Rare Early Alvin Silver Overlay Perfume Bottle, Pat. Jan 1886
Price available on inquiry
ID: 09-3051
This exceptional perfume bottle is a rare early example of silver overlay artistry by Alvin Manufacturing Co., bearing the original U.S. Patent date of January 5, 1886 the very year the process was first granted. The bottle is made of clear glass with finely engraved solid silver overlay in a flowing Art Nouveau vine and scroll pattern. The hand-engraved monogram “JJD” is centered within a decorative silver cartouche. The piece is stamped “SOLID SILVER 223 A PAT JAN. 5–86” — marking it as one of the earliest commercial silver overlay pieces produced in the United States. Both the bottle and original stopper are hand-etched with the number “427”, confirming they are an original matched pair. These early overlay pieces were labor-intensive, with each design hand-applied and individually finished — long before later mass-production methods. Measuring approximately 10.5 cm (4.13”) tall, with a diameter of 5.3 cm (2.09”), and weighing 122.3 grams, this piece reflects the fine craftsmanship and innovation Alvin brought to the American decorative arts scene in the late 19th century. Glass Body: Structurally sound and clear. One light surface scratch on the base noted. Silver Overlay: Intact, detailed, and consistent with early hand-applied work. Minor tarnish and typical light wear from age. Stopper: Original matching stopper, etched “427,” with a couple of small chips on the base edge (see photo). Monogram: Script initials “JJD” engraved within central cartouche. Markings: Stamped “SOLID SILVER 223 A PAT JAN. 5–86” on overlay. Base and stopper etched “427”.
Rare early example of silver overlay artistry by Alvin Manufacturing Co
This exceptional perfume bottle is a rare early example of silver overlay artistry by Alvin Manufacturing Co., bearing the original U.S. Patent date of January 5, 1886 the very year the process was first granted.
The bottle is made of clear glass with finely engraved solid silver overlay in a flowing Art Nouveau vine and scroll pattern. The hand-engraved monogram “JJD” is centered within a decorative silver cartouche. The piece is stamped “SOLID SILVER 223 A PAT JAN. 5–86” — marking it as one of the earliest commercial silver overlay pieces produced in the United States.
Both the bottle and original stopper are hand-etched with the number “427”, confirming they are an original matched pair. These early overlay pieces were labor-intensive, with each design hand-applied and individually finished — long before later mass-production methods.
Measuring approximately 10.5 cm (4.13”) tall, with a diameter of 5.3 cm (2.09”), and weighing 122.3 grams, this piece reflects the fine craftsmanship and innovation Alvin brought to the American decorative arts scene in the late 19th century.
-
Glass Body: Structurally sound and clear. One light surface scratch on the base noted.
-
Silver Overlay: Intact, detailed, and consistent with early hand-applied work. Minor tarnish and typical light wear from age.
-
Stopper: Original matching stopper, etched “427,” with a couple of small chips on the base edge (see photo).
-
Monogram: Script initials “JJD” engraved within central cartouche.
-
Markings: Stamped “SOLID SILVER 223 A PAT JAN. 5–86” on overlay. Base and stopper etched “427”.
09-3051
