Antique Victorian Cranberry Glass Biscuit Barrel C1890

Technical Description An exceptional late 19th or early 20th century glass biscuit barrel. Cranberry in colour it has its original white metal lid and handle above a diamond moulded body with small geometric flower heads in between. The pattern leads down all the way to the polished pontil. A stunning piece both decorative and functional. Date & Origin England, c1890-1910. Period of Victoria. Dimensions Height: 18cm Diameter: 13cm. Historical Context Second Boer War begins in South Africa in 1899, After the First Boer War in 1880-1881, the Boers (farmers of European descent) of the Transvaal forced the British government to recognise their independence. But the Boers refused to recognise the rights of the British (many prospecting for gold) in the Transvaal, leading to the Second Boer War. Although the Boers had initial military successes, the war ended in May 1902 with a Boer surrender. It was costly and unpopular war and Britain received much international criticism for its use of concentration camps.