Early Nineteenth Century Glass Leech Jar

An early nineteenth century glass leech jar.

Completely undamaged, this rare survivor consists of a glass bowl with folded outswept rim with a capstan stem and pontil mark to the base indicating its earlier origins.

These jars were kept by apothecaries to store leeches used for the purposes of blood letting on patients, a common practice for centuries and considered a cure for numerous health issues. The jar would have been covered with a layer of muslin to the top and secured with a piece of string around the inverted part of the rim.