Antique Art Nouveau French sterling silver and acid etched cameo glass traveling `spirits' liquor flask by Daum Nancy cristalleries founded in Lorraine. Dual purpose liquor flask and pill/snuff box combination piece. What makes this piece so unique is that the lid has a hidden hinged compartment on top, the interior enhanced in gilt vermeil finish. This portion would have served as a pill box or snuff box.
Featuring a glass tapered body in a gorgeous vibrant green color receding to clear. Decorated in raised relief with a charming mistletoe pattern on a textured background. Signed to the base with a gilt signature: Daum Nancy with the cross of Lorraine (Crox de Loraine).Daum Freres developed many techniques that were incorporated into the production of there renown Art Nouveau pieces, combining cameo carving, enameling and acid etching. Sterling silver mounts include a screw top lid with cork interior, threaded collar and detachable tumbler cup sheathing the base. Lovely mistletoe decoration to the silver mounts, matching the same motif found on the bottle. Engraved monogram of initials GB or BG on the lid.
The silver mounts are hallmarked with the French Minerve 1st standard mark, which depicts the head of the goddess Minerva with a number 1 beside her to denote a silver content of. 950/1000 95% silver and a higher grade than the standard.
Bearing maker's marks for Parisian silversmith Auguste Claire, active circa 1895 at 20 rue Chapon, Paris. In overall good antique condition with general wear commensurate with use and age. The lid and cup having some shallow indentions, there are nicks to the inside rim of the bottle as well as a few small nicks to the base edge where the cup meets the bottle. While highly prized by perfume bottle collectors and often mistaken for a lay down scent or perfume bottle, these charming flasks were meant originally for serving liquor, herbal restoratives or absinthe. They could easily hold a substantial amount of one's favorite liquor to be served in the detachable tumbler that sheathes the base.
These highly collectible flasks are sometimes known as carriage flasks, as they were handy for short travel. And also referred to as Opera Flasks. Smaller than the usual hip flasks, their size and shape allow them to be easily and discretely stow-able. Imagine arriving at the opera with this beautiful marriage of glass and silver, full of absinthe or a whiskey secreted in your coat pocket or evening bag / purse.
Perfect for a night out at the theatre, opera or ballet. They were also used for'spirits', tonic waters and flavored herbal remedies one could not be without, to help soothe migraines. A convenient accessory for allowing a lady or gentleman a suitable "restoratif" on a cold carriage journey or at a tedious social event. Welcome to the Antique Boutique.
Our aim is to provide you with a wide selection of quality antiques and collectibles. We describe everything to the best of our ability and the pictures form part of the description. We try to gather as much information about the item before listing, in an effort to offer you with an accurate and honest description.
Large, clear and detailed pictures of the item help in this endeavor. Opinion on the condition of an item can vary, depending on the person viewing it. Wear is to be expected due to age and use. Note that the item in the pictures may be larger or smaller in actuality, the pictures do not represent size. Please check the description for dimensions.
The item "Antique DAUM Cameo Glass French Sterling Silver Liquor Flask Pill Snuff Box" is in sale since Thursday, June 10, 2021. This item is in the category "Pottery & Glass\Glass\Art Glass\French\Daum". The seller is "micflsun" and is located in Canutillo, Texas. This item can be shipped worldwide.