Were these bottles used for perfume?

These vessels served primarily as luxury receptacles for scent, smelling salts and cologne on Victorian and Edwardian dressing tables. Their tight stoppers helped prevent the evaporation of precious volatile oils. Smaller examples were often carried in handbags or suspended from chatelaines for personal freshening throughout the day. Larger decanters remained stationary in boudoir or bedroom settings.

How can I tell the period?

Dating relies on a combination of silver hallmarks, glass manufacturing techniques and stylistic clues such as floral Art Nouveau motifs versus geometric Victorian patterns. Hallmarks often include assay office symbols and date letters. Unmarked pieces are assessed through glass colours, such as cranberry or Bristol blue, and the thickness of the metal overlay. Late twentieth century pieces display modern studio glass characteristics.

Are the stoppers usually original?

Original stoppers match the glass type and fit the neck precisely, though replacements are common due to the fragile nature of glass glassware over a century of handling. Checking for matching colour and wear patterns helps determine originality. Many scent bottles retain internal glass daubers attached to the stopper. When a stopper fits securely and shows identical age patination to the bottle, it strengthens the integrity of the piece.