A Royal Commemorative Cut Crystal Glass 1887 Golden Jubilee Scent Bottle or Perfume Flask with Arms of the Grocer’s Company and Original Presentation Box

A Royal Commemorative Cut Crystal Glass 1887 Golden Jubilee Scent Bottle or Perfume Flask with Arms of the Grocer’s Company and Original Presentation Box

A round flask of finest English lead crystal glass, profusely cut to all sides, including the original facet cut stopper. The body of the flask all-over cut with strawberry cut diamonds and wide flute cutting around the neck. There are engraved roundels to both sides of the body, one with a coat of arms and the other with the inscription Jubilee 1887. The arms on the piece are those of the Worshipful Company of Grocers, established in 1345 and second in order of precedence amongst all of the livery companies of the City of London. On the base is the etched number 118. The piece retains its wonderful original shaped and fitted presentation box with satin silk lining and both the box and the flask are in remarkable original condition.

We have identified a few other perfume bottles clearly made to commemorate Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee in 1887 as they are rare items but none of the other examples we have found have the Grocer’s arms on them and none retain their original presentation boxes. This piece is therefore a very rare survival and presents beautifully.

The arms of the Grocer’s Company are particularly decorative thanks to their saddled camel crest and the incorporation of 9 cloves surrounding a chevron in the central field. Examples of book bindings incorporating the company’s arms can be seen here.

https://armorial.bibsoc.org.uk/ordinaries/cloves-9.html

This fine piece is therefore both a celebration of Royal history and that of one of the most important ancient livery companies in London.