Drew & Sons, London, Sterling Silver Screw Top Jar

Fully stamped for London, sterling, and a date letter "r" for 1912, this item is also impressed "Drew & Sons, Piccadilly Circus," and "S.S.D" over "E.D" in a shield for Samuel Summers and Ernest Drew. A high end retailer, this company apparently traded in leather goods, personal items, luggage, pen sets, and silver items (cited as beginning in 1887). Sources indicate S.S. Drew himself retired or died in 1914, so this dates from his tenure, a high point for the firm. It is a 3" high by 3" at the widest cannister. It is exceptionally well-made and designed. with the exception of a 3/8" wide plain band at the top of the base, the exterior has an overall hammered surface evoking the Arts & Crafts style. The screw top cover has a rounded edge that overhangs the base, and it has a domed, knob-like feature in the center. The outside edge has four marks that match the base. The threading on the lid and base are finely machined, creating a snug, tight attachment. The threads are gold washed, as is the entire interior of the piece. The underside of the lid has a thick, cork lining with a central round, gold finished, plate that is stamped with the company name and a lion. Judging from the lingering scent on the interior, it was most recently used as a talcum powder jar, but is suited for storing anything that wants to be kept air tight and dry. The quality of the work, and the fit and finish are exemplary, as is the condition. Apart from slight scuffing on the underside, there are no signs of wear. It is heavy, meaning thick-walled, weighing 5.8 T. oz., including the value of the cork which is essentially negligible.