What is the history of French silver gilt scent bottles?

During the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, French silversmiths created portable scent bottles using vermeil, which is sterling silver coated in gold leaf or gold plating. These containers held liquid perfumes, essential oils, or smelling salts, often featuring symbolic motifs such as hearts, scrolls, and heraldic imagery.

What materials were traditionally used to create 19th-century French perfume flasks?

High-status flasks were primarily crafted from silver gilt (vermeil), solid gold, or silver, sometimes integrated with cut glass or porcelain. Stoppers were fitted precisely, often constructed in decorative forms such as flames, crowns, or foliage.

How can an authentic 19th-century French silver gilt bottle be identified?

Authentic pieces generally bear French hallmark stamps, such as the Minerva head or boars head punch marks, along with makers marks. Examination under magnification reveals fine hand-chased or hand-engraved detailing rather than modern cast reproduction methods.

How can an antique silver gilt scent bottle be styled in a modern interior?

Small decorative metalwork pieces function well when displayed on a tray on a bedside table, inside a glass cabinet, or arranged alongside vanity mirrors and books to add historical texture.

How should antique silver gilt collectables be cleaned and preserved?

Silver gilt surfaces require gentle handling because the thin gold layer can wear away over time. Dust gently with a soft microfibre cloth and avoid harsh chemical silver polishes or abrasive creams.

for sale €1,164 $1,264

£995

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French Perfume Flask

Heart Shaped Scent Bottle

Id #SA1227233

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Antique Silver Gilt Heart Perfume Scent Bottle Flask - French 19th C.

Name: Antique Silver Gilt Heart Perfume Scent Bottle Flask - French 19th C.
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1227233
Price: 995 GBP
Availability: InStock

19th century

For Sale by Artisan Antiques

Description

We are delighted to offer this enchanting solid silver gilt heart-shaped perfume bottle/flask made in France 19th c.

Such hearts were typically ex-voto articles dedicated to St Mary, symbolic in their form and in the monogrammed "M" on the front.

This particular piece presents a striking impression upon first glance with such an ornate design and decoration. Its size is rather significant and the silvergilt/vermeil tone makes for a truly splendid appearance. The screw-down cap features such a wonderful chased and embellished design of the 'flame of love' representing Mary's burning love of God, maternal compassion and mission to save souls.

Aside from its symbolic purpose or use as a scent bottle/vinaigrette, its design and decorative nature allow for some creative ideas; it could embellish many settings/costumes as a highlighting accessory.

From a secular perspective, due to its heart-shaped design, this piece could also serve as a symbol of romance, ideal as a gift to someone very special.

Owing to its bail at the top, it could also be used in a wide variety of ways even in the modern day such as a pendant or a sartorial accessory.

This heart is marked with French boar's head marks around the bale loop and neck section.

All images with other items are for display purposes; this listing is for the title item only.

Size

Size (cm) H:11cm W:5.5cm D:2.6

Size (inches) H:4.33 W:2.16 D:1.02

Weight: 40 grams (1.28 Troy oz)

Condition

Good Condition - The heart is in overall good antique condition, with no leaks or major damage; however, there is some bruising and small nicks/dings on the surface as photographed.

We aim to overemphasise and state these issues (if any) to avoid disappointment and thus please rest assured they are not significant nor affect the usage of the items.

Please refer to the photographs to examine the condition in further detail.

Free Shipping

Artisan Antiques offers free global shipping with professional, secure and discreet packaging.

We will always ensure your items are packaged with the utmost care and see the delivery through to the end. In the very rare and unfortunate case of non-delivery/courier loss, you are fully covered with us and we will fully refund you.

*All parcels are insured - please rest assured all shipping liabilities other than import/customs duty are covered by Artisan Antiques.

*Colours of the product may slightly differ from the photos due to different computer screens & lighting conditions*

Declaration

Artisan Antiques has dated this Silver Gilt Scent Bottle to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1227233

Dealers Notes

We strive to provide inimitable first-class service with your needs and satisfaction as our number one priority.

Description

We are delighted to offer this enchanting solid silver gilt heart-shaped perfume bottle/flask made in France 19th c.

“

Such hearts were typically ex-voto articles dedicated to St Mary, symbolic in their form and in the monogrammed "M" on the front.

Artisan Antiques

fig 1. A 19th-century French silver-gilt heart-shaped scent bottle featuring an engraved monogram, foliate scrollwork, and a flame-shaped stopper. — fig 1. Antique Silver Gilt Heart Perfume Scent Bottle Flask - French 19th C.

This particular piece presents a striking impression upon first glance with such an ornate design and decoration. Its size is rather significant and the silvergilt/vermeil tone makes for a truly splendid appearance. The screw-down cap features such a wonderful chased and embellished design of the 'flame of love' representing Mary's burning love of God, maternal compassion and mission to save souls.

fig 2. A 19th-century French silver-gilt heart-shaped scent bottle featuring an engraved monogram, foliate scrollwork, and a flame-shaped stopper. — fig 2. Antique Silver Gilt Heart Perfume Scent Bottle Flask - French 19th C.

Aside from its symbolic purpose or use as a scent bottle/vinaigrette, its design and decorative nature allow for some creative ideas; it could embellish many settings/costumes as a highlighting accessory.

fig 3. A 19th-century French silver-gilt heart-shaped scent bottle featuring an engraved monogram, foliate scrollwork, and a flame-shaped stopper. — fig 3. Antique Silver Gilt Heart Perfume Scent Bottle Flask - French 19th C.

From a secular perspective, due to its heart-shaped design, this piece could also serve as a symbol of romance, ideal as a gift to someone very special.

Owing to its bail at the top, it could also be used in a wide variety of ways even in the modern day such as a pendant or a sartorial accessory.

fig 4. A 19th-century French silver-gilt heart-shaped scent bottle featuring an engraved monogram, foliate scrollwork, and a flame-shaped stopper. — fig 4. Antique Silver Gilt Heart Perfume Scent Bottle Flask - French 19th C.

This heart is marked with French boar's head marks around the bale loop and neck section.

All images with other items are for display purposes; this listing is for the title item only.

Size

Size (cm) H:11cm W:5.5cm D:2.6

fig 5. A 19th-century French silver-gilt heart-shaped scent bottle featuring an engraved monogram, foliate scrollwork, and a flame-shaped stopper. — fig 5. Antique Silver Gilt Heart Perfume Scent Bottle Flask - French 19th C.

Size (inches) H:4.33 W:2.16 D:1.02

Weight: 40 grams (1.28 Troy oz)

Condition

Good Condition - The heart is in overall good antique condition, with no leaks or major damage; however, there is some bruising and small nicks/dings on the surface as photographed.

fig 6. A 19th-century French silver-gilt heart-shaped scent bottle featuring an engraved monogram, foliate scrollwork, and a flame-shaped stopper. — fig 6. Antique Silver Gilt Heart Perfume Scent Bottle Flask - French 19th C.

We aim to overemphasise and state these issues (if any) to avoid disappointment and thus please rest assured they are not significant nor affect the usage of the items.

Please refer to the photographs to examine the condition in further detail.

fig 7. A 19th-century French silver-gilt heart-shaped scent bottle featuring an engraved monogram, foliate scrollwork, and a flame-shaped stopper. — fig 7. Antique Silver Gilt Heart Perfume Scent Bottle Flask - French 19th C.

Free Shipping

Artisan Antiques offers free global shipping with professional, secure and discreet packaging.

We will always ensure your items are packaged with the utmost care and see the delivery through to the end. In the very rare and unfortunate case of non-delivery/courier loss, you are fully covered with us and we will fully refund you.