19th-Century French Perfume Bottle 18ct Yellow Gold & Cabochon Garnet (30.00ct)

French perfume bottle by the well-known Parisian firm of E. Pardonneau. The glass body topped by a solid 18ct yellow gold hinged lid (partial marks) with sprung interior signed E. Pardonneau Paris. Superb quality can be seen in the hinge and practical push button release, which work as well today as they did when this piece was first made. The top of the lid set with a rich deep red cabochon garnet (30.00cts). The firm of MacHenry & Pardonneau were important Parisian jewellers based on the Rue Royale St. Honoré. Suppliers to the Belgian king Leopold II (r. 1865-1909) and his consort Marie Henriette of Austria they specialised in artistic jewellery and fine quality objects. The firm was taken over in 1893 by Raoul Foullé. The Foullé family are well-known in French jewellery history with close links to the famous House of Mellerio. This example would have been carried by a wealthy lady, and likely contained a delicate scent from the House of Guerlain. A fantastic piece to start a collection of perfume bottles, or to be used and enjoyed in an elegant evening bag.