Exploring The Value Of Vintage Avon Cologne Bottles

Avon bottles, particularly the vintage ones, have become popular among collectors. The value of these bottles depends on their rarity, age, and condition. Some of the most valuable Avon bottles include the 1970s Queen Perfume Bottle, the 1981 Sweet Honesty Perfume Bottle, the 1950s Cranberry Perfume Bottle, the 1970s Blue Lamp Bottle Collection, and the Canadian Goose Valuable Avon Cologne Bottle. These bottles can range in price from $44 to $1,130.

The age of the bottle

The age of an Avon bottle can be determined by looking at its design and the logo or sticker on its base. Most collectible Avon bottles belong to the 1930s to 1960s era, making them 60 to 90 years old today.

The earliest Avon bottles were quite simple in design, but in 1956, the company introduced the "Little Dot" cologne bottle, which was designed to look like a hatpin and became very popular with customers. This was followed by the introduction of figural bottles in the form of boots, and later, a wide variety of shapes, including cars, motorcycles, trains, animals, and humans.

The age of a bottle can also be determined by looking for specific markings on the bottom. For example, bottles produced by the Wheaton Glass Company won't have labels, but you may find other markings like the word "Avon".

Additionally, Avon bottles with capacity marks or ingredients listed on their base tend to be older, as this practice was discontinued in later years.

Rarity

The rarity of an Avon bottle is one of the key factors that determine its value. The older the bottle, the more valuable it is. Pre-1965 Avon bottles are considered rare and are highly sought-after by collectors.

The Mickey Mouse cologne bottle from the 1930s is one of the oldest and most expensive Avon bottles, selling for $358.50 in 2006. Other rare Avon bottles include the 1970s Zodiac Star Sign bottles, the 1970s Moonwind bottles, and the 1980s Little Blossom Whisper Kids cologne.

The 1970s Small World collection bottles, inspired by Disney's "Small World" ride, are also considered rare and valuable. Only the cologne bottles were made of glass, while the others were plastic. A partial set of these bottles recently sold on eBay for $177.50.

In addition to rarity and age, the condition of the bottle also affects its value. Bottles that are unopened, full, and in good condition with intact stickers and original packaging tend to be more valuable.

Condition

The condition of an Avon cologne bottle is a key factor in determining its value. Collectors and dealers are willing to pay a premium for bottles in excellent condition, while those in poor condition may be challenging to sell. Here are some considerations when evaluating the condition of an old Avon cologne bottle:

Unopened vs. Opened Bottles

An unopened bottle with its original contents intact is generally more valuable than an opened one. Collectors appreciate finding bottles that are still factory-sealed, preserving the original fragrance inside.

Fill Level

Even if the bottle has been opened, the value can be retained if the bottle is still mostly full. Collectors often appreciate having a significant amount of the original cologne remaining, as it adds to the overall presentation and authenticity of the piece.

Stickers and Labels

Avon bottles with intact stickers or labels are more desirable. These may include the original Avon sticker on the base, indicating authenticity, or labels that provide additional information such as the name of the fragrance or the year it was produced.

Scratches, Chips, and Cracks

The presence of scratches, chips, or cracks can negatively impact the value of an Avon cologne bottle. Pristine bottles are highly sought after, while those with noticeable flaws may be less appealing to collectors.

Original Packaging

Old Avon cologne bottles with their original packaging, such as boxes or display cases, are often worth more. The original packaging enhances the collectible value and provides additional context and protection for the bottle.

Authenticity

It is crucial to ensure that the Avon cologne bottle is authentic. Look for markings, such as the word "Avon" or other distinctive indicators, to confirm its authenticity. The presence of authentic details reinforces the value of the bottle.

Refill Status

While Avon bottles are designed to be refillable, the value of a bottle that has been refilled may be lower than that of an unopened or original-content bottle. Collectors often prefer bottles that contain the original cologne or perfume.

Storage Conditions

How the bottle was stored can also impact its condition. Bottles stored in attics or basements may be affected by temperature and humidity fluctuations, which can cause damage over time. Ideally, bottles should be stored in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight.

Professional Assessment

If you are unsure about the condition of an Avon cologne bottle, consider seeking the opinion of a professional appraiser or antique expert. They can provide an unbiased assessment of the bottle's condition and help you determine its value in the collectibles market.

Original packaging

The condition of the original packaging also affects the value of the bottle. A vintage Avon bottle with its original box in good condition will be more valuable than one with a damaged or missing box.

In addition to the bottle's rarity, age, and overall condition, the presence and quality of the original packaging can significantly impact its value.

Online marketplaces

• EBay — a good second-hand marketplace for less valuable bottles.
• Etsy — a marketplace for second-hand and handmade products that many collectors visit.
• Ruby Lane — a vintage marketplace that is best suited for serious sellers as there is a minimum listing requirement of 10 products.
• Amazon — a general e-commerce platform where you can sell your old Avon cologne bottles.
• Sotheby's — an online auction platform where you can sell your rare and valuable items.

When selling on these platforms, it is important to provide detailed descriptions and multiple clear photos of the bottles. Highlight any unique features, the condition of the bottle, and whether it includes the original box or any leftover contents. These factors can influence the value of your Avon cologne bottles.

Frequently asked questions