Antique James Macintyre & Co. Edinburgh Armorial Tobacco Jar / Humidor
Burslem, England — Edwardian Period — Circa 1905–1913
Offered here is a very interesting and uncommon antique ceramic tobacco jar or humidor manufactured by James Macintyre & Co. of Burslem, Staffordshire, England, dating to the early 20th century.
The jar features the historic coat of arms of the City of Edinburgh, Scotland, applied to the front in color. The decoration includes Edinburgh’s distinctive castle, female supporter, stag/hind, anchor and heraldic banner, with “EDINBURGH” printed beneath the arms.
The underside bears the original factory mark:
MACINTYRE
J M & Co.
BURSLEM
ENGLAND
This mark is associated with the James Macintyre pottery works in Burslem, one of the well-known Staffordshire ceramic manufacturers of the late Victorian and Edwardian periods.
Historical Background
James Macintyre & Co. operated the Washington Works in Burslem, Staffordshire, producing a wide range of domestic pottery, art pottery, commemorative wares, advertising pieces, crested wares and tobacco-related ceramics.
Period advertising from Macintyre specifically refers to its production of “Coat of Arms Ware,” which included pieces decorated for cities, colleges, institutions and other organizations.
This Edinburgh example appears to belong to that product line and was likely produced for the Scottish souvenir or specialty retail market.
The piece likely dates from approximately 1905–1913, placing it firmly within the Edwardian era.
William Moorcroft famously worked for James Macintyre beginning in the late 1890s and remained associated with the company until approximately 1912–1913. This jar was therefore produced during the general Macintyre/Moorcroft period; however, this piece is being sold strictly as a James Macintyre & Co. armorial tobacco jar and is not represented as a signed William Moorcroft piece.
Mechanical Airtight Lid
One of the most interesting features is the original mechanical screw-compression lid assembly.
The ceramic lid fits into the mouth of the jar and is secured by a heavy three-armed metal locking mechanism. Turning the central metal knob tightens the assembly against the rim of the jar, helping create a tighter seal for preserving pipe tobacco.
This style of mechanical locking lid is documented on other Macintyre tobacco jars from the same general period.
The original metal mechanism is still present, which is important because these assemblies are frequently lost, damaged or separated from antique tobacco jars over time.
Decoration
The front bears the historic Edinburgh civic coat of arms.
The design includes:
- Edinburgh Castle
- Female heraldic supporter
- Stag/hind supporter
- Anchor device
- Heraldic banner and motto
- “EDINBURGH” beneath the crest
The decoration remains attractive and clearly legible.
Approximate Size
Please refer carefully to the ruler shown in the photographs for exact scale.
The jar is approximately:
5 inches in diameter
and approximately:
5 inches tall including the lid assembly
Measurements are approximate.
Condition
The jar is in good antique condition considering its age of well over 100 years.
Visible age-related characteristics include:
- overall glaze crazing
- surface dirt and discoloration
- staining and residue inside the jar
- wear around the upper rim
- oxidation and patina on the metal lid mechanism
- age-related marks and abrasions
- darkening and wear to portions of the base
- normal antique ceramic manufacturing irregularities
The Edinburgh coat of arms remains colorful and clearly visible.
The Macintyre factory mark on the bottom is also clearly legible.
The ceramic body appears solid in the photographs and no major body break or obvious large missing section is apparent.
The metal screw-clamping lid mechanism is present.
Please examine all photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the description and show the exact item being offered.
Because this is an antique item, it is being sold in its present condition and has not been aggressively cleaned or restored.
Collector Interest
This piece may be of interest to collectors of:
- James Macintyre pottery
- Staffordshire ceramics
- Edwardian pottery
- antique tobacco jars
- pipe tobacco humidors
- Scottish antiques
- Edinburgh memorabilia
- Scottish heraldry
- coat-of-arms pottery
- crested ware
- British souvenir pottery
Macintyre tobacco jars are known to collectors, but examples decorated specifically with the Edinburgh civic arms appear considerably less frequently than the more commonly encountered college, university and generic armorial examples.
A very attractive early 20th-century British tobacco jar with strong Scottish and Edinburgh collector appeal.
Circa: 1905–1913
Maker: James Macintyre & Co.
Origin: Burslem, Staffordshire, England
Decoration: Edinburgh, Scotland civic coat of arms
Material: Glazed ceramic / earthenware with metal locking hardware
Purpose: Pipe tobacco jar / humidor
Good antique condition for age. Original ceramic jar and mechanical screw-clamping lid present. Displays glaze crazing, interior staining, rim wear, surface dirt, oxidation/patina to metal hardware and normal age-related wear. Edinburgh crest remains clear and colorful. Macintyre Burslem England factory mark is clearly visible on base. Please review all photos carefully.
Please review all photographs carefully before purchasing.
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