Name/Title
'Paul and Virginia' Foster & Bailey powder jars, c. 1905Entry/Object ID
2021.128.6Description
Acc. No. 21.128.6 A, B
Subject Category: Citizens of Alameda
Date or Period: c. 1905
Object: powder jars
Description: Two small powder jars, with jar in uncut blown octagonal clear glass, with round neck, and sterling silver lid with art nouveau pattern featuring an embracing couple seated precariously on a swing. On the rim of the silver: F & B Sterling Pat'd 2067. Lids may originally have had a gilt wash, as the undersides have a golden sheen.
Lids were badly oxidized with black tarnish, obscuring the pattern, and were polished by a museum volunteer at this time.
Sizes: Diameter (lid): 1 1/4 x Height 1 1/4 inches.
History of Object: Powder jars with lids from the Theodore W. Foster and Bros., Providence, RI, company, in operation between 1898 and 1951, but using the earlier F & B hallmark as Foster and Bailey company (in operation between 1878 and 1898). The pattern is generally referred to as 'Paul and Virginia' (reason unclear), and is quoted to date from around 1902 to 1905.
Before 1951, jewelry designs could not be copyrighted, and jewelry manufacturers applied for patents to protect their designs.
The jars were part of the estate of Nancy Martin, and may have belonged to her mother, Wenonah.
Acquired from: Estate of Nancy Martin
Donation Date: 2016
Catalog Date: 11/25/2021
