Antique George V Sterling Silver-Lidded Cut Glass Vanity Jar, Hardy Brothers Ltd, Birmingham 1912

An elegant antique George V cut glass vanity jar or dressing-table pot with a solid sterling silver lid, bearing the Hardy Brothers Ltd sponsor’s mark and fully hallmarked for Birmingham, 1912.

The cylindrical glass body is richly decorated with a detailed hobnail and diamond-cut pattern, complemented by a star-cut base. The fitted sterling silver lid features a refined engine-turned vertical stripe design, a delicate beaded border and a vacant circular cartouche, preserving its clean and unengraved appearance.

The lid also carries the Hardy Bros Ltd Made in England stamp. Hardy Brothers is one of Australia’s historic jewellery and silverware retailers, and silver items bearing the firm’s British sponsor marks remain especially appealing to Australian collectors.

With its practical proportions, substantial sterling silver lid and attractive cut-glass body, this jar is suitable for use as a trinket pot, jewellery container or decorative dressing-table accessory. It would also make a thoughtful gift for a collector of English hallmarked silver or Australian retail history.

Details

Item: Antique vanity jar, dressing-table jar or trinket pot

Retailer / Sponsor Mark: Hardy Brothers Ltd

Assay Office: Birmingham, England

Date: 1912

Period: George V

Material: Cut glass body with fitted solid sterling silver lid, .925

Hallmarks: Hardy Brothers Ltd sponsor’s mark, Birmingham anchor, lion passant and date letter for 1912

Additional Mark: Hardy Bros Ltd Made in England

Silver Weight: 53.3 grams, lid only

Dimensions: Height 8.5 cm, diameter 8 cm

Design: Hobnail and diamond-cut glass body with star-cut base; engine-turned sterling silver lid with vertical stripe pattern, beaded border and vacant circular cartouche

Condition

Very good antique condition. The sterling silver lid has a slight dent to one side, and the glass jar has a minor chip along the rim. Please review the photographs carefully, as they form part of the description.

Historical and Collector Context

Founded in 1853, Hardy Brothers is one of Australia’s historic jewellery and silverware retailers. The company used registered British sponsor marks on English-made silverware, including vanity items, table silver and decorative objects intended for the Australian market.

This jar was assayed in Birmingham in 1912 during the reign of George V. Its clearly marked sterling silver lid, practical dressing-table form and finely cut glass body make it an attractive example of early 20th-century silver-mounted vanity ware with additional Australian collector appeal.

Please Note

All items are vintage or antique and may show light signs of age. Please review all photos carefully as they form part of the description. Feel free to message with any questions prior to purchase.