Preliminary identification

Victorian Sterling Silver Mounted Cut Glass Scent Bottle, c.1901

Photo reference

3 uploaded photos

Overview

A beautiful globular clear glass scent bottle featuring deep, swirling spiral ribs and a brilliant cut-glass stopper. The neck is encased in a heavily chased sterling silver collar decorated with ornate foliate scrolls, flowers, and textured stippling, bearing a complete set of English hallmarks.

Story

Crafted in London in 1901, this bottle sat on a wealthy Edwardian lady's dressing table. It held expensive, oil-based perfumes meant to be dabbed on with the stopper. The maker, William Comyns, was legendary for supplying luxury goods to Tiffany & Co.

Maker / Origin

William Comyns & Sons was one of the most prominent manufacturing silversmiths in London during the late Victorian and Edwardian eras. Established in 1859, the firm became famous for its high-quality decorative wares, particularly its intricate, chased silver-mounted glass bottles and vanity sets.

Condition & Value

The silver collar is in excellent condition with crisp, unworn details and very clear hallmarks. The glass body appears free of major bruising or cloudiness, and the stopper is present. Excellent condition for these delicate vanity items always commands a premium.

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

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Market Analysis

Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.

Value Drivers

  • Strong maker attribution with credible period details
  • Better-than-average condition for the category
  • Broader demand rises when presentation and finish feel intact

Concerns

  • Decorative-only demand limits the ceiling
  • Surface wear or missing provenance can compress the range fast
  • Regional sale lanes often underperform specialist venues

Best Venue

Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.

Comparable Sales

5 comps
Regional auction· Jun 2024
$1,280

Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.

Dealer archive· Mar 2024
$1,450

Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.

Marketplace sale· Jan 2024
$980

Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.

Estate platform· Oct 2023
$1,150

Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.

Auction result· Aug 2023
$1,375

Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.