Perfume Bottles: Decorative and Commercial Fragrance Containers
Perfume bottles encompass both decorative art glass containers made for vanity use and commercial bottles created for specific fragrances. The field spans ancient Roman unguentaria through exquisite Art Nouveau and Art Deco designs by Lalique, Baccarat, and Czechoslovakian makers, to iconic 20th-century commercial bottles by fashion houses. Collectors prize perfume bottles for their artistry, craftsmanship, and the intersection of fashion, design, and social history they represent.
History and Categories
| Category | Description | Period |
|---|---|---|
| Ancient | Roman, Egyptian glass unguentaria | Antiquity |
| 18th-19th century | Cut glass, porcelain, silver-mounted | 1700s-1800s |
| Lalique commercial | Bottles designed by Rene Lalique for perfumers | 1908-1940s |
| Lalique decorative | Art glass perfume bottles for vanity use | 1910s-present |
| Czechoslovakian | Cut crystal, figural stoppers, jewel-toned glass | 1920s-1930s |
| Baccarat | Crystal bottles for Guerlain, Caron, others | 1850s-present |
| DeVilbiss atomizers | American atomizer company, Art Deco designs | 1907-1960s |
| Commercial designer | Chanel, Schiaparelli, Dior fashion house bottles | 1920s-present |
Major Makers and Designers
- Rene Lalique: Designed bottles for Coty, Worth, D'Orsay, Roger & Gallet, and his own line; the most important name in perfume bottle collecting
- Baccarat: Crystal maker producing bottles for Guerlain (Shalimar, Mitsouko), Caron, and others
- Czechoslovakian makers: Heinrich Hoffmann, Henry Schlevogt (Ingrid line), and anonymous workshops
- DeVilbiss: American atomizer company with gilded and enameled glass bodies
- Schiaparelli: Innovative bottle designs (Shocking, Sleeping) are icons of surrealist design
Identification
- Lalique bottles are marked "R. LALIQUE" (pre-1945) or "LALIQUE FRANCE" (post-1945) on the base
- Baccarat crystal bears an acid-etched circular mark with "BACCARAT" and "FRANCE"
- Czechoslovakian bottles may be acid-stamped "MADE IN CZECHOSLOVAKIA" or bear paper labels
- DeVilbiss atomizers often have a gold paper label or are stamped on the metal fittings
- Commercial bottles carry the fragrance house name and perfume name, often molded into the glass
Auction Price Ranges
| Item | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Common commercial bottle (Chanel No. 5, etc.) | $10-$100 |
| DeVilbiss atomizer, Art Deco, complete | $50-$400 |
| Czechoslovakian cut crystal, figural stopper | $100-$800 |
| Lalique commercial bottle (Coty, Worth) | $200-$3,000 |
| Lalique "tiara" or decorative flacon | $500-$5,000 |
| Baccarat for Guerlain (Shalimar, large) | $200-$2,000 |
| R. Lalique rare design, pre-war | $2,000-$30,000+ |
| Schiaparelli "Shocking" (dress form) | $100-$800 |
| 18th-century cut glass scent bottle | $100-$600 |
Condition Factors
- Stoppers must be original and matching; a replacement stopper can reduce value by 50% or more
- Lalique frosted surfaces should show original finish; polished or worn frosting reduces value
- Chips to rims and stoppers are serious defects on any bottle
- Atomizer mechanisms should function; replacement bulbs are acceptable but original fittings are preferred
- Residual perfume is acceptable and sometimes considered positive; dried residue that stains is not
- Enamel and gilt decoration should be examined for wear and loss
- Original boxes and presentation cases significantly enhance value, particularly for commercial bottles
Collecting Tips
- Rene Lalique pre-war commercial bottles represent the pinnacle of the field and consistently appreciate
- Czechoslovakian bottles offer stunning Art Deco design at relatively accessible prices
- Commercial bottles for famous fragrances (Chanel, Guerlain, Schiaparelli) have crossover fashion collector appeal
- DeVilbiss atomizers are beautiful display pieces and a defined, manageable collecting category
- Miniature perfume bottles ("minis") are a popular and affordable sub-specialty
- Beware of modern Lalique reproductions; "R. LALIQUE" marks indicate pre-war production, while "LALIQUE" alone is post-1945