Gorgeous antique French Belle Epoque era sterling silver mounted liquor flask. Featuring a tapered body of clear acid-etched cameo glass, the finish mimicking the appearance of chipped ice. Decorated further with a charming enameled motif of flowers and leaves suspended from a blue ribbon bow. Mounted with sterling silver fittings, including a lid, threaded collar and removable tumbler sheathing the base. The lid and tumbler are richly decorated in raised relief with flowers and bows. Retains a glass stopper. The lid and tumbler with gold vermeil finish to the interiors. In overall good antique condition with general wear commensurate with age and use. Hallmarked with the French Minerve 1st standard mark, in use from 1838, which guaranteed the finest quality silver of .950/1000 purity (95% pure silver and a higher grade than the standard .925 for sterling). Bearing maker's marks for silversmith Eugène Lefebvre, active 1896-1910 at 14 bis rue des Minimes, Paris. Measures 5 3/4" length.
Sometimes mistaken for a perfume bottle, these bottles were originally serviceable as portable flasks intended for liquor or herbal restoratives (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 ideal for a shot of whiskey or flavored liqueur. These collectible flasks are known as opera flasks and carriage flasks. Smaller than the usual hip flasks, their size and shape allow them to be hand for short travel and discretely stow-able in a vest pocket, or lady's 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 and aches. A convenient accessory for allowing a lady or gentleman a suitable "restoratif" on a cold carriage journey or at a tedious social event.