How do I date an art deco scent flask?

Dating relies on stylistic markers, hallmarked metal mounts, and signatures etched into the glass. Pieces from this era typically exhibit the characteristic geometric or stylised floral motifs of the interwar period. Assay marks on silver collars provide precise assay years, while moulded signatures indicate specific commercial production runs from French and Czech ateliers.

Were these bottles meant for travel or display?

The inventory includes both portable pocket flasks and decorative vanity bottles intended for a dressing table. Smaller silver-capped and tortoiseshell-fitted versions were designed to be carried safely in a handbag. Larger moulded or opalescent glass examples served as stationary ornaments that held perfume for daily application at home.

How should I clean a vintage glass flask?

Cleaning requires gentle warm water and mild soap, avoiding harsh chemical solvents that might damage enamel or frosted surfaces. Metal mounts should be kept dry to prevent tarnishing or degradation of internal cork liners. Stubborn residue inside the glass body can be dislodged with soft bottle brushes without risking the exterior finish.