What is the estimated value of this Art Nouveau scent bottle?

The estimated market value for this French Art Nouveau Cameo Glass and Silver-Gilt Scent Bottle by Daum Nancy is between £900 and £1,400. This valuation is based on comparable auction results for similar Daum Nancy pieces, adjusted for the item's good structural condition but notable cosmetic wear to the gilding on both the glass and mounts. The desirability of the Daum Nancy name and mistletoe motif contributes significantly to its value.

What era/period is this Art Nouveau scent bottle from?

This scent bottle dates to the Art Nouveau period, specifically circa 1895-1910. Its design, featuring flowing organic lines and a botanical mistletoe motif, is characteristic of the movement. The piece was created at the height of the Belle Époque, reflecting the era's emphasis on integrating high art into luxury everyday objects, combining premier glassmaking by Daum Nancy with fine Parisian silversmithing.

What condition is this Daum Nancy scent bottle in?

This Daum Nancy scent bottle is in good antique condition structurally, with no chips, cracks, or repairs. However, it exhibits significant cosmetic wear. There is noticeable fading and loss to the gilded highlights on the mistletoe decoration, and the silver-gilt mounts show heavy tarnish and extensive wear to the gilt layer, revealing the silver beneath. This cosmetic wear reduces its value by an estimated 25-40% compared to a pristine example.

Where should I sell this Art Nouveau Daum Nancy scent bottle?

For this Art Nouveau Daum Nancy scent bottle, specialist UK auction houses like Lyon & Turnbull or Roseberys London are recommended. Curated online marketplaces such as Ruby Lane or Proantic also offer excellent reach to dedicated collectors. These platforms provide expert cataloguing and target the appropriate buyer base, which is crucial for maximizing net proceeds, especially given the item's value and specific collecting field.

Is this Daum Nancy scent bottle authentic?

Yes, the item is considered highly authentic. The glass body's techniques, including acid-etched cameo glass with color gradation and gilded details, are signature styles of Daum Nancy from the Art Nouveau period. This is strongly supported by visual matches to documented Daum Nancy pieces. The presence of a French silversmith's mark on the mounts further confirms its period-correct origin and high-quality construction.

French Art Nouveau Cameo Glass and Silver-Gilt Scent Bottle by Daum Nancy, circa 1900

Estimated value: £900 - £1,400. French Art Nouveau Cameo Glass and Silver-Gilt Scent Bottle by Daum Nancy, circa 1900 (Art Nouveau (circa 1895-1910)) — a researched valuation with cited comparable sales in Decorative Art, from findthevalueof.com.

About this item

This scent bottle is a quintessential example of French Art Nouveau decorative art, created around 1900 at the height of the Belle Époque. The glass body is attributed to the renowned Daum manufactory in Nancy, one of the preeminent French glassworks of the era, celebrated for its innovative techniques. This piece showcases their signature acid-etched cameo glass, with a subtle colour gradation and delicate gilding, depicting the popular turn-of-the-century motif of mistletoe—a symbol of good fortune. The bottle is further distinguished by its high-quality silver-gilt (vermeil) mounts, crafted by a skilled Parisian silversmith. The integration of fine glass and precious metalwork was a hallmark of luxury goods from this period. As a complete 'flacon de voyage' or travel flask, retaining both its screw-top and detachable drinking cup, it represents a desirable form for collectors. The market for signed Art Nouveau glass by makers like Daum remains strong, with value being determined by the maker's prestige, the desirability of the motif, completeness, and, critically, the condition of the delicate surfaces.

How the value was reached

The valuation is based on an analysis of comparable auction results for similar Daum Nancy scent bottles. The primary anchor is a 2020 sale at Dorotheum for a similar bottle which realized €2,072 (approx. £1,858), though that lot included an additional seal. This has been adjusted downwards to reflect the significant wear to the gilding on both the glass and mounts of the subject piece. The lower end of the estimate is supported by realized prices for other Daum bottles at auction, such as a £695 sale on eBay UK and results between approximately £600 and £1,100 at other European auctions. The range reflects the tension between the high desirability of the Daum Nancy name and mistletoe motif, and the notable cosmetic condition issues. Recommended reserve: £800. At auction, should the item sell at the low estimate, the net proceeds to the seller would be approximately £720-£765 after deducting a typical seller's commission (10-15%) and associated fees.

Comparable sales

A liqueur bottle with floral decoration and a silver mount, created by Daum, Nancy, circa 1895. The lot also included a separate seal with mistletoe branches. Auction of Jugendstil and 20th Century Arts and Crafts. — sold for €2,072 (Dorotheum), 2020-07-09
A frosted scent bottle or tiny flask by Daum Nancy, circa 1895-1905. The glass is painted in green, fading to lime and then to clear, and it features pewter mounts marked with the Cross of Lorraine. — sold for $1,295 (Ruby Lane (Cedar Tree Antiques)), circa 1895-1905
An original, antique Art Nouveau Daum glass absinthe bottle, circa 1900, height 14.5 cm. Described as in very good condition and signed. — sold for £695.00 (eBay UK (MJ Unique Glass)), circa 1900
Perfume bottle with lid, Daum Frères. — sold for 14570 SEK (Crafoord Auktioner Lund), 2022-01-01

Expert notes

The valuation is highly dependent on the attribution to Daum Nancy. While stylistic analysis strongly supports this, the signature on the glass is not clearly legible from the photographs provided. We strongly recommend a physical examination under magnification to confirm the signature before offering the item for sale. Furthermore, while the maker's mark on the mounts indicates solid precious metal, a secondary French purity mark has not been located; its confirmation would also solidify the valuation.

This report is one of the worked examples in our guide What is your glass worth, and why?.