This novelty silver scent bottle, right, appealing to two niche sections largely immune to the swings of the larger silver market, was a target for collectors when offered at Chiswick Auctions (25% buyer’s premium).
By Walter Thornhill, London 1886, the 3in (7cm) long scent bottle with screw top and gilt lining was modelled as a paint tube and enamelled with an imitation paper label reading Vandyke Brown, Walter Thornhill & Co, 144 New Bond St. Estimated at £250-350 at the June 17 sale, it sold at £900.