Antique French sterling silver and acid etched cameo glass traveling `spirits' liquor flask by Daum. Featuring a glass tapered body in a rich wine purple color. Decorated in raised relief with an Art Nouveau thistle 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, threaded collar and detachable tumbler cup sheathing the base. Retains a glass stopper. Beautiful motif of leaves and berries in raised relief adorn the silver lid and cup. Measures 6" in length. 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 the widow Vve Leon Lambert, this mark in use circa 1904, who commenced trade at 55 rue de Turbigo. Condition: General wear commensurate with age and use. Shallow indentions to the silver lid. Some chips to the glass body, including the base as shown and interior opening. 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 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.