October Fall Classic
Lot 1146i:
Description
This is an exceptional pairing of English bulldog collectibles, likely dating to the late 19th or very early 20th century. The main event is the charming milk glass tobacco jar (or perhaps a biscuit jar), featuring a beautiful pink-to-brown enamel-decorated ombre finish with three hand-painted bulldog portraits—a classic, popular motif of the era. The inscription “THREE GUARDSMEN” is clearly visible beneath the dogs. A tobacco pipe is depicted on the opposite side. The jar is topped with a heavy, original brass or spelter lid with a slight dome and knob finial, typical of Victorian-era humidors. Accompanying it is a highly detailed, heavy bronzed metal bulldog figural table lighter, a handsome piece of desk or smoking paraphernalia designed for cigars or cigarettes, complete with a slot in the back that held the sparking surface, and the original removable mechanical lighter insert. The glass jar shows some minor wear to the gilt metal lid’s surface, consistent with age, and a few small scratches or imperfections in the glass’s painted surface near the bottom edge, but the internal white glass is clean. The metal bulldog has a rich, multi-toned bronze patina with some copper highlights and the original lighter mechanism is present, though its functionality is unknown. This is a rare, complete, and highly desirable set for a collector of early smoking accessories or canine-themed antiques. H 7″, W 6″, D 6′ (Vessel) H 4″, W 3″, D 4.5″ (Lighter)
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