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Octagonal Cut Glass Scent Bottle with Gilt Metal Mount

Small antique octagonal cut glass scent bottle with elaborate gilt metal cap and collar, held in hand, on a scale. - view 1
1/3

Estimated value

$40 - $120

Rarity

Average(4/10)

Era

Late 19th - Early 20th Century

Origin

🌍 International

Authenticity

High(75%)
26

OCTAGONAL CUT GLASS SCENT BOTTLE WITH GILT METAL MOUNT: ORIGINS & SIGNIFICANCE

This appears to be a small scent or perfume bottle, crafted from clear, faceted glass with an octagonal cross-section. The glass body is topped with a decorative gilt-metal collar and cap, suggesting it was once used for personal fragrance application. The design speaks to an era where such items were indispensable travel or dressing table accessories.

ORNAMENT ACROSS TRADITIONS

Where This Object Echoes

Victorian England1837-1901

Elaborately decorated scent bottles were a staple of personal grooming and fashion accessories, often found on dressing tables or in travel kits.

Art Nouveau France1890-1910

While this bottle has more conventional facets, the period saw a rise in artistic glass perfume bottles by makers like Lalique and Baccarat, elevating them to art forms.

Ritual & Ceremonial Use

  • •The ritual of applying personal fragrance from beautifully crafted bottles, a daily elegant gesture.
  • •The tradition of carrying small, personal items for adornment and utility within a reticule or purse.

Meaning Through Time

18th-19th Century

A necessary part of maintaining personal hygiene and social refinement, often concealing faint body odors or delivering refreshing aromas.

20th Century onwards

Primarily a symbol of luxury and personal style, with perfumes becoming an integral part of the fashion industry.

CRAFT THROUGH THE AGES

Scent bottles like this enjoyed widespread popularity from the 18th century through the early 20th century, particularly among the affluent. They served not just as functional containers for perfumes, but as stylish accessories, often kept in a lady's purse or on a vanity. The craftsmanship seen ...
Scent bottles like this enjoyed widespread popularity from the 18th century through the early 20th century, particularly among the affluent. They served not just as functional containers for perfumes, but as stylish accessories, often kept in a lady's purse or on a vanity. The craftsmanship seen in the cut glass and metalwork on such pieces often mirrored contemporary fashion and design trends, moving from more elaborate Rococo styles to the simpler lines of the Neoclassical and later periods.

ARTISAN FOOTNOTES

1

Before the advent of modern spray atomizers, perfume was often dabbed onto the skin using a stopple or applicator rod, common features of early scent bottles.

2

Many antique scent bottles were designed as 'vinaigrettes,' containing a sponge soaked in aromatic vinegar or smelling salts, used to revive delicate ladies who might faint from tight corsets or unpleasant odors.

HOW SCARCE IS IT?

Average55-70%
CommonLegendary

Typical antique shop fare. Requires some searching but regularly available. This is where most genuine antiques fall.

Typical Characteristics

  • Standard antique shop items
  • Regularly available
  • Moderate collector interest

Confidence Factors

  • Design and materials are consistent with period production of such items.
  • Wear patterns on the gilt metal appear genuine, not artificially aged.
How does authenticity detection work?

DECORATIVE ARTS EXPERT'S TAKE

Decorative Arts Specialist

Ceramics & Silver Expert

The visual characteristics of the cut glass and the worn gilt metal mount strongly suggest a period scent bottle. My confidence is high regarding its general typology and age, but without any discernible marks, origin and precise dating remain approximate.

KEY EVIDENCE

  • 1Octagonal, clear cut glass body with distinct facets.
  • 2Gilt metal cap and collar with decorative molding and what appears to be a hinged stopper.
  • 3Visible wear and tarnishing on the gilt metal, suggesting age and use.
  • 4Small scale indicates personal use, likely a scent or vinaigrette bottle.

WHAT WOULD IMPROVE CERTAINTY

  • →Examine the interior of the bottle for any residue or an original stopper/dabber.
  • →Inspect the gilt metal mount for any maker's marks or hallmarks, especially on the underside or hidden areas.
  • →A gentle cleaning of the metal might reveal clearer details of the decorative work or any potential marks.
  • →Measure dimensions for more accurate historical comparison.

CONDITION & GRADE

Condition

The glass appears free of major chips or cracks, which is a good sign. The gilt-metal mount shows wear to the finish, particularly on the prominent surfaces and edges, revealing the base metal beneath in areas. This is often seen in pieces that were regularly handled and carried.

Surface

The glass exhibits crisp faceting with minimal surface wear, maintaining its clarity. The gilt metal mount shows some surface rubbing and minor tarnishing consistent with age, indicating either gold plating or a gilded finish rather than solid gold.

Weight & feel

Given its size and material, the bottle would likely feel light to moderately substantial in hand, typical for a cut glass and metal assembly of this period.

DECORATIVE ARTS VALUATION

$40 - $120

Updated: Feb 27, 2026

  • Market comparables from auctions & retail
  • Condition, completeness & craftsmanship
  • Current collector demand & trends
  • Low = quick sale, high = patient seller

For informational purposes only, not a formal appraisal.

FROM THE CABINET OF

MA

margreet
Wonderseeker•2 items

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