A carved rose quartz bottle

[seadancer1]

Got this little guy from a local auction recently...it is rose quartz, and measures app. 42mm. I think its quite old, it had a very old price tag on it in pounds which Australia ceased using in the early 60's.......the tag was for 75.00 which was a lot in in those days. There were three other bottles that came with this but nothing really exciting. There was a spoon broken off (no cap) which I carefully removed, and snuff stains inside which I soaked and washed out most. I was the only bidder so didnt cost much. What do you think of it guys?
Cheers, Brenda

[seadancer1]

some more pics.

[Wattana]

Hi Brenda,
     The limited hollowing of the inside is a general indicator that a bottle was not made for use (although someone clearly did use this one!). On the other hand many of the more attractive pale tones of quartz, like this example, were purposely left with thick walls so as to not lose colour intensity. However, the hollowing on most old bottles, even where the wall is very thick, tends to follow the bottle's outside profile. Your bottle appears to be minimally hollowed, without any attempt to follow the outer contour.
     But there are many other factors that need to be considered (such as weight, balance, carving quality and "feel"), which are difficult to assess without handling the bottle.
     Judging from the photos alone I would not date your bottle earlier than 1880s, but could be as recent as 1960s. 

In any event, it's a very attractive little bottle. Congratulations!

Tom

[George]

It sure does have the look for being old..

I like it very much...

I want to guess mid to late 19th..

[Joey Silver / Si Zhouyi 義周司]

Dear Brenda,
     I agree with George. I think that it is very nice and I would date it to ca. 1850-1920.
It is certainly well hollowed enough to hold enough snuff to supply a few people. Having said that, I agree with Tom that the way it is hollowed is not the best. But still a really good bottle worth at least US$500-1,000.
Best,
Joey

[seadancer1]

Thanks guys, nice to know.
Cheers, Brenda