Discover these Tips on Collecting Antique Perfume Bottles


by Eddy Lam - Date: 2006-12-04 - Word Count: 454 Share This!

Are you an avid fan of antique perfume bottles or thinking of starting your own collection? Here are some must-knows on buying antique perfume bottles.

Firstly, do your homework on the perfume bottle styles, manufacturer and period that you are interested in. There are many books available on the market today that tell you about the history, unique bottle features of each era and price range of vintage bottles. But there is also a wealth of such information provided free on the Internet, so that is a good place to start.

Secondly, what can one find antique perfume bottles? Begin by searching antique stores if you are a newbie. Most storeowners would be able to guide you on the age and origin of each piece. Compare what the storeowner tells you with your research note and you will know whether the storeowner 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.

The manufacturer of antique perfume bottles is important too. Some of the most famous manufacturers of perfume bottles are Lalique, Baccarat, Julian Viard, Devilbiss, Tiffany, Daum Nancy. To determine whether the antique perfume bottle is original, be sure to scrutinize the bottom of the bottle. Brands like Lalique and Baccarat mark their bottles, which make your collecting a lot easier.

Another consideration is the overall condition of the antique perfume bottle. The bottle should be in immaculate condition. After all, the condition of the perfume bottle is one main determinant of its value. Check for chips, cracks, stains and scratches on the bottle. If the antique perfume bottle comes with a label, is there any tear, blotches or fading?

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.

Lastly, antique perfume bottles require special care. If your old perfume bottles are turning cloudy from hard water minerals, drop a denture-cleaning tablet in, fill the bottle with water and let the fizzing action clean it. The interior of perfume bottle can also be cleaned by swirling lead shot or sand around in the water-filled bottle. Just take care not to over-fill the perfume bottle lest water comes into contact with and damage the label.


Related Tags: shopping, antique, woman, recreation, hobby, perfume bottles, perfumes, ladies, branded perfumes

Of course, if you also want to smell good, why not try a special scent like Burberry Perfume or a clean and fresh scent like Clean Perfume?

For even more information on branded perfumes, visit Perfume 321.

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