STERLING 5.' The removable base is further marked 'D837 3A.' The measurements are 5.75 inches in diameter by 9 inches tall. The glass is in stunning condition as is the silver which also retains their original gilding to the interiors of the cover and base. 

Endnotes:

1. Silver Control - Glass Products - 1895-1908, Gorham Archives at John Hay Library, Brown University, p.103.
2. American Cut Glass Association, The Glass of Gorham, Corning Museum of Glass, Corning, NY, p. 112.