Antique Victorian Blue Overlay Mercury Glass Scent Bottle With Solid Silver Top

Antique Victorian Blue Overlay Mercury Glass Scent Bottle
With Solid Silver Top

A stunning and rare near perfect 'Mercury Glass' or silvered glass perfume bottles in cased blue glass with hand carving and beautiful silver fittings and original glass stopper.
The clear glass bottles are double walled with the silver mercury deposit trapped between the walls and then the whole of each is cased in blue glass and hand cut back to reveal the silvered interior.

The technique of "mercury glass" was first patented in England in 1849 but production only lasted for four years as the process was very dangerous to the health of the glass blower. Having blown the vessel, the blower then had to suck the molten glass back inside the piece to form the double walls. This was a very dangerous process as the hot air burned and hardened the lungs of the blower. Production was discontinued in England in 1855, but continued to be copied in Bohemia and America for some years.

Mercury glass items are therefore very rare because few were made and the production period was so short. Added to this is the problem that the vessel only remains 'silvered' all the while a vacuum exists between the walls of the vessel. if air manages to enter then the silvering collapses. Perfect examples are therefore very rare and much sought after.

Condition
Condition consummate with age
Very good condition, some minor wear to cap hinge
and minor wear to bottle, no cracks chips or repairs
Stopper will not remove
No hallmark, silver tested

Dimensions

2.75" High
1.3/8" Wide
all sizes approx.

UK Delivery
Small goods, Royal mail/Courier (insured)
Large goods, we can recommend couriers if required
In the unlikely event of a return, the buyer pays return costs.
Please note

Overseas buyers
We happily ship Worldwide
But please contact us first for an accurate shipping quote.
We are more than happy to answer any questions
and provide further pictures.

We ship Worldwide, with insured trusted courier companies.
Why not inquire about a very competitive rate to your country.
Vale Royal Antiques are based in the beautiful county of Cheshire in the UK