"A Victorian Tartanware Mystery . . . "

What is it ? 

Greetings -

I mean, I guess we could play an extended version of "guess what this is. . . " in the comment section.  But, since the solution is a wee bit clouded in mystery - we would never know which of you had come up with the correct answer.

So let's start with some facts.  It was made in Scotland in the mid-to-late 1800's.  It is marked with "McPherson" to signify the tartan in which it is covered.  It is approximately 3 inches tall.  Its diameter is approximately 1 3/4 inches.  It opens.  And it has a small receptacle on its top.

Any ideas?

Well - there are actually two common answers to its name and use.  And I find both madly romantic.

"Since matches were essential to the Victorian home, makers 

assembled a wide assortment of match containers. Some were no more 

than novelty matchboxes serving no additional purpose, while others 

incorporated a bone holder for an individual match. 

Called "go to beds," this type could serve as a candle 

providing light just long enough to get into bed. 

Often their true purpose, however, was to melt 

sealing wax without burning the fingers."

from here. 

So whether you need to scurry across a darkened room to your canopy bed - guided by the light of a single candle - or just need to seal love letters from prying eyes - you are all set. 

Visit our complete collection of Victorian Tartanware at SMW Home.  We charge shipping - but, all the romance is included at no cost!

cheers,
Scot