Victorian Silver Scent Bottle, Sampson Mordan 1889

Name: Victorian Silver Scent Bottle, Sampson Mordan 1889
SKU: as1006a1971
Price: 290.00 GBP
Availability: SoldOut

Photos

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Here we have a superb late Victorian Sterling Silver Scent Bottle. The silver bottle is cylindrical with chased decoration of birds, leaves and flowers all around the body and the hinged lid. This encases a glass bottle which is permanently set inside. The lid has a circular blank cartouche on the top and is gilded on the interior. There is a glass stopper in the top of the bottle itself.

The scent bottle was made in London by renowned silversmiths Sampson Mordan & Co and dates to 1889. Sampson Mordan established his company in London in 1815 and in 1822 he was granted the world’s first patent for a mechanical pencil. It was these that would remain the backbone of the company’s fortunes. In 1836 the firm was renamed S. Mordan & Co, with Sampson’s sons, Sampson Jr and Augustus, taking over in 1843. Alongside their pencils business, the firm specialised in small silver novelties such as letter openers, bookmarks, scent bottles, decanter labels, pin cushions, inkwells and cigar cutters. In 1941 the factory was destroyed by enemy bombing and the firm ceased trading. They are one of the most widely collected of all silversmiths.

Condition is extremely good, with no dings, dents or damage and just the most minimal superficial surface wear that you would expect after 135 years of good service. The interior glass stopper fits securely and the hinged lid is in good working order. Please make sure to view all the photographs.

The scent bottle stands 7.1cm / 2.8ins high and is 2.5cm / 0.98ins in diameter. It weighs in at 93.8g / 3.3oz but this does of course include the glass lining and stopper.

The hallmarks, on the underside of the base, are nice and clear to read. They show the lion passant for Sterling Silver, the leopard's head assay mark for London, the date letter O for 1889, the Queen Victoria duty mark and the S.M makers' mark for Sampson Mordan & Co.

Shipping in the UK is £11 by Royal Mail Special Delivery, which includes cover for the value of the scent bottle.
Overseas customers, please ask us about shipping costs to your country before making a purchase.

Price

£~~290.00~~

$~~385.58~~ USA

€~~341.77~~

The price has been listed in British Pounds.
Conversion rates as of 1/MAY/2025. Euro & Dollar prices will vary and should only be used as a guide.
Always confirm final price with dealer.