Also Called :
Jam Jars, Pots-Honey
Rarity :
Very Rare
Age :
Mid to late 19th century
Price Range :
$750.-$1,000.
Dimensions :
Left to Right:
4 3/4″ top rim diameter x 4 3/4″ high; Top diameter: 3 7/8″
4 3/4″ top rim diameter x 4 1/2″ high; Top diameter: 4″
4 3/4″ top tim diameter x 4 1/2 high; Top diameter: 3 7/8″
4 3/8″ top rim diameter x 4 1/4″ high; Top diameter: 3 5/8″
Weight :
Left to Right:
Total Weight: 1 lb. 5 oz.; Top: 4 oz.; Bottom: 1 lb. 1 oz.
Total Weight: 1 lb. 5 oz.; Top: 4 oz.; Bottom: 1 lb. 1 oz.
Total Weight: 1 lb. 5 oz.; Top: 5 oz.; Bottom: 1 lb.
Total Weight: 1 lb.; Top: 4 oz.; Bottom: 12 oz.
Provenance :
Left to right:
1996
Northeast Auctions-2002
Mellin Antiques/Julie Lindberg Antiques, 2013
William Doyle Auction, NYC-2010/Julie Lindberg Antiques, 2013
Availability :
ALL SOLD
Description: These jars or pots are somewhat of a mystery as to their original use. Jane Wilson says they were jam jars. Herbert Schiffer does not picture them in his book. It is now generally believed they were made to hold honey. Intriguing are the 4 small holes in the top rims. It is believed string went through the holes to hang the pots up in the pantry to keep ants out! They are rare and costly.
The tops fit into an inset rim and are decorated with 2-3 sampans. The knobs are very primitive and hard to grasp which may be a sign that they were made in the late 1800s. Jane Wilson pictured one in her 1977 booklet on page 28, the knob is completely different, a loop with 2 little bumps on top. The bases are glazed and have rims. There are 3 cutouts in the base rims which gives the effect that there are 3 feet. Note: there is no rain cloud border on any of the examples we have seen.
Note that the far right example is significantly smaller than the other 3 pots. We have not seen any other example of this smaller size so, it should be considered even rarer.