Antique Deluxe English Carved Crystal and Sterling Silver Cosmetic Storage Jar- 1900
Lovely deluxe cosmetic storage jar with rounded crystal body and solid silver lid. The crystal is wonderfully hand-carved all around in a checkered pattern with smaller starburts and lozenge-shaped facets within each checker. The heavy silver lid has an intricate repoussé and chased design of flowers, leaves, and swirls, and the interior is beautifully gilded. The craftsmanship and detail are exquisite- see pictures. This jar is in very good antique condition (especially considering its age of well over 100 years old)- there are just a few tiny micro-chips on some of the facets and edges (but the intricacy of the facets makes these difficult to see). The lid is in excellent condition with no dents nor other damage- it just has the light surface scratching common to antique silver items, and some natural patina. The outside edge of the lid is clearly hallmarked with a lion passant (indicating english sterling silver), an anchor (indicating a birmingham assay), the capital letters l&s in a rectangle (the maker's mark indicating the silversmith levi and salaman), and the lowercase date letter a (indicating a production year of 1900). The jar measures approximately 3 inches (7.6 cm) tall with the lid on. The lid is made of a thick gauge of silver, weighing about 33 grams by itself (over 1 troy ounce). This is an beautiful example of an antique cosmetic jar that could be used for its original purpose of containing cosmetics or could be used to store other toiletries such as cotton balls/swabs, or bath salts.
It would make a nice addition to your collection or a unique luxury gift. Please ask any questions and thank you for looking. Note: since this item is 123 years old, i have purposely not polished the silver as some collectors prefer the natural antique patina.
It would certainly look stunning if polished to a high shine, and i can do this for you free of charge if you wish- simply include a note when purchasing.