This is a rare and early piece of Wedgwood which was discovered in Brussels, Belgium.
After some research, we believe it to be a cookie barrel made to hold Belgian biscuits. It could also be a tobacco jar, but useful either way!
There are maker's engravings of 'Wedgwood', 'England' and either a '1' (number of each product made for the kiln) or 'J' (potterer's initial) stamped in the base.
The metal lid is made from an unknown metal; tin or possibly silver - but we are pretty sure it is silver plated at the very least. We cannot see any hallmarks to the metal but it is in good condition. The engraving depicts a watering can, a bird, a wheat sheaf and grain so it's probably a harvest theme; baking/food.
Around the sides are cherubs/cupids again on a harvesting theme.
The jar / barrell measures 11.5cm high and 14cm wide, and weighs just over 1kg.
We've been advised by a WW expert that this dates from the late 1800's to early art nouveau era.
We've been unable to find any reference to this shape online so it seems to be very scarce and collectible piece of WW indeed!
