Exploring The Value Of Avon's Vintage Train Cologne Bottles

Avon has been producing collectible perfume bottles for many years, with their Avon ladies selling them door-to-door. The bottles were often designed by the likes of Fenton Art Glass and Wheaton Glass Company and were produced in limited runs to boost their value as a collectible.

The vintage Avon train bottle is a rare find and is valued at just under $100.

Rarity and collectability

Avon has been producing collectible perfume bottles for many years, with their "Avon ladies" selling them door-to-door. The bottles were often designed by the likes of Fenton Art Glass and Wheaton Glass Company and were produced in limited runs to boost their value as collectibles. They were modelled after stunning vintage perfume bottles or designed to look like pop culture icons, and they came in a variety of subjects, such as animals, flowers, beauty objects, historical figures, and popular films. Today, these bottles have become collectibles in their own right, and many people collect vintage Avon perfume bottles, making them quite popular and causing them to fetch high prices at auction.

Factors Affecting Rarity and Collectability

The rarity and collectability of vintage Avon train cologne bottles are influenced by several factors, including age, design, condition, and popularity:

• Age: Older Avon bottles tend to be more valuable than newer ones. Vintage Avon bottles from the 1960s to the 1980s are particularly sought-after by collectors.
• Design: Unique and limited-edition designs are more valuable and sought-after by collectors. For example, the Avon train bottle with a brass stop is considered a rare find.
• Condition: The better the condition of the bottle, the more valuable it is. Unopened bottles with intact stickers, original packaging, and no scratches or cracks are highly valued by collectors.
• Popularity: The popularity of certain designs or themes can affect their rarity and collectability. For instance, Disney-themed Avon bottles, such as the 1930s Mickey Mouse cologne bottle and the 1970s Small World collection, are highly sought-after by Disney collectors.

Where to Find Rare and Valuable Avon Bottles

If you are looking to purchase vintage Avon train cologne bottles for your collection, it is important to buy them from a reputable source. Online marketplaces like eBay, Etsy, and Collector's Weekly offer a wide variety of listings, allowing you to narrow down your search to find specific bottles. When buying online, ensure that the bottle is authentic, in good condition, and has plenty of clear photos and a detailed description of its condition.

Age and condition

The age of a vintage Avon bottle is a key factor in determining its value. Generally, older bottles are more valuable than newer ones. The "heyday" of vintage Avon figural bottles was from 1965 to 1980, though other figurals have been produced since then.

The condition of an Avon bottle is also important when determining its value. Collectors value bottles that are unopened, still have their original content, and have intact content stickers. Bottles with their original packaging are also more valuable. Additionally, bottles that are free from scratches and cracks are worth more.

Online auction sites and price guides

Online auction sites such as eBay are a great place to start when looking to sell your vintage Avon train cologne bottle. Etsy is another popular site for selling vintage items. You can also try Collector's Weekly, which provides listings from a variety of auction sites.

When determining the value of your vintage Avon bottle, it's important to consider its rarity, condition, and historical significance. Older bottles tend to be more valuable, and those produced before 1965 are considered rare and highly sought-after. The condition of the bottle also plays a crucial role in its value, including whether it is opened or unopened, how full it is, the presence of original stickers and packaging, and its freedom from scratches and cracks.

Some other factors that can affect the value of your vintage Avon train cologne bottle include the presence of a brass stopper, the bottle's size, and its overall design and aesthetic appeal. Additionally, it's worth examining the bottom of the bottle for any markings, as some Avon bottles were produced by the Wheaton Glass Company and may bear their markings.

• Vintage Avon Big Mold Glass Train Aftershave Bottle: valued at just under $100
• Avon Bottle Rare Car Collectible: officially known as the "Avon Thomas Flyer 1908" bottle, inspired by the Thomas Motor Company's Model 35 automobile, is valued at $200
• Vintage Avon Pony Wild Country Aftershave Horse-Shape Bottle: shaped like a horse's head with a keyring in its mouth, produced in the 1970s, valued at just under $100
• Vintage Avon Fashion Figurine Gay Nineties Unforgettable Cologne Decanter: inspired by the 1890s, valued at just under $100
• Avon Shaving Brush Endeavour After Shave Lotion Bottle: shaped like a shaving brush, produced in the 1970s, valued at over $65

Original content and packaging

When it comes to the original content and packaging of vintage Avon train cologne bottles, there are a few key factors that can affect their value. Firstly, the age of the bottle is important, as older bottles tend to be more valuable than newer ones. The rarity of the bottle is also a significant factor, as unique or hard-to-find bottles will generally be more valuable. Additionally, the condition of the bottle plays a crucial role in determining its value. Ideally, the bottle should be unopened, with its original content intact, and the box should be in good condition, free from any damage or strong scents.

The presence of original content stickers can also impact the value of vintage Avon train cologne bottles. Well-preserved stickers that are legible and intact can enhance the bottle's value. Furthermore, the design and limited edition status of the bottle can influence its worth. Certain designs, such as those inspired by popular films, historical figures, or specific themes like the "Gay Nineties," tend to be more sought-after by collectors.

It is worth noting that the market for vintage Avon bottles can be somewhat unpredictable, and values can vary widely. While some bottles may fetch high prices at auction, others may not hold their value over time. Therefore, it is advisable to research the specific bottle you possess, taking into account its rarity, condition, and historical significance, to get a more accurate sense of its worth.

Buying from a reputable source

When buying vintage Avon train cologne bottles, it is important to ensure that you are purchasing from a reputable source. Here are some tips to help you buy these bottles from a trusted seller:

• Check Online Marketplaces: Reputable online marketplaces like eBay, Etsy, and Collector's Weekly offer a wide range of vintage Avon products. These platforms allow you to view multiple listings, compare prices, and read detailed descriptions of the items. You can also check seller reviews and ratings to gauge their reliability.
• Examine Detailed Listings: When buying online, look for listings that provide a detailed description of the item's condition, its history, and any markings or stickers on the bottle. The more information provided, the better you can assess the authenticity and value of the vintage train cologne bottle.
• Inspect Photos: Reputable sellers will provide multiple clear photos of the item from different angles. Carefully examine these photos to assess the condition of the bottle, looking for any scratches, cracks, or other signs of damage.
• Ask Questions: If you have any questions or concerns about the item, don't hesitate to contact the seller. Reputable sellers should be responsive and willing to provide additional information or photos to help you make an informed purchase decision.
• Research the Seller: Before making a purchase, take the time to research the seller. Check their feedback and reviews from other buyers. Look for sellers with a long-standing positive reputation and a track record of satisfied customers.
• Payment and Return Policies: Understand the seller's payment and return policies before making a purchase. Reputable sellers will usually offer secure payment methods and reasonable return policies to ensure buyer protection.
• Authenticity and Condition: When buying vintage Avon train cologne bottles, always verify the authenticity of the item. Check for markings, such as "AVON" embossed on the bottle. Additionally, assess the condition of the bottle, including whether it is opened or unopened, the fullness of the bottle, the presence of original content stickers, and the overall appearance.
• Compare Prices: Compare prices across different sellers and platforms to get a sense of the market value for the specific vintage Avon train cologne bottle you are interested in. Significant price variations may be a red flag, so be cautious of prices that seem too good to be true.

Remember, when buying vintage collectibles like Avon train cologne bottles, it is essential to do your research, trust your instincts, and only purchase from sellers who provide detailed information, clear photos, and have a positive reputation.

Frequently asked questions