How do I use an antique crystal perfume flask?

These vessels are designed to hold liquid fragrance, though many modern buyers prefer to display them empty on a dressing table to protect the interior. Ensure the internal glass stopper is intact if you intend to store scent, as older closures rely on precise ground-glass fits to prevent evaporation.

Are these flasks safe to carry in a handbag?

Most antique bottles are designed for stationary display or secure travel within fitted luggage rather than loose daily carriage. Gentlemen's cologne bottles often featured lockable mechanisms precisely to prevent accidental spillage during transit.

How do I tell Victorian flasks from Art Deco examples?

Victorian and Edwardian pieces typically feature heavy cut glass paired with ornate sterling silver lids, sometimes incorporating tortoiseshell or ruby glass. Art Deco flasks lean towards geometric blue or clear moulded glass, often associated with makers like Karl Palda or Rene Lalique.