HELME'S RAILROAD MILLS AMBER JAR

Don't ask me where this interest comes from, but I've got a thing for all things old.  Because of this, yard/garage sales, thrift stores and antique stores are particularly exciting fun for me.  I hit my first yard sale of the season last week and came upon a few great finds.  The first is this amber canning jar...very clear with no hazing, cracks or chips.

I performed some online research and I found that the jar was originally sold containing "snuff", with an ad campaign that touted it's ability to be used as a canning jar once emptied.  The era of the jar is mid to late 1800's and is inscribed "Helme's Railroad Mills". It has a zinc ring, a matching amber glass lid and an OLD rubber gasket.  While the gasket is past it's prime, I'm reluctant to get rid of it, not knowing if that would affect the value.  The company was based in Jonesburg, VA. I won't be using this for canning, but will opt for storage of a bulk food item, perhaps oat bran.

The other find was a vintage frame. The frame appears to be made out of walnut, with with an inner border of fine plaster detailing. The glass is in good condition. I already have a project in mind for it...I'm thinking sepia toned photography.