Pair of antique glass scent bottles with sterling silver collars - London 1898

This stunning pair of large scent bottles was produced in London at the end of the Victorian era (1898) by Betjeman Brothers. Interestingly, the firm was an offshoot of the celebrated cabinet making firm George Betjeman and Sons (known for its stunning jewellery boxes and other luxury goods) and one of its founders Ernest Betjeman was the father of later poet Sir John Betjeman. 

The glass is cut in an chevron pattern that is relatively rare. They are in very good condition for their age, with only some very minor nibbles to the glass, as well as minor damage inside the collars and at the bottom of the stoppers. One stopper is almost perfect, the other has more damage but luckily it won't be noticed on display. While a close examination shows the impact of use over a long life they appear perfect until you seek out their flaws. 

The ability to date English sterling silver so precisely is one of the many reasons I love it. I found these two lovely scent bottles on a holiday to Spain and thinking about their long lives and journey from England to Spain and now on to New Zealand fascinates me. Given reasonable care they should still be around in another hundred and twenty six years.