Anisha Riggs
A dowel, also known as a stopper, is a type of closure used for perfume bottles. It is typically made of glass or plastic and is inserted into the bottle's neck to prevent leakage and evaporation. Dowels are commonly used for more concentrated perfumes, allowing the user to dab the perfume onto the skin. Over time, the design and materials used for dowels have evolved, with innovations such as polypropylene coatings and internal friction teeth being introduced to improve functionality and aesthetics.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Use | Used to dab perfume onto the skin |
| Type of perfume | Used for more concentrated perfumes |
| Material | Glass |
| Period of use | 1870s-1920s |
| Subsequent innovations | Plastic-covered dowel stoppers introduced in the 1970s |
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What You'll Learn
- Dowels are used for dabbing perfume on the skin
- Glass stoppers with dowels were used with corked bottles from the 1870s to the 1920s
- Brosse patented a polypropylene ring with horizontal joints placed on the stopper dowel in 1976
- The first plastic-covered dowel stoppers were introduced in 1970
- Dowels are used for more concentrated perfumes
Dowels are used for dabbing perfume on the skin
Dowels, also known as stoppers, are used for dabbing perfume onto the skin. They are typically made of glass, plastic, or wood, and are inserted into the bottle to prevent evaporation and spillage. The use of a dowel is generally preferred for more concentrated perfumes, allowing for a more controlled application and preventing waste.
When using a dowel, it is important to avoid rubbing your wrists together after applying the perfume. Rubbing can dull the top notes, or the scents you smell in the first few minutes after application. Additionally, it vigorously mixes the perfume with your body's natural oils, altering the way it smells.
Dowel stoppers were commonly used in the past, especially during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. For example, glass stoppers with dowels inserted into corks were popular from the 1870s to the 1920s. In the 1930s, plastic caps began to be placed over the base of ground glass stoppers, and by the 1970s, the first plastic-covered dowel stoppers were introduced by the glass factory of Saint Gobain Desjonqueres.
The design and material of dowel stoppers have evolved over time. In the past, glass or cork might have been used, while modern variations may incorporate plastic or other synthetic materials. Some dowels are designed with a ring made of polypropylene with horizontal joints, while others feature a polypropylene coating designed with internal friction teeth. These innovations improve the functionality and longevity of the stopper.
When collecting vintage perfume bottles, it is important to pay attention to the condition and authenticity of the stopper. A quality manufacturer will custom grind the stopper to fit the base perfectly. The stopper should sit just below the bottle lip and align with the frosted part of the neck. Mismatched or loose stoppers can affect the value of the bottle for collectors.
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Glass stoppers with dowels were used with corked bottles from the 1870s to the 1920s
Glass stoppers with dowels were used with corked perfume bottles from the 1870s to the 1920s. During this period, the use of cork as a common bottle stopper was at its peak, with corked bottles being widely used for champagne, wine, medicine, and perfumes.
The 19th century saw the rise of local perfumeries, as the contents of perfume bottles were often sold separately. By the time elegant scents became a staple for the well-off in the Victorian era, both men and women had collections of crystal perfume bottles, with different scents for various moods and activities. These Victorian bottles were often elaborately painted or etched, but they usually had simple corks or small glass ball stoppers.
In the early 20th century, the artistic designs of perfume bottles and their stoppers went through various fads. While all parts were sumptuous right after the turn of the century, they soon favored floral designs in elaborate etched and cut crystal, especially intaglio. Gradually, geometric designs replaced florals as Art Deco gained popularity. The 1920s favored colored or opaque glass, particularly in amethyst or cobalt blue, while the 1930s saw a shift towards ornate stoppers on plainer bottles.
During this time, Czechoslovakian glassmakers also began producing crystal perfume bottles for export, replicating Victorian styles and then moving into Art Deco designs. These bottles dominated the European and American markets for cut, cast, cased, and blown perfume bottles in the 1920s and 1930s. The use of glass stoppers with dowels in corked perfume bottles eventually gave way to other innovations in bottle closures, such as Bakelite screw caps and plastic-covered dowel stoppers.
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Brosse patented a polypropylene ring with horizontal joints placed on the stopper dowel in 1976
A dowel is a cylindrical shape made of wood, plastic, or metal. In its original manufactured form, a dowel is long and called a dowel rod, which is often cut into shorter dowel pins. In the context of perfume bottles, a dowel refers to a stopper used to dab perfume onto the skin. It is one of the main components of a perfume bottle, which also includes the bottle itself, a cap to seal the bottle and prevent evaporation, and a pump or sprayer to dispense the perfume.
In 1976, Brosse of France patented a ring made of polypropylene with horizontal joints placed on the stopper dowel. This innovation was one of two new stopper designs, with the other being a polypropylene coating of the stopper dowel designed with internal friction teeth. Brosse had a history of innovation in the field of perfume bottle stoppers, having switched from making hand-ground stoppers to precision machine grinding in 1963.
The patent for the polypropylene ring with horizontal joints placed on the stopper dowel was a significant development in the design of perfume bottles. It offered a new way to seal the bottle and prevent evaporation, ensuring that the perfume remained fresh and potent. The ring's horizontal joints provided a secure fit for the stopper, preventing leaks and ensuring that the perfume was dispensed accurately and efficiently.
The use of polypropylene in the design of the ring was also noteworthy. Polypropylene is a durable and flexible material that is resistant to corrosion and chemicals. It is often used in the production of containers and packaging due to its ability to create a tight seal and its compatibility with various liquids and gases. By utilising polypropylene, Brosse was able to enhance the functionality and longevity of perfume bottles, making them more reliable and user-friendly.
The patent demonstrated Brosse's commitment to innovation and their understanding of the needs of both perfume manufacturers and consumers. By improving the performance of the stopper, they contributed to the overall experience of using and displaying a perfume bottle. The design not only ensured the effectiveness of the perfume but also potentially enhanced the aesthetic appeal of the bottle, making it a valuable addition to the cosmetic packaging industry.
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The first plastic-covered dowel stoppers were introduced in 1970
The use of dowels, or stoppers, in perfume bottles has evolved over the years. In the late 1930s, plastic caps were placed over the base of ground glass stoppers, and by the 1970s, the finest plastic caps were introduced. The first plastic-covered dowel stoppers were introduced in 1970 by the glass factory of Saint Gobain Desjonqueres. This innovation built on the history of perfume bottle design, which included the use of Bakelite screw caps in the 1930s to 1950s, Lucite caps from the late 1930s onwards, and glass stoppers with dowels inserted into corks from the 1870s to 1920s.
The introduction of plastic-covered dowel stoppers in 1970 marked a significant advancement in the functionality and aesthetics of perfume bottles. Plastic offered new possibilities for design and decoration, allowing for more intricate shapes and details. It also provided a cost-effective and durable alternative to traditional materials like glass and cork. This innovation opened up opportunities for experimentation with different colours, textures, and shapes, enhancing the overall presentation of perfume products.
The use of plastic in dowel stoppers improved the sealing capabilities of perfume bottles, helping to prevent evaporation and leakage. This was particularly important for maintaining the potency and longevity of the fragrance. Plastic's lightweight and impact-resistant properties made it a practical choice for stoppers, reducing the risk of breakage during transportation and everyday use.
Additionally, the introduction of plastic-covered dowel stoppers in 1970 contributed to the standardisation and mass production of perfume bottles. Plastic could be moulded and manufactured quickly and consistently, ensuring a uniform fit between the stopper and the bottle. This streamlined production processes and reduced costs, making perfume more accessible to a wider range of consumers.
The adoption of plastic-covered dowel stoppers also influenced the decorative aspects of perfume bottles. Plastic could be easily coloured, patterned, or embellished, providing new avenues for branding and aesthetic appeal. Designers could incorporate logos, textures, or decorative elements directly into the plastic, creating a seamless and integrated look. This fusion of functionality and aesthetics played a pivotal role in shaping the modern perfume bottle design.
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Dowels are used for more concentrated perfumes
The main components of a perfume bottle are the bottle itself, which holds the perfume, a cap to seal the bottle and prevent evaporation, a pump or a sprayer to dispense the perfume, and decorative elements like a label or embellishments. The neck and collar are key factors in how people perceive and interact with fragrance packaging. The collar can be made of different materials, such as stainless steel or surlyn, chosen for their durability and style. The design of the shoulder reflects the unique bottle aesthetic, contributing to the overall elegance. The body of the perfume bottle holds the fragrance oil and is critical for the brand's identity. It can be crafted in different colours and shapes, designed to appeal to consumers' aesthetic preferences.
Perfume bottles allow users to apply perfume in two primary ways: via atomizers that spray the perfume and via stoppers (called dowels) that are used to dab the perfume onto the skin. Atomizers are typically used for less concentrated colognes, Eau de Toilettes, and Eau de Perfumes. On the other hand, dowels are used for more concentrated perfumes, although this is also a matter of personal preference. When using a perfume bottle with a dowel, it is recommended to avoid rubbing your wrists together after application. This is because rubbing can dull the top notes of the perfume (the scents you smell in the first five minutes after application). Additionally, rubbing vigorously mixes the perfume with your body's natural oils, altering the way it smells.
The stopper, or dowel, is an essential component of a perfume bottle. It is often custom-ground to fit the base of the bottle perfectly. For a correct stopper fit, the frosted stopper dowel should sit just below the bottle lip and align with the frosted part of the neck. The stopper can be made of various materials, such as glass or plastic. Glass stoppers with dowels that fit into corks were commonly used from the 1870s to the 1920s. In the 1930s, Bakelite screw caps became popular, and some perfume brands continued using black Bakelite screw caps into the 1960s. From the late 1930s onwards, Lucite caps were introduced, although older Lucite caps can become discoloured or develop small fractures over time.
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Frequently asked questions
A dowel is a type of stopper used to seal a perfume bottle and prevent evaporation. They are typically used for more concentrated perfumes and involve dabbing the perfume onto the skin.
Stoppers can be made of glass, plastic, Bakelite, Lucite, or cork.
A quality manufacturer will custom grind the stopper to fit the base. The frosted stopper dowel should sit just below the bottle lip and line up with the frosted part of the neck.
