Posted 10 years ago
Mart
(1 item)
I have a set (pitcher and 6 mugs) of antique mugs. They have been in the family since 1945 or older. I want to know what they mean and are they worth anything. The have been passed down to me and I am curious about it.
On the bottom tlthe say "Compliments of BY Jessar 1748 Orthodox St". They also have a stamp on each piece.
Hello! The name is B.Z. Jessar. I have found a few references to the building, but little information on the company itself, with just one newspaper mention of B.Z. Jessar Wholesale Wines and Liquors in 1912, and a mention of B.Z. Jessar at the address on your set in the American jewish Yearbook of 1916. This seems to be an advertising giveaway. Such giveaways were not uncommon in the early part of the 20th century, though I've not seen too many this elaborate. I haven't been able to determine the history of the company so it's difficult to say exactly when this was made, but I personally think it dates to the first decade of the 20th century. As for what they're worth... they're worth what ever you can get someone to pay for them. The subject matter is great, many people collect advertising items as well as pieces depicting monks, so this set is what we call a "twofer," meaning it appeals to two different sets of collectors. I haven't found evidence of any such set ever being sold on eBay or at auction elsewhere so it's wide open what you might expect to get.