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Identification

Antique Sterling Silver Overlay Clear Glass Perfume Bottle

Photo reference

5 uploaded photos

Overview

The item is a clear glass perfume bottle with a matching ground-glass stopper, featuring sterling silver overlay. The 'STERLING' stamp is clearly visible on the silver banding.

Story

This bottle dates to the late 19th or early 20th century (c. 1890-1930), during the height of the Art Nouveau movement. The sweeping, organic silver overlay was a popular and technically demanding technique utilized by numerous American and European silver manufacturers. Without a specific hallmark, the exact studio remains unidentified. The secondary market for Art Nouveau vanity items remains steady, driven by collectors of both antique silver and art glass.

Maker / Origin

Unattributed

Condition & Value

Based on visible evidence, the bottle retains its matching ground-glass stopper, and the sterling silver overlay appears intact with a natural patina. The silver overlay appears remarkably intact with no major lifting or breaks. There is a beautiful, natural dark patina on the silver that highlights the engraving.

Full Research

See what it's actually worth.

Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.

Market Analysis

The secondary market for Art Nouveau vanity items remains steady, driven by collectors of both antique silver and art glass. Unmarked pieces with attractive overlay patterns trade frequently in the $80 to $150 range. However, there is a distinct premium for signed pieces from premier American silver houses, which are highly sought after by specialized collectors.

Value Drivers

▲ Presence of the matching ground-glass stopper anchors the $100+ baseline.

▲ Intact Art Nouveau sterling silver overlay provides strong decorative appeal.

▲ Blank cartouche offers personalization potential for buyers.

Concerns

▼ Unverified base — a missing maker's mark confirms the unbranded estimate, while finding one could increase value.

▼ Unknown dimensions — if the bottle is a miniature (under 3 inches), the value may trend toward the lower end of the range.

Best Venue

List the item on a specialized antique marketplace like Ruby Lane or an enthusiast eBay store. An optimistic list price of $150-$160 leaves room for offers, while a fast-sale price of $90-$100 would attract immediate dealer interest. Before listing, ensure clear, well-lit photos of the base and the stopper peg are added to reassure buyers of its condition.

Upside Potential

If a close inspection of the base or silver rim reveals a premier maker's mark (such as Alvin, Gorham, or La Pierre), the value range would shift significantly upward into the $250-$400 tier, as seen in the Steuben and Alvin comparables.

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Also found — market-range context

Related comps outside the valuation band· 3 comps

Surfaced during research but not used to anchor the valuation — wrong form, species, era, or no published price. Shown so the market range around this item is visible.

  • Chairish
    Antique Perfume Bottle in Sterling Silver Overlay, 1900s
    Excerpt describes a Native American pottery Olla, contradicting the title.
    $469
  • eBay
    Antique Alvin Art Nouveau 999 Fine Silver Green Glass Perfume Bottle Stopper
    Link could not be verified.
    $250
  • Case Auctions· 2019-01-26
    13 Miniature Perfume Bottles, incl. Sterling Silver
    Lot of 13 miniature bottles; quantity and size differ significantly from the subject.
    $192