etched glass carriage vase

• dimensions — 6.5" h x 4.25" w x 4" d (backplate), 8" h x 2.5" w
• material — metal and glass
• origin — France or United States
• circa — late 19th/early 20th century

carriage vases were popular in the late 19th/early 20th century and were affixed to the inside of cars. because of the lack of air conditioning in early automobiles, carriage vases held fresh flowers and were intended to mask smells — like the antique version of today's car air freshener. these are rare, highly collectible, and often difficult to find as a matching pair.

this vase can easily translate from antique cars to today's homes by being used as a wall sconce. the distinctive hand-cut, etched glass design beautifully refracts light. watertight, it is suitable for holding both fresh and dried flowers. this is truly a one-of-a-kind piece. each sconce includes 2 decorative pushpins for mounting to the wall, though I'd suggest affixing this more securely with screws due to the weight of the glass vase. a few minor scratches are on both pieces and some patina to the metal backplate, however, each piece is in overall excellent antique condition.

2 available, sold individually. list price is for 1 vase + the backing plate.