Help identifying tobaco holder/ashtray - "Majolica Wedgwood" 1898+-

[alexandercook]

We have a family piece that we have limited information on.  My father's grandmother acquired it.  She left one note inside of it (see the attached photo).  From what she says in the note, we think it's a tobaco holder or ashtray, but we are not certain.

We'd love to find out more about where this was made and who made it.  It is a very unique piece - we love it.

Thanks  

[D&b antiques]

it is a unique piece. it's Majolica English wedgewood. I doubt it's a tobacco jar. how tall is it ?

[KC]

Agree with D&b.  Looks like a biscuit jar or biscuit barrel to me (In England they are biscuits, in American they are cookies!).  Have seen Wedgewood Majolica....just not with these color schemes and relief figures!

Would like to know the dimensions!

Have only seen tobacco jars in Wedgewood Jaspar ware. 

Very unique...any markings on bottom.  Can you post a pic of the back side.

[alexandercook]

Thanks for the feedback!

Here are some more photos.  These first few are of the bottom.  I forgot to include a photo of the bottom in my original post. 

[alexandercook]

And some more:

[alexandercook]

And some measurements:

[Tim]

Appears to be a tobacco humidor to me. The hole in the lid holds a moist sponge to help keep the tobacco fresh!!!!

[regularjoe2]

Same as Tim here ... I'm pretty sure it's a humidor .

Here's a Majolica frog humidor from the same era .

[D&b antiques]

The paper label ( STICKER) Did'nt come in to use to about 1909 so 1888 is just about right. replacement value is about $ 450.00  Dollars.

[KC]

Yep...agree with the others about the tobacco humidor!  Agree with insurance value appx $450.

[alexandercook]

Neat!  Thanks for the info, all.

This is a great forum.  Thank you!

[luxetveritas]

A+ with the humidor, I actually inherited an Italian majolica cigar humidor from my grandfather, dated maybe around 1920, made by Egisto Fantechi that is similar to this one. I would put the insurance value around $500, and market value probably $150 (could be higher depending on where you would sell it).

If you are getting into majolica, you should invest in "Italian Pottery Marks from
Cantagalli to Fornasetti" for Italian pieces- great book, and very nice author.