Sensational antique Doulton & Co. earthenware biscuit jar. c: 1858-1891. It appears to be hand painted and is in 'very good antique' condition. The bottom has a tiny incised mark: 'Doulton', (predecesser of Royal Doulton), and a red underglaze mark: 'A2171', and initials: 'WJ', (artist's initials I presume). Very difficult to get a picture of the marks due to the color of jar and being that the lettering is very tiny and worn; you need a good magnifier. The metal is silverplate, very sturdy, but unmarked; just the interior underside of lid is pitted, see pic#8. The silverplate has become darker since I took the pics; tarnish, as expected, but I leave the polishing up to you. This is a good sized jar, standing 9 inches tall up to top of handle; 7 tall to finial; or 6 tall if measuring up to lid rim. Some faint crazing on body and bottom of jar, really not noticeable unless you are under a strong light; and there is a small discolored spot of spidering on the interior bottom as expected for its age and use. One side of the jar has a crouching hunting dog amongst the flowers, and the other side has a quail. This is an amazing piece of earthenware. I have not come across anything comparable to this jar. shau-11-07