LATE VICTORIAN STERLING SILVER
HILLIARD & THOMASON SCENT BOTTLE
ORIGINAL STOPPER & FITTED PRESENTATION CASE
CHESTER 1898 · ENGRAVED SILVER · GILT-WASHED INTERIOR
A COMPLETE VICTORIAN DRESSING-TABLE TREASURE
A charming late Victorian sterling silver scent bottle by Hilliard & Thomason, fully hallmarked for Chester 1898.

Complete with its original glass stopper and fitted presentation case, this is a particularly attractive and desirable surviving example.

The compact silver-mounted bottle is richly engraved throughout with flowing foliate scrolls and ornamental detailing typical of the late Victorian period.

The engraved decoration remains clear and attractive, while the personalised initials add an individual touch and form part of the bottle’s original history.

The interior of the silver top retains a warm gilt wash, designed to protect the silver surface from contact with perfume or aromatic preparations.

Particularly importantly, the bottle still retains its original glass stopper. These small components were frequently lost or damaged over time, making complete surviving examples considerably more appealing.

Scent bottles of this type were fashionable personal accessories during the Victorian period and could be used for perfume, smelling salts or aromatic oils.

Their compact size made them ideal for carrying within a handbag or travelling case, while finer examples were also kept as part of a lady’s dressing-table collection.

The original fitted case has a faux tortoiseshell-style exterior and opens to reveal a rich red silk and velvet-lined interior shaped specifically to hold the bottle.

HALLMARKS & DETAILS
Maker: Hilliard & Thomason
Assay Office: Chester
Date: 1898
Period: Late Victorian
Material: Sterling silver with glass bottle and stopper
Decoration: Engraved foliate scrollwork
Interior: Gilt-washed silver top
Personalisation: Engraved initials
Case: Original fitted faux tortoiseshell-style presentation case
Bottle Height: Approximately 5.5cm
Case Size: Approximately 9cm × 5cm
Gross Weight: Approximately 28 grams including glass and stopper
CONDITION

Presented in good antique condition overall.

The silver body displays general age-related surface wear, light rubbing and handling marks consistent with use and age.

There is very slight small denting to the upper section, although this does not significantly detract from the overall presentation.

The original glass stopper remains present but has several small chips.

There also appears to be some possible damage to the glass rim beneath the silver mount, as shown in the photographs. The full extent cannot be confirmed without removing or disturbing the fitting.

The original fitted case remains present and displays well, with expected age-related wear, rubbing, marking and light deterioration to the exterior and interior lining.

The hallmarks remain clear and legible, while the engraved decoration retains strong definition.

Please study all photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the description and provide the best indication of the hallmarks, personal engraving, stopper chips, possible glass-rim damage, case and overall condition.

COMPLETE, ELEGANT & HIGHLY COLLECTABLE
A beautifully engraved Chester silver scent bottle retaining its original stopper, gilt-washed interior and fitted Victorian presentation case.

An appealing acquisition for collectors of antique scent bottles, Chester silver, Victorian dressing-table accessories or fine small silverware.
Please feel free to ask any questions.

Please also take a look at the many other quality antiques, sterling silver and collectables available in my store.
QUALITY ANTIQUES · CHESTER SILVER · VICTORIAN COLLECTABLES