Made in the mid-nineteenth century to contain Gentleman's Relish, an anchovy-based fish paste that was used as a spread on toast. The piquant spread was flavoured with spices and thickened with bread crumbs. Very much a product for the more socially important portion of society hence the lavish packaging. Even so, the rarity of the jars surpasses their origin as packaging for fish paste.
The coloured decoration is known as transfer printing and was a developement of a technique, patented by George Baxter, to reproduce on paper, paintings by what he called "Patent Oil Printing".
The scene depicted is part of the legend of the Charge of the Light Brigade which took place during the Crimean War. This fairly accurately dates the jar to about 1855.
Height 80 mm.
Repair to top lip.