Antique early 20th century silver top and hobnail cut glass scent bottle. This exquisite scent bottle has a lovely engraved lid and cut hobnail glass with a star base. Unfortunately the Hallmarks are rubbed, so we can't give an exact date or maker, but the quality and it being hobnail glass (very popular in Victorian times), tells me it's antique.
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Some age related wear.  May have had a stopper at some point. Does not detract from the beauty of the item.
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Size: 9 cm tall 8 cm round at base
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Hobnail glass, characterized by its raised, rounded bumps resembling hobnails (small nails used to reinforce boot soles), gained popularity in perfume bottles, particularly in the mid-20th century, with the Fenton Art Glass Company being a prominent producer. While the hobnail pattern has been used in various glass items, it became especially well-known for perfume bottles, often in opalescent colors, and contributed to Fenton's success, especially during and after World War II.
Here's a more detailed look at the history:
Early Use:
The hobnail pattern, though not exclusive to perfume bottles, was used on various glassware items throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, sometimes referred to as "dewdrop glass".
Fenton's Role:
The Fenton Art Glass Company, founded in 1905, began producing hobnail items, including perfume bottles, as special orders for other companies in the 1930s.
Popularity Surge:
In 1940, Fenton introduced hobnail in opalescent colors as part of their regular line, and it quickly became a top-selling pattern, playing a crucial role in the company's survival and expansion after the war.
Victorian Era:
The Victorian era (roughly 1837-1901) saw the rise of finely crafted perfume bottles, including those made by renowned glassmakers like Moser, Saint Louis, Galle, and Lalique, often featuring intricate cut crystal, enameling, ormolu mounts, and elaborate decorations.
Lalique's Contribution:
René Lalique, a prominent glassmaker, began producing perfume bottles for François Coty in 1907, contributing to the artistry and exclusivity of perfume presentation during that time.
Hobnail Perfume Bottles:
While Fenton is most associated with hobnail perfume bottles, other companies likely produced them as well, and the pattern was used on a variety of glass items beyond just perfume bottles.