Two Antique British Two-Tone Salt-Glazed Stoneware Advertising Vessels

This lot comprises two antique cylindrical two-tone salt-glazed stoneware vessels of British origin, dating from the late 19th to early 20th century. Both items exhibit a traditional Bristol-style glaze featuring a dark brown upper section over a cream-coloured lower body.

The smaller vessel is a varnish jar of cylindrical form with a rounded shoulder and narrow neck, retaining a small cork stopper. The shoulder is impressed with a three-line inscription reading: C.W.S. VARNISH WORKS DERBY. This identifies the piece as originating from the Co-operative Wholesale Society’s industrial works in Derby.

The larger vessel is a storage jug with a cylindrical body, rounded shoulder, narrow neck, and a loop handle. The shoulder is impressed with the inscription: SYMONS’ RATCLIFFE JAR 3/-. The 3/- marking denotes a three-shilling price or deposit value. Ratcliffe refers to the industrial hamlet in Stepney, East London.