MALTESE & FAN (OMN: No. 102)

Description	:	MALTESE & FAN (OMN: No. 102) by Hobbs, Brockunier & Co., first issued in August 1886. Original press stated that it was an imitation of cut glass. In the Bredehoft book on Hobbs, an original catalog illustration shows 18 shapes, including a tumbler, spooner, and celery. No castor jar is shown. The tumbler had no 'fan' pattern, the celery is too tall, and the spooner has an irregular top rim. The castor jar is different size than all of those possible "imposters". I later talked to Tom Bredehoft and he said he has seen a few of these after their book was written. Because the castor jar is more narrow at the base than the top rim, a standard-shaped pickle castor frame does not work. This JAMES TUFTS frame was purchased with a clear jar insert, and then I swapped it out for the vaseline version. I have not been able to find an original catalog illustration for this TUFTS frame, but have found other catalog illustrations that show HOBBS glass illustrated in TUFTS holders, including a large berry bowl in the MALTESE AND FAN pattern. I believe that this frame was made specifically for this oddly-shaped jar. The lid and base of the frame both have the same inventory number. The most interesting feature of the Tufts frame is the Rhino head peg to hold the tongs. The Maltese & Fan pattern came in canary, clear, old gold (similar to Hobbs FRANCES WARE) and blue. The cross pattern looks like a Maltese or Iron Cross. Photo Donated To Gallery By Mr. Vaseline Glass (aka: Dave Peterson)