Old Cologne: Is It Worth More With Age?

The value of old cologne depends on a variety of factors, including its age, rarity, and condition. Some vintage perfumes can be worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars. For example, beautiful coloured perfume bottles from the 1920s can be worth as much as $20,000 or more. Additionally, unopened perfumes from the 1980s that have been discontinued can also be valuable, with people willing to pay $100-$150 for a bottle.

Some notable vintage colognes include Penhaligon Blenheim Bouquet (1902), Jockey Club by Caswell-Massey (1840), and Florida Water by Murray & Lanman (1808). These colognes have been used by famous individuals such as Winston Churchill, JFK, and Lucille Ball.

Vintage cologne bottles can also be valuable collectibles, with unique and beautiful designs often fetching high prices at auction. For instance, Avon has produced collectible perfume bottles that have become sought-after items, with certain designs valued at several hundred dollars.

Therefore, when determining the value of old cologne, it is important to consider not only the liquid fragrance but also the bottle itself, as both can hold significant worth.

Vintage Avon bottles

The value of vintage Avon bottles depends on their rarity, condition, and historical significance. The older the bottle, the more valuable it tends to be. Pre-1965 Avon bottles are considered rare and valuable. The condition of the bottle, including whether it is opened or unopened, how full it is, whether stickers are intact, and whether the packaging is original, also affects its value.

• 32-Piece Avon Chess Set: Produced from 1971 to 1978, this set included amber glass bottles with silver plastic lids. The average value of this set is $50.
• "Little Miss Muffet" Decanter: This unique porcelain decanter in the shape of a girl sitting on a tuffet is valued at around $20.
• Automobile Collection: Car-themed bottles from the 1990s, made of coloured and clear glass, can fetch prices ranging from $100 to $500.
• 1979 Avon Anniversary Keepsake Bottle: This elegant, tall, thin bottle with an embossed pattern is valued between $10 and $20.
• Beehive Bottle: Designed to look like a beehive with a golden bee on top, this bottle once held Avon's Moonwind perfume and is worth around $30.
• Bulldog Pipe Aftershave Decanter: Shaped like a smoking pipe with a bulldog head as the bowl, this milk glass decanter is valued at $20.
• Small World Collection: These bottles, based on Disney's "Small World" ride, are highly collectible and can sell for $100-$200 for a multi-piece collection.
• 1930s Mickey Mouse Cologne: One of Avon's most valuable bottles, this spring-legged Mickey Mouse design sold for $358.50 in 2006.
• 1980s Little Blossom "Whisper" and "Daisy Dreamer": These fragrances, designed for young girls, are valued at over $100 and around $100, respectively.
• Zodiac Star Sign Set: Astrology-themed bottles featuring zodiac signs in gold on black fragrance bottles can be found for $15-$50.

The value of old cologne

Monetary Value

The monetary value of old cologne can vary significantly, ranging from a few dollars to hundreds or even thousands. The value is largely determined by factors such as age, rarity, and condition. Older colognes, particularly those that are no longer in production, tend to be more valuable. For example, unopened perfumes from the 1980s that have been discontinued can fetch prices of $100 to $150, a significant increase from their original price.

Additionally, the rarity of a cologne plays a crucial role in its value. Limited-edition or unique fragrances are often sought after by collectors and can command higher prices. For instance, certain Avon colognes from the 1970s and 1980s, such as the Mickey Mouse cologne bottle from the 1930s, have sold for several hundred dollars at auctions.

Furthermore, the condition of the cologne and its packaging can also influence its value. Sealed or full bottles that are in good condition, with intact stickers and original packaging, are typically more desirable and can fetch higher prices.

Sentimental and Historical Value

Beyond monetary considerations, old colognes can hold immense sentimental and historical value. Fragrances are deeply intertwined with our sense of smell, which is strongly linked to memory and emotion. A whiff of a particular cologne can instantly transport someone back to a cherished memory or a significant person in their life. Thus, the value of an old cologne can be immeasurable in terms of the emotions and recollections it evokes.

Additionally, old colognes can provide a fascinating glimpse into the past. The creation and use of fragrances have a long history, dating back to ancient civilizations like Mesopotamia and Egypt. Over time, the art of perfumery evolved, and colognes became associated with royalty, elegance, and luxury. Today, vintage colognes allow us to connect with the past, offering a unique perspective on the tastes, trends, and lifestyles of previous generations.

Resale and Collectability

Old colognes, particularly those with unique or eye-catching bottles, can be highly collectible. Vintage perfume bottles are considered works of art, often crafted from beautiful glass or crystal with intricate designs. These bottles are sought after by collectors who appreciate their aesthetic value, regardless of whether they still contain the original fragrance. Auction houses regularly sell vintage perfume bottles, with some fetching prices in the thousands.

Additionally, certain brands, such as Avon, have a strong following among collectors due to their cultural relevance and the nostalgia associated with their products. Avon, known for its unique and limited-edition designs, has a dedicated market for its vintage colognes and perfumes, with certain pieces highly sought after by enthusiasts.

In conclusion, the value of old cologne is multifaceted. While monetary value is an important aspect, it is equally important to recognize the sentimental, historical, and collectible value that vintage fragrances can hold. Old colognes allow us to reconnect with the past, evoke powerful memories, and appreciate the artistry and craftsmanship that went into their creation. Thus, the value of an old cologne goes beyond its price tag, making it a cherished possession for collectors, enthusiasts, and anyone with a fondness for nostalgic scents.

Rare old colognes

Colognes that are no longer in production can be valuable, with people willing to pay $100-$150 for a perfume that initially cost $20 in the 1980s. However, the value of vintage colognes depends on their rarity, condition, and historical significance.

• Portos Balenciaga (1980) Eau de Cologne: This cologne was released in 1980 and is now a rare vintage item.
• Miniature Dunhill Cologne for Men: This miniature cologne is a rare vintage item from the 1960s.
• Avon Imari Eau de Cologne Spray: A rare vintage original formula of Avon's Imari cologne.
• 2 OZ / 60ml Vintage Ambush cologne by Dana: A rare, old formula of Ambush cologne by Dana, which has been discontinued and is hard to find.
• Aramis Mens 32oz Cologne: A rare find of Aramis cologne with its original store display, including remaining cologne.
• Vintage Lucien Lelong Taglio Parfum: A very rare, sealed, and unopened bottle of Lucien Lelong Taglio parfum.
• NOS NIB Rare Vintage Guerlain 1960s Shalimar: A rare, vintage version of Guerlain's Shalimar from the 1960s, which includes the original soap.
• Vintage Dunhill Cologne Men Eau de Cologne: A super rare vintage Dunhill cologne with 200 ml of its original cologne.

These rare vintage colognes can be found on auction sites, online marketplaces, and specialist fragrance retailers.

Old cologne bottles as art

Old cologne bottles can be valuable as art, with some selling for hundreds or even thousands of dollars. The value of these bottles often lies in their rarity, age, and aesthetic appeal as works of art.

Cologne bottles produced by renowned companies such as Avon, Lalique, Baccarat, and DeVilbiss are particularly sought-after by collectors. Avon, for instance, is known for its unique and limited-edition designs, featuring a variety of subjects like animals, flowers, historical figures, and pop culture icons. These bottles are often made of glass or crystal and may be filled with fragrance. Some even come with atomizers for easy application.

When determining the value of old cologne bottles, several factors come into play:

• Rarity: Pre-1965 bottles, limited editions, or those from discontinued lines tend to be more valuable.
• Age: Older bottles are generally more valuable, with vintage and antique bottles commanding higher prices.
• Condition: Unopened bottles with intact stickers, original packaging, and no scratches or cracks are more desirable.
• Aesthetics: Fancier shapes, vibrant colours, and intricate designs can increase a bottle's value.

• The Gale French Cameo Perfume Bottle by Émile Gallé, a renowned 19th-century French designer. This bottle, featuring a black and white butterfly design, can sell for $15,000 to $25,000.
• The 14K Gold Dutch Perfume Bottle with a crystal body and a gold lid. It is valued at a minimum of $465.
• The Rare Thomas Webb Cameo Glass Perfume Bottle in the shape of a swan, created in the 1880s by Thomas Webb and his sons. It is valued between $12,300 and $24,500.
• The Vintage Avon Ming Blue Lamp Bottle, a collectible item selling for around $22.
• The Vintage Avon Buffalo Bison Decanter Wild Country, a unique design selling for approximately $32.
• The Vintage Avon Fashion Figurine Gay Nineties Unforgettable Cologne Decanter, a rare find inspired by the elegant and prosperous era of the 1890s. It typically sells for about $79.

These examples demonstrate that old cologne bottles can indeed be valuable as art, with their value influenced by a combination of factors, including the manufacturer, design, rarity, and overall condition.

Old colognes as an investment

Colognes have been around for hundreds of years, with some of the oldest and most famous fragrances still in production today. The cologne market has evolved from a handful of local fragrances to an oversaturated global market.

Vintage Colognes

Vintage colognes can be a valuable investment, with some discontinued perfumes from the 1980s fetching prices of $100-$150. However, it is important to note that these prices are for unopened bottles, and the value of a vintage cologne depends on its rarity, condition, and historical significance.

Collectible Perfume Bottles

Collectible perfume bottles can also be a worthwhile investment. Beautifully designed bottles, particularly those made of glass or crystal, can be worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars. For example, a 1920s coloured perfume bottle can be worth as much as $20,000 or more.

Popular Vintage Colognes

Some of the most popular vintage colognes include:

• Jockey Club by Caswell-Massey (1840)
• Florida Water by Murray & Lanman (1808)
• 4711 by Farina (1709)
• Acqua di Colognia by Dominican friars (1533)

Popular Vintage Perfume Bottles

Some of the most valuable perfume bottles are made by Lalique, Baccarat, and DeVilbiss. Avon has also produced many collectible bottles over the years, often in limited editions with unique designs.

In summary, old colognes and perfume bottles can be a valuable investment, but it is important to research the specific item and consult with experts to determine its authenticity and value.

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