Belle Époque French Cut Crystal 7-Inch Lay-Down Scent Bottle with .800 Silver-Gilt Cap.
An exceptional and rare French Belle Époque period hand-cut lead crystal lay-down perfume or scent bottle, dating to circa 1890–1910. This impressive, large dresser-scale bottle measures a substantial 7 inches in length and features a highly architectural, faceted octagonal body profile designed to lie elegantly on a vanity top without rolling.
The heavy crystal is deeply and crisply hand-cut with alternating geometric diamond and facet panels that maximize the refraction and fire of the lead glass. The opening retains its wide, precision-ground flat top rim, characteristic of luxury European glass houses of the era.
The bottle is beautifully mounted with its original, heavy solid .800 silver-gilt (vermeil) friction cap. The cap features an ornate, deeply sculpted spiral-fluted design showing a rich gold wash exterior and a beautifully aged silver-gilt patina underneath. The collar is explicitly stamped with the French .800 silver standard mark, the Paris Assay Office "Boar's Head" (Tête de Sanglier) guarantee stamp, and a clear rectangular geometric import/maker punch mark.
Condition Report:
Very good antique condition. The hand-cut crystal facets remain wonderfully crisp and sharp. The silver-gilt vermeil cap retains a beautiful, deep gold patina with minor authentic age-related tarnish to the interior surfaces. The original glass mushroom-style inner stopper is absent; the piece features a historic, beautifully executed vintage-adapted natural cork liner tucked inside the metal cap to maintain a friction-fit closure.
Dimensions:
Length: 7.0 inches (17.8 cm)
Diameter (at widest point): Approx. 1.5 inches (3.8 cm)