Antique French sterling silver and acid etched cameo glass `spirits' liquor flask by Daum. Featuring a cameo glass tapered body in a warm peach orange color receding to clear. Decorated in relief with an Art Nouveau botanical motif with sprays of thistles on fine thorny branches accented with gilt details, set against an acid etched stippled textured ground. 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 ornate repousse lid and threaded collar with a detachable 'shot glass' tumbler cup sheathing the base. 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 .925 for sterling.) Bearing maker's marks for Maurice Brunet, this mark in use 1885 to 1903, who commenced trade at 212 rue Saint-Martin, Paris. Measures 6 1/2" in length. Condition: General wear commensurate with age and use. There is a 1/2" tight hairline visible in the glass at the shoulder, ends at one of the thistle flowers, this cannot be felt from the outside of the glass.
While prized by collectors as lay down scent or perfume bottles, 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. They were also used for 'spirits', tonic waters and flavored herbal remedies one could not be without to help soothe migraines and body aches. These collectible flasks are sometimes referred to as opera flasks, or carriage flasks as they were handy for short travel. 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 herbal water, secreted in your coat pocket or evening purse. A convenient accessory for allowing a lady or gentleman a suitable "restoratif" on a cold carriage journey or at a tedious social event.