Fabulous Silver Gilt & Coral, Crystal Vanity Jar (1866)

This fabulous, wonderful quality, Victorian solid silver lidded cut-crystal vanity jar has been exceptionally well-made and beautifully decorated. It features an amazing sterling silver lid (originally hinged), and mount made in a thick, heavy gauge of silver with a vacant, round gilded cartouche in the centre bordered with a row of coral beads and would have opened by pushing a small button on the front. The top, sides, box mount and interior of the cover are engraved in lovely detail with posies of flowers, geometric patterns, and acanthus leaf detail, and it is clearly hallmarked on the side and the underside of the lid. It was made in 1866 by ‘Abraham Brownett’ (AB), a London based silversmith known for his fine quality work and is also stamped with the original retailer’s mark ‘SOUTHCOMBE’ ‘130 & 131 Jermyn ST. London’. The lovely, cylindrical shaped crystal jar is deeply hand-cut on the base and around the sides in the popular ‘hobnail’ pattern. The lid has sadly come apart at the hinge, otherwise this fabulous piece is in great condition, its opening mechanism functions well and it still retains its original gilding. It measures 6cm in diameter, stands 12,5cm high and weighs 665g.