Antique French Sterling Silver Enamel Glass Liquor Flask or Perfume Bottle

Description

Description
Antique Art Nouveau French sterling silver and glass liquor flask, opera 'spirits' flask. The tapered glass bottle is done in a lovely green color fading to clear with satin finish. Hand painted with enamel flowers. Mounted with elegant sterling silver knob lid, threaded collar and detachable tumbler cup sheathing the base. The lid with cork lined interior. Hallmarked with the French Minerve 1st standard mark used from 1838 to 1919, which depicts the goddess Minerva with a number 1 beside her to denote a silver content of 950/1000 (of 95% pure silver and a higher finesse than .925 sterling). Bearing maker's marks for Parisian silversmiths Lagriffoul & Laval, active from 1899, who commenced trade at 157 rue du Temple, Paris. Measures 5 1/2" length. In good antique condition with some general wear commensurate with use and age, there are some dimples to the lid and shallow dents to the tumbler cup.
Sometimes mistaken for a perfume bottle, bottles such as these were originally serviceable as portable flasks intended for liquor, 'spirits', tonics and herbals. Though certainly usable for perfume if desired and are perfect to display among scent bottle collections. These flasks could easily hold a substantial amount of one's favorite liquor, to be served in the detachable tumbler or drinking cup at the base and ideal for a 'shot' of whiskey or flavored liqueur. These highly collectible 'spirit' flasks are also known as carriage flasks, handy for short travel and easily stow-able in a purse or pocket during a night out at the theatre or opera. Also referred to as a flacon a eau de melisse, after a type of herbal 'spirits' similar to absinthe made from lemon balm favored for its fresh citrus taste and used as a tonic against migraines. A convenient accessory for a suitable "restoratif" on a cold carriage journey or at a tedious social event.
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