Edwardian English Sterling Silver Mounted Cut Glass Perfume Bottle
Vanity Set (Perfume/Scent Bottle) · The initials are partially obscured by tarnish, but the piece originates from a British silversmithing firm, likely based in Birmingham or London, specializing in small silver-mounted vanity items for the high-end retail market.
Pattern: Traditional Edwardian Cut Glass with Silver Mount; unique to the maker's catalog, circa early 20th century.
Type
Vanity Set (Perfume/Scent Bottle)
Maker
The initials are partially obscured by tarnish, but the piece originates from a British silversmithing firm, likely based in Birmingham or London, specializing in small silver-mounted vanity items for the high-end retail market.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity) collar mount; high-lead content cut glass body and multifaceted glass stopper.
Dimensions
Estimated height: 10-12 cm (4-5 inches); Silver weight is negligible (under 10g), mostly consist of the thin collar mount.
Description
An elegant example of Edwardian vanity silver, this perfume bottle features a brilliant, light-refracting cut glass body topped with a genuine British sterling silver mount. The interplay between the silver's luster and the glass's geometry characterizes the luxury of the early 1900s dressing table.
Key Features
Clearly struck British hallmarks on the collar; original faceted stopper; classic deep-cut glass pattern; 1901 date letter.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity) collar mount; high-lead content cut glass body and multifaceted glass stopper.
Finish & Decoration
High-polished silver finish with deep oxidation (tarnish); the glass body features heavy diamond and wedge cuts typical of the period.
Hallmarks & Stamps
The marks include: Lion Passant (British Sterling standard), Anchor (Birmingham Assay Office), and the date letter 'b' in a shield (specifically identifying the year 1901). There is also a partial maker's mark to the left.
Construction Details
The silver collar is a 'spun' or 'die-struck' thin gage sheet of silver, hand-fitted and cemented to the glass neck; the stopper is hand-ground to fit precisely into the bottle's throat.
Functional Features
Ground-glass airtight seal between the stopper and the neck to prevent evaporation of alcohol-based scents; flared collar to protect the fragile glass rim.
Handle & Grip Details
Faceted 'ball' or 'diamond' glass stopper serves as the grip; geometric facets provide traction for turning.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality lapidary work on the glass stopper; thin but professionally struck silver hallmarks; precise ground-glass neck for an airtight fit.
Authentication Indicators
Hallmark consistency (Lion, Anchor, Date Letter) matches official records; wear patterns on the silver are consistent with a century of handling.
Origin & Manufacturing
Birmingham, England—the historic center of the 'smallwork' and toy trade in British silver manufacturing.
Era & Period
Edwardian Era (1901-1910). The transition from Victorian ornate styles to the cleaner, more geometric lines of the early 20th century is evident.
Age Estimate
1901 based on the specific 'b' date letter and anchor assay mark.
Cultural Significance
Perfume bottles of this caliber were essential status symbols for the emerging middle and upper-class ladies of the Turn of the Century, often purchased at luxury retailers like Mappin & Webb.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. The silver collar shows significant tarnish and 'fire scale' or surface residue. There are minor dings in the soft silver mount. The glass appears intact but requires thorough cleaning.
Value Estimate
$85.00 - $150.00 USD, depending on the condition of the glass facets and the clarity of the maker's mark once cleaned.
Care & Maintenance
Polish with Wright’s Silver Cream using a soft-bristled brush to reach into the hallmark crevasses. Avoid submerging the neck in water to prevent the cement from failing.
Similar Pieces
Victorian Scent Bottles (usually more rounded/floral), Art Deco Perfume Bottles (more streamlined/colored glass), and contemporary silver-plate copies (which lack the lion passant mark).
Interesting Facts
In 1901, the year this was made, Queen Victoria had just died, and the accession of Edward VII brought a new 'lightness' and sparkle to interior design and personal accessories.