ITEM 4002. SUNBURST - FLEUR DE LIS SCENT BOTTLE, (similar to Ham's HVI-7), aquamarine, circular with corrugated ribbing, pontil scar, 2 1/4"H, outwardly flared and inwardly rolled mouth, mint with a somewhat weakened impression and minor exterior wear. Probably American, 1820-1840, very rare.

This beautifully designed scent bottle dates to the early 19th century and as shown, the piece exhibits a particularly crude and unusual mouth treatment. Diminutively sized for placement in a woman's purse, this attractive bottle would have originally contained a pungent essence used to mask unpleasant body odors. And, though bottles of this type were quite popular in their day, the bottles are now quite rare and highly desirable among collectors.