Antique French Sterling and Glass Petite Bottle

A treasured find from a recent visit to France, we were charmed by the exquisite details of this Antique French Sterling and Glass Petite Bottle. Sweetly sized for travel or a day of carriage rides paying carefully executed calls on one's inner circle, this lovely bottle is topped by a diminutive engine turned sterling cap. With a delightful engraved monogram 'MS' surrounded by tiny circles loosely arranged in a geometric beaded border, the top of this intricately rendered cap flips open to reveal the full splendor of the handsome bottle whose contents remain secure thanks to an original cut glass stopper. Sparing no detail, the neck of the exquisite bottle is encircled by an identical silver motif, which highlights and serves to protect the rim of the petite vial. 

With hallmarks for French silver and an artisan mark for a maker now lost to the annals of time, this personal accessory would have been used for carrying a few drops of precious fragrance with which to scent one's outgoing correspondence to eligible gentlemen or more likely, for smelling salts. As evidenced in literature and many classic period dramas with which we are all familiar, these aromatic elixirs played a vital role in maintaining societal norms. From reviving fainting ladies to feigning one's own "spell" as an excuse to exit an uncomfortable situation, ammonia salts carried in a discreet but fashionable container were a standard woman's accessory until the mid 20th century. 

This incredible bottle is certain to lend an air of romance to any setting, whether poised on the vanity, displayed within an elegant vignette or treasured as a special keepsake within your personal silver or antique accessories collection. 

Strictly limited and subject to prior sale. In very good antique condition with small indentations to the bottle cap and a small chip in the glass stopper as shown in the images. 3.5"H x .75" in diameter.