Description
Antique French sterling silver and glass opera 'spirits' flask. Featuring a silver conical lid, collar and removable drinking cup attached at the base. The silver mounts patterned with Louis XV/Rococo style rocailles. The glass body features elaborate engravings of scrolling foliage, lattice, rocailles and flowers. Hallmarked with the French Minerve 1st standard mark used from 1838 to 1919, which depicts the goddess Minerva with a number 1 beside her to denote a silver content of 950/1000 (of 95% pure silver and a higher finesse than .925 sterling). Bearing maker's marks for silversmith Simon Slisonski, active 1888-1903, who commenced trade at 176 rue Saint-Martin, Paris.
Flask measures 6 1/8" length. In overall good condition with general wear from with use and handling. No chips or cracks to the glass body. The silver mounts in overall good condition, a dimple or two to the removable cup.
Sometimes mistaken for a perfume bottle, these flasks could easily hold a substantial amount of one's favorite liquor serviceable in the detachable tumbler or drinking cup at the base and ideal for a 'shot' of whiskey or flavored liqueur. These highly collectible 'spirit' flasks are known as carriage flasks, handy for short travel and easily stow-able in a purse or pocket during a night out at the theatre or opera. Also referred to as a flacon
eau de mélisse after a type of absinthe 'spirits' made from lemon balm favored for its fresh citrus taste and as a tonic against migraines. A convenient accessory for allowing a lady a suitable "restoratif" on a cold carriage journey or at a tedious social event.
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