19th century Rib Moulded Amber Leech Jar c1820

Description

Heading : Hand blown apothecary’s leech jar
Date : c1830
Period : George III
Origin : England
Colour : Amber
Rim : Flared
Body : Cup-shaped and rib moulded
Pontil : Snapped
Glass Type : Lead
Size : 6.8cm tall and approx. 7.5cm in diameter
Condition : Excellent
Restoration : None
Weight : 130 grams

Additional Information : A oddity for the antique glass or medical collector or simply a good conversation piece. A bowl shaped leech jar with its distinctive wide. folded lip. Smaller than the more elaborate porcelain jars of period apothecary shops from which the leeches would be transferred. Jars such as this one were provided by the apothecary to hold your purchased leeches and sealed with a piece of gauze tied over the mouth to facilitate passage of air and preventing escape of the precious leeches.

Such a jar will keep a leech good condition and ready for a bloodlettting for months without further attention. The first few decades of the 18th century gave rise to “leechmania”. the cure for everything. Ill stick with aspirin and single malt for now.