Vintage Florentine Style Engraved Silver-Plated Perfume Flask by Florenza
Vanity Set / Decorative Object (Perfume Flask/Scent Bottle) · Florenza (Dan Kasoff Inc.). Founded in New York City in 1948, known for Victorian-revival and 'old world' aesthetic costume jewelry and vanity accessories.
Pattern: Florentine Scrollwork Pattern; mid-20th-century vanity line.
Type
Vanity Set / Decorative Object (Perfume Flask/Scent Bottle)
Maker
Florenza (Dan Kasoff Inc.). Founded in New York City in 1948, known for Victorian-revival and 'old world' aesthetic costume jewelry and vanity accessories.
Material
Silver electroplate over white metal/pot metal; typically features a vintage matte patina.
Dimensions
Approximately 2.5 inches in height including cap; lightweight, roughly 40-60 grams.
Description
An elegant mid-century perfume flask designed to mimic the grandeur of 18th-century European silver. The piece features heavy faux-oxidization to highlight the intricate scrolling leaf motifs, offering a romantic, antique feel to a modern dressing table.
Key Features
Distinctive triangular Florenza logo; heavily textured 'Florentine' scrollwork; pumpkin-ribbed screw cap; antiqued matte silver finish.
Material & Composition
Silver electroplate over white metal/pot metal; typically features a vintage matte patina.
Finish & Decoration
Oxidized silver finish with machine-etched or die-struck Rococo-style scroll and leaf designs. Features a ribbed, bulbous screw-top lid and a triangular cartouche on the shoulder.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped 'FLORENZA' with a copyright symbol (©) inside a triangular frame; also marked 'A2' or similar mold numbers reflecting the casting line.
Construction Details
Die-cast metal body constructed in two halves and soldered together; the internal vessel is typically glass or plastic to contain scent.
Functional Features
Threaded screw-top cap with internal stopper to prevent evaporation of perfume; square-bottomed for stability on a vanity.
Handle & Grip Details
The grip is a ribbed/beaded pumpkin-shaped screw cap made of matching silver-finished base metal.
Craftsmanship Details
Machine-cast production with hand-finished assembly and artificial patination to simulate age; high-quality commercial grade for the mid-century period.
Authentication Indicators
The presence of the copyright symbol indicates a post-1955 production date; the block font within the triangle is characteristic of authentic Florenza vanity wares.
Origin & Manufacturing
Made in the USA, specifically New York City, by the Dan Kasoff Inc. production facility.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern (Victorian Revivalist), c. 1950-1960. Reflects the post-war American fascination with 'antique-look' vanity items.
Age Estimate
Circa 1955-1965 based on the style of the 'Florenza' mark and popularity of vanity accessories.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'Golden Age' of the American vanity set, where accessories were designed as jewelry for the home.
Condition Notes
Good vintage condition; visible 'rub-through' on corners where silver plating has worn to show base metal; heavy tarnish consistent with aged oxidation.
Value Estimate
$25.00 - $45.00 USD depending on the presence of the original internal glass vial and cap seal.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a dry, soft cloth only. Avoid silver dips or abrasive polishes which will strip the thin electroplating and the intended 'oxidized' artistic finish.
Similar Pieces
Matson or Guildcrest perfume bottles frequent the market; Matson usually features simpler horizontal gold-toned styles, whereas Florenza is known for this specific heavy relief texture.
Interesting Facts
Florenza pieces were sold in high-end department stores like Lord & Taylor and Neiman Marcus; they also produced boutique items for Estée Lauder.