Rare Antique Caged Glass Perfume Bottle | 18k Gold Plate & Jeweled Cabochons

Presenting a superb antique miniature perfume bottle, an exceptional find for collectors of early vanity accessories and historical objets d’art. Standing at a delicate 6cm, this cylindrical flask showcases the highly specialized “caged glass” technique. The clear glass vial is tightly encased within a masterful 18-karat gold-plated filigree sleeve, displaying precise scrollwork and structural elegance.

The front presentation is heavily ornamented, featuring a striking central red cabochon—likely simulated coral or polished paste—flanked by brilliant clear faceted paste stones. This focal point is complemented by upper and lower white floral motifs, each set with a central crystal, and finished with four spherical red cabochon accents. The piece is crowned with a deeply embossed, matching gold-plated cap that safely houses the original glass applicator wand.

Historical Context

Miniature luxury items of this caliber were a hallmark of late 19th and early 20th-century European craftsmanship. Often referred to as “purse” or “chatelaine” perfume bottles, diminutive pieces like this 6cm flask were designed for the elite to carry their bespoke fragrances discretely. The intricate filigree work was not only highly decorative but served to protect the fragile glass vessel during travel. The incorporation of vibrant faux coral and cut paste stones demonstrates the era’s fascination with mimicking fine jewelry techniques in high-end vanity items. It stands as a meticulous example of the period’s dedication to daily elegance.

Item Specifications

Condition Report

This antique artifact is in excellent, collector-ready condition, showing a level of preservation rarely seen in utility glass of this era.

• Front Decoration: All paste stones and red cabochons are firmly set and present. The white floral settings remain crisp and well-defined 

• Metalwork (Filigree): The 18k gold-plated cage exhibits remarkable structural integrity. The reverse side reveals the unblemished, intricate scrollwork with a rich, authentic age-appropriate patina 

• Cap & Hardware: The gold-plated cap features deep, unrubbed floral embossing and threads smoothly onto the glass neck 

• Glass & Dauber: The inner glass vial is clear and free of visible cracks. Crucially, the delicate glass dauber wand remains completely intact and securely affixed to the screw-top cap 

Shipping & Handling

As with all historical collectibles of this fragile nature, the item will be packaged with professional-grade, archival-quality protective materials to ensure absolute security during transit. Please review the shipping tab for calculated rates and international logistics.