The Essential Buyer's Guide To Antique Perfume Bottles

By: Serene Jones

Collecting perfume bottles is definitely a hot hobby these days.
But collecting vintage perfume bottles is a whole lot more
rewarding because of the intrinsic value associated with each
piece. Thinking of buying a piece to start or augment your
collection? Read on for some tips.

The first step is knowing the styles and origins that interest
you. While books on antique perfume bottles are aplenty (there
is no need to buy, just visit your local library!), I find the
Internet most useful. Auction sites are excellent sources of
information on what is popular out there, as well as the
expected prices. Because they are antique, they tend to be
expensive and having a good idea of the prices is important.

Secondly, what can one find antique perfume bottles? Begin by
searching antique stores if you are a newbie. Most store owners
would be able to guide you on the age and origin of each piece.
Compare what the store owner tells you with your research note
and you will know whether the store owner is reliable. Auction
sites like Yahoo! and eBay are good for bargain purchases but
make sure you ask lots of questions and demand to see pictures
of the bottle to ensure it is the real thing. You may also be
able to unravel gems occasionally in garage or yard sales.

Thirdly, remember the brand of the perfume bottles makes a
difference. As far as I know, perfume bottles manufactured by
famous companies like Baccarat, Coty, Guerlain, Steuben, St.
Lousis, Lalique, Galle are hot favorites of collectors.
Manufacturers such as Lalique, Galle and Moser mark their
perfume bottles. Therefore, it is easy to determine whether a
bottle is the real thing just by looking at the bottom of theses
bottles.

The overall condition of the antique perfume bottle is another
critical consideration. It is obvious that bottles in good
conditions (no marks, scratches, chips, stains or cracks) will
fetch better prices. There should also be no blotches,
discoloring or tear on the label. Nonetheless, being antiques
(meaning old!), antique perfume bottles in perfect conditions
are hard to come by. If it is a rare bottle, a minor chip should
not be too devaluing.

Next, collectors are concerned about the contents in the
bottles. Many collectors may wish to own antique perfume bottles
that still contain the original scents. Indeed, perfumes that
are sealed will fetch higher prices. But bear in mind that
perfumes lose their freshness after 7 to 10 years, so some
vintage perfumes actually stink! In addition, perfumes evaporate
over time due to the alcohol content and there may also be
residue in the bottles.

Last but not the least, let your glass shine! Give the insides
of an empty perfume bottle an occasional scrub by filling in
some water, followed by swirling lead shot or sand in it. If old
perfume bottles are turning cloudy (a result of hard water
mineral deposits), fill it with water and add a denture-cleaning
tablet. However, do be very careful not to wet the label on the
bottle.

Article Source: https://www.collectibles-articles.com

Try a Chanel Perfume here. Or, try a Givenchy Perfume here. For even more free perfume information, visit Perfume 321.

Related Items on eBay:

Vintage Purple Perfume Glass bottle Crystal Openwork Refillable Metal Empty Gift
$13.98

Retro Vintage Style Perfume Bottle Metal Glass with Metal Perfume Dauber - GM329
$39.00

Set of 10 Genie Blown Glass Miniature Perfume Bottles for Perfumes & Esse...
$23.99

Perspirex Antiperspirant Roll-On 20ml | Extra Effective Protection | Pack
$229.99

VTG Perfume Cologne Collection Lot Bottles Estate Lot See Pics - 12 RANDOM
$24.99

25Pcs Perfume Refill Tool Kit, Travel Dispenser, Cologne & Fragrance Transfer Se
$24.76

Print This Article

Comments Closed

Add To Favorites

Email to Friends

Publisher Ready