Vintage 1936 silver top and hobnail cut glass Birmingham hallmarked dressing table cotton wool dispenser this stunning item has a beautiful M monogram in the top hallmarked for 1936 unfortunately the makers name is rubbed so can't read 8 cm tall 7 cm round some age related wear 
The history of hobnail glass includes: 
Origin
The hobnail pattern was originally produced in the Victorian era and was known as "Dew Drop" glass. The term "hobnail" refers to a nail with a large head, and the pattern is characterized by raised knobs or studs. 
Fenton Art Glass Company
In 1939, the Fenton Art Glass Company in Williamstown, West Virginia introduced their hobnail pattern. The company first produced hobnail in translucent colors, then in white milk glass. In 1940, Fenton began selling hobnail in French opalescent, green opalescent, and cranberry opalescent. The hobnail pattern became the company's top-selling line and allowed them to survive World War II and expand after the war. Fenton produced hobnail into the 1980s. 
Patented method
In 1886, Hobbs, Brockunier and Company patented a method for pressing opalescent glass. This method created a "Dewdrop" pattern where the projecting nodules became slightly opaque, while the body remained translucent. 
Hobnail glass is now one of the most sought-after styles of antique glass. Many of the colors produced by Fenton are still available on the secondary market.