What is inside a victorian smelling salts bottle?

These vessels originally contained a coarse sponge or cotton soaked in ammonium carbonate, commonly known as hartshorn or smelling salts, which released a pungent vapour. Today, most examples are found empty with their inner stoppers intact, preserved as decorative objects rather than functional medical aids.

How do you open a stiff silver lid?

Many silver caps rely on a spring mechanism or a snug friction fit that can stiffen over decades of disuse. Gentle, steady pressure applied directly to the hinge rather than the edge of the lid usually releases the catch safely. Applying force without checking for internal corrosion can damage the delicate silver mount or crack the glass neck.

Can these bottles still hold liquid scent?

While the glass bodies remain impermeable, original cork or ground glass inner stoppers frequently degrade or shrink over time. Testing a bottle with water is discouraged unless the inner seal is confirmed to be airtight. Most buyers display them dry to protect the interior metal components and fragile glass from moisture damage.

How are nineteenth century pieces dated?

Silver mounts carry hallmarks that indicate the assay office, standard mark, and a specific date letter corresponding to the exact year of testing. When hallmarks are absent or worn, dating relies on the style of the glass cutting, the colour palette, and the overall form of the vessel.

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Victorian Smelling Salts Bottle

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A victorian smelling salts bottle is a pocket companion of glass and silver designed to revive the faint, combining utility with distinct period elegance.

Ladies Silver Scent Bottle. Complete. London.

1900 - 1920

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Ladies Silver Scent Bottle. Complete. London.

From Carse Antiques

£145

3+ MONTHS AGO

silver

Victorian Sampson Mordan Double End Perfume Bottle

19th century

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Victorian Sampson Mordan Double End Perfume Bottle

From TJR Trading

£280

3+ MONTHS AGO

silver

19th century

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Silver Topped Miniature Champagne / Liquor Bottle - 1898

From Puckerings

£475

3+ MONTHS AGO

silver

S. Morden&co London 19 Century Scent Bottle

19th century

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S. Morden&co London 19 Century Scent Bottle

From Devonshire Antiques

£650

3+ MONTHS AGO

silver

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19thc Large Hallmarked Silver and Cut Glass Victorian Double Ended Perfume or Scent Bottle.

From Serpentine Antiques

£285

3+ MONTHS AGO

silver

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Victorian Smelling Salts Bottle

Ladies Silver Scent Bottle. Complete. London.

Victorian Sampson Mordan Double End Perfume Bottle

Silver Topped Miniature Champagne / Liquor Bottle - 1898

S. Morden&co London 19 Century Scent Bottle

19thc Large Hallmarked Silver and Cut Glass Victorian Double Ended Perfume or Scent Bottle.

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