http://www.amtreasures.com/ItemDetail_Item_ME0201.aspx
Is this from your family ?? I am not an expert,, but that would be my opinion !! I will do some additional research !! The link has one made similarly from Austria and unmarked as well !! Will find more tomorrow for comparison !! The one above says Vintage and is likely same era,,1940 or 1950`s !!
I would say no older than 1930 but more likely mid century !! See the large hole on the bottom ?? That is to keep it from exploding in the kiln !! Before 1920 or about they used a very small hole !! The large hole is a modern manufacture !! And as I said in another post,, the foot does not show the wear it should have for that date !! Remember that foot is unglazed and porous,, it will absorb anything in the air !! I do not care how clean one tries to be ,, that is unavoidable !! Even when one dusts today,, rarely do they touch that part of pottery !!
Okay, I’m with you…thanks for explanation!
The larger number would be the mold number,, the next would likely be the factory size designation,,and they do not always make sense to me,, the black is the decorators number or initials or whatever they choose to use !! That is why they are a different color from the factory marks !!
Where did you get this item ?? Its not a very old piece !!
The humidor should be from at least the late 1800’s based on the family history involved. What would you estimate the age to be when you say, “not very old”, please? Thanks for your assistance.
Alright, thank you. I was doing some reading and it looks like the “Hole” in the lid is where a wet sponge is placed to keep tobacco moist. You have a very good point about the lack of where on the porous base. This humidor was actually from my neighbor/friend who passed away at age 95 this year. She mentioned it was her grandfathers, but it is possible that she meant father’s. I can only hope that I have her wit when I am 95! Again, thanks for your kind help….PS. I subscribed to other forum.