Lance Carson
I. W. Rice & Co. was founded in 1905 as an importer of perfume bottles and other vanity items, including vases, salt and pepper shakers, and crystal accessories. The company was headed by Irving W. Rice, who gave an abbreviation of his name to the company, which appears on the distinctive silver and blue foil labels. During the 1930s, they dabbled in commercial perfumes and had a small line of fragrances like Grape Cologne and Pineapple. They also imported boxcar loads of Czechoslovakian crystal before World War II, and after the war, they began importing from West Germany. Today, the company continues to supply vanity items and perfume bottles, with sources in Japan and Taiwan.
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What You'll Learn
I. W. Rice & Co. was founded in 1905
The company initially focused on importing Czechoslovakian crystal in the 1930s but shifted to American manufacturers such as Imperial Glass during World War II. After the war, they resumed importing, first from West Germany, and later from Japan.
I. W. Rice & Co. was known for its distinctive silver and blue foil labels, featuring the abbreviation of Irving W. Rice's name as "Irice". The company never manufactured the items itself but acted as importers and jobbers, offering a wide variety of perfume bottles and atomizers from different countries and quality levels.
Over time, the sources of their imports evolved, with the majority of their supplies eventually coming from the Far East, including Japan and later Taiwan. Today, I. W. Rice & Co., located in New York City, continues to supply vanity items and perfume bottles to the American market.
I. W. Rice & Co.'s perfume bottles have become collectibles, with some dating back to the early 20th century. These vintage bottles can be found for sale on various platforms, often marketed as antiques or collectibles.
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Imported Czechoslovakian crystal in the 1930s
Czechoslovakian crystal, also known as Bohemia crystal, has been internationally recognised for its high quality, craftsmanship, beauty, and innovative designs. During the 1930s, I. W. Rice & Co. specialised in importing Czechoslovakian crystal, selling these items under the name "Irice imports".
The history of Bohemian glass, or Czechoslovakian crystal, began with the abundant natural resources found in the countryside. Bohemian glass-workers discovered that combining potash with chalk created a clear, colourless glass that was more stable than glass from Italy. In the 16th century, the term "Bohemian crystal" was used to distinguish its qualities from glass made elsewhere. This glass contained no lead, contrary to common suspicion. Czech crystal was known for its excellent cut and engraving, and the country's craftsmen became renowned teachers of glass-making in other countries.
By the middle of the 19th century, a technical glass-making school system was established in Bohemia, encouraging both traditional and innovative techniques. In the latter half of the 19th century, Bohemia turned to the export trade and began mass-producing coloured glass that was exported worldwide. Czech crystal chandeliers could be found in the palaces of the French king Louis XV, Austrian empress Maria Theresa, and Elizabeth of Russia.
Czechoslovakian crystal is typically found in four main colour groups: red, blue, green, and brown. Blue and green glass, in particular, have been famous products of Czechoslovakia for the last two centuries. Coloured glass does not refract light as well as clear glass, and is often painted or enamelled.
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Switched to American manufacturers during WWII
I. W. Rice & Co., also known as Irice, was founded in 1905 as an importer of perfume bottles and other vanity items. During World War II, the company was unable to continue importing items from overseas and had to adapt its sourcing strategy. Here's a detailed account of how I. W. Rice & Co. navigated their business during the war:
Switching to American Manufacturers:
I. W. Rice & Co. was quick to respond to the challenges posed by the war. Before World War II, the company had primarily imported and marketed a wide variety of products, including perfume bottles, from various countries. However, with the outbreak of war, international supply chains were disrupted, and importing goods from overseas became increasingly difficult, if not impossible.
Sourcing from American Companies:
To ensure business continuity, I. W. Rice & Co. made a strategic decision to switch their sourcing to American manufacturers during WWII. This was a significant shift for a company that had built its success on importing items from around the world. One of their primary sources during the war was Imperial Glass, an American manufacturer. By partnering with domestic suppliers, they could maintain their business operations and continue providing products to their customers.
Adapting to Market Demands:
During the war, consumer demands and market trends also changed. I. W. Rice & Co. adapted their product offerings to align with the needs and tastes of their customers during this unprecedented time. While specific details of their product lines during WWII are scarce, it is known that they continued to supply vanity items and perfume bottles to the American market.
Maintaining Business Operations:
The decision to source from American manufacturers was crucial for I. W. Rice & Co.'s survival during the war. By securing a stable supply of goods, they could maintain their business operations and retain their customer base. This adaptability allowed them to weather the challenges of the war years and positioned them for continued success in the post-war era.
Post-War Importing:
After WWII ended, I. W. Rice & Co. resumed their importing activities. They began sourcing products from West Germany, and later expanded their imports from Japan. This post-war era marked a return to their global sourcing strategy, and the company continued to evolve and thrive in the changing market conditions.
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Imported from West Germany after WWII
I. W. Rice & Co., also known as Irice, was founded in 1905 as an importer of perfume bottles and other vanity items. During the 1930s, the company specialised in Czechoslovakian crystal, but during World War II, they switched to American manufacturers such as Imperial Glass.
After the war, I. W. Rice & Co. resumed importing, initially from West Germany. These imported bottles were labelled "Made in Germany US zone", as Germany was divided into four zones after WWII, and the US zone was permitted to export certain items to the US. One such bottle, dating from 1946-1947, is described as made of pressed glass with a 3" tall dauber and a total height of 4". It features a pattern pressed on only one side and has a 2 1/2 inch base with a small chip on the bottom.
I. W. Rice & Co. later began importing from Japan in addition to West Germany. The company imported and marketed a variety of items, including salt and pepper shakers, crystal accessories, and table crystal gifts, selling them under the name "Irice Imports".
One notable Irice perfume bottle is the 1920s Art Deco yellow glass bottle with a balloon-shaped lid and cut glass details that resemble swagged fabric. These bottles were imported from West Germany and are said to be in excellent condition, very clean, and in stunning shape.
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Still supplies vanity items and perfume bottles
I. W. Rice & Co. was founded in 1905 as an importer of perfume bottles and other vanity items, including vases, salt and pepper shakers, and crystal accessories. The company was headed by Irving W. Rice, who gave his abbreviated name to the company, which appears on the distinctive silver and blue foil labels as "Irice". During the 1930s, they imported Czechoslovakian crystal, switching to American manufacturers during WWII, and then back to importing from West Germany and Japan after the war.
I. W. Rice & Co. still exists today and continues to supply vanity items and perfume bottles to America. The company never manufactured the items themselves, instead importing and distributing them. The company's address is 15 West 34th St, New York City.
Irice perfume bottles can be found for sale on websites such as Etsy and eBay, with prices ranging from $12 in antique stores to $575 for a new bottle on eBay.
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Frequently asked questions
I. W. Rice & Co. (also known as Irving W. Rice & Co., Inc.) was the company that bottled perfume in Irice perfume bottles.
I. W. Rice & Co. was founded in 1905 by Irving W. Rice as president and Lou D. Bloom as sales manager.
The company imported a variety of vanity items such as vases, salt and pepper shakers, crystal accessories, and table crystal gifts. They also imported perfumes from countries like Czechoslovakia, West Germany, Japan, and Taiwan.
Irice perfume bottles are considered collectibles and can range in value from $40 to $575 depending on their age, condition, and rarity.
