How do I clean silver overlay glass?

Clean the glass body using a soft cloth and mild soapy water, avoiding harsh abrasives that might scratch the surface. Polish the metal portions gently with a specialised silver cloth while keeping moisture away from any exposed glass edges. Take care around delicate mountings and hinged collars on scent bottles to prevent loosening the metalwork from the glass substrate.

What is mercury glass?

Mercury glass is a double-walled silvered glass popular during the nineteenth century, creating a highly reflective mirror-like appearance. Despite the name, elemental mercury was not used in the final manufacturing process. These pieces often feature silver overlay applied directly over the reflective coating, producing a luminous decorative effect.

Are these pieces marked with hallmarks?

Many English and American items feature stamped hallmarks on the silver portion, indicating the purity, maker, and assay office. British pieces commonly show lion passant and anchor or leopard head symbols. Continental or unmarked pieces rely on stylistic attributes and glass characteristics to determine approximate age and origin.

How can I date an item?

Dating relies on stylistic movements such as Victorian revivalism, Edwardian elegance, or organic Art Nouveau forms. Assay office marks and maker's stamps provide precise calendar years for fully hallmarked items. The colour palette and glass-making technique also offer strong clues to the decade of production.