Very Heavy Antique Church Glass Container Holy Water/Oil?????

[susiecat]

I have a strange antique heavy glass container I believe it was used for church Holy Water or Holy Oil,has a thick glass cross on top held by some type of metal, but the strange thing is the bottom on top lid are 3 pontil where rod was broken off,the bottom has brush marks inside glass,measure from cross to bottom about 5" tall,across bottom 6",across top 4 1/2",2" deep,I know I've had this about 25+ years,never knew what it was,I would love to know or who the maker is,how old,I'm guessing early 1800's.I've added pictures of pontil all three are rough.Not smooth at all.

[mart]

I don`t see anything that looks like a pontil mark !!  I see three indents that allowed the metal part to fit !! Only way this was blown would have to be blown in mold !!  There is a faint seam in the bottom of the pic which tells me that is how it was made !!  is there an opening around the metal part ??  Could have been used for communion wafers !!

[Pelady]

My feeling is this is the top of an eternal light for a alter, sanctuary, or cementary.  This is a modern day equivalent.

https://www.churchpartner.com/product/40120/red-cemetery-lite-w-gold-plastic-dome/?source=google-products&CAWELAID=120337140000003700&catargetid=120337140000037351&cadevice=t&gclid=Cj0KCQiA84rQBRDCARIsAPO8RFwqzj4XW5bd9rsdrouWBd_wpEWyBOvxLMKwc1DWhzHH178bOIptAosaAja9EALw_wcB

PeLady

[mart]

That is certainly a likely possibility and would explain the weight and looks like it is open at top !! Oil burner !!

[susiecat]

The picture with the metal is the top that fit on the bottom.The picture didn't come out right for the bottom,I'll try again.Maybe better pics will help.

[KC]

Hmmmm...reminds me of a candle fixture...lamp.

[mart]

The picture with the metal is the top that fit on the bottom.The picture didn't come out right for the bottom,I'll try again.Maybe better pics will help.

Yes we know that !!

[susiecat]

I added more pictures,there's the 3 pontil very rough,top doesn't have an opening to put anything in.Top fit perfect.Top measure  from top of cross 6",bottom measure 3". There's no seam at all.

[mart]

Do not think pontil marks !! Pontil would not be used on a flat surface !! They look like they may have been made by a form of some sort since they appear to be placed at exact intervals !!

[KC]

Still think it is for a light...or if it is an old piece...perfume/incense burner.  Either one would benefit from the top that would allow for the release of smoke/fumes.