Avon, the iconic American beauty company, has a long and rich history dating back to 1886. But it was in 1929 that Avon made perfume bottle history with their very first figural bottle, a porcelain Fido the dog. This sparked a tradition of novelty Avon perfume containers that would capture the hearts and dressers of millions over the coming decades.
As a long-time Avon bottle collector myself, I know just how captivating these vintage vessels can be. The thrill of hunting down a rare Avon gem in pristine condition never gets old. And with certain Avon bottles commanding prices well into the hundreds, this passion can be a lucrative one too.
But what exactly makes an Avon perfume bottle valuable in today‘s collecting market? As an appraiser specializing in vintage cosmetics, I‘ve assessed thousands of Avon bottles over the years. The most valuable tend to exhibit some combination of the following:
- Age: Pre-1960s bottles are most desirable, with 1930s-50s examples often worth the most
- Rarity: Limited edition and short runs are more valuable than mass-produced designs
- Condition: Minimal wear, intact labels, original box, and full perfume ideal
- Novelty: Figurals, unusual shapes, and pop culture themes are hotter than generic bottles
- Material: Glass and porcelain prized over plastic, real metal caps a plus
Of course, certain Avon bottle designs have emerged as perennial favorites among collectors. Let‘s take a closer look at some of the Avon perfume bottle Holy Grails and what they‘ve sold for in recent years.
Avon‘s Most Valuable Vintage Perfume Bottles
1936 Mickey Mouse Perfume Bottle
One of Avon‘s earliest and most valuable figural bottles, this bisque Mickey is a rare find 80+ years later. Paired with a Minnie Mouse cologne bottle, this dynamic duo has sold for $500-$1000 when complete.
1941 Shooting Star Perfume Bottle
This sleek Art Deco comet bottle was designed by famed glassmakers Fostoria for Avon‘s Unforgettable perfume. Released for just one year, its deep cobalt color and modernist lines make it a standout. Mint examples have commanded $300-$500.
1967 Rolls Royce Windjammer Wild Country After Shave
The ultimate Avon car bottle: a realistically detailed Rolls Royce with rubber wheels and a removable hood. As one of Avon‘s earliest and largest car designs, it regularly drives prices over $200 when full and mint.
1970s Avon Gun Decanter Bottle Collection
Replica daggers, derringers, and six-shooters were common containers for Avon‘s men‘s fragrances in the ‘70s. The most detailed and realistic command the highest prices, like the Oland Derringer which has sold for $100+.
To give you a sense of the Avon collecting market, here are some recent confirmed sales of notable bottles:
| Avon Bottle | Year | Condition | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Music Harp Bottle | 1971 | Full, no box | $79 |
| Graceland Mansion Bottle | 1982 | Empty, with box | $65 |
| Vintage Avon President Pipe Decanter | 1970s | Full, no box | $59 |
| Blue Sedan Car Bottle | 1970s | Full, with box | $45 |
| Bulldog Bottle | 1960s | Empty, no box | $39 |
Sales data sourced from eBay and Live Auctioneers, Jan-April 2023
As you can see, even relatively common Avon bottles in good condition can fetch decent sums. And the market for these nostalgic collectibles appears to be growing. Membership in the Avon Collectors Club has risen 20% in the last 5 years, and online vintage sellers report strong sales for Avon.
"Demand for figural Avon bottles has definitely surged lately, driven by both seasoned collectors and younger buyers with fond memories of their grandma‘s Avon," says Dana Matthews, a long-time Avon vendor on Ruby Lane. "The market for Avon men‘s decanters, like cars and guns, has also really taken off."
5 Tips for Identifying and Valuing Avon Perfume Bottles
So how can you spot a valuable Avon bottle in the wild? As you comb antique malls and online auctions, keep these authentication and appraisal tips in mind:
- Look for identifying marks like an embossed Avon logo, bottom mold number, or label. Many Avon bottles also have the fragrance name embossed on the glass bottom.
- Check for the key value factors: age, rarity, condition. Avon expert Helen Long‘s book "Avon Collector‘s Encyclopedia" is an essential resource for IDing and dating bottles.
- Confirm it‘s a genuine Avon product and not a look-alike. Some companies made very similar designs to Avon‘s most popular bottles. When in doubt, compare to confirmed examples.
- Note the condition carefully, as it greatly impacts value. Chips, cracks, and heavy wear are big value-killers. Missing caps, labels, or boxes also decrease worth.
- Consider getting a formal appraisal if you suspect you have a rare and valuable Avon bottle. A written valuation from a certified appraiser can be useful for insurance or resale. Expect to pay $25-$100 per bottle appraised.
If you‘re ready to start treasure hunting for these pretty perfume prizes yourself, here‘s my advice on where to look:
- Antique Malls and Collector Shows: Many dealers specialize in vintage cosmetics and will have well-curated Avon selections. Prices may be higher than average but so is quality and authenticity.
- Online Marketplaces: eBay, Etsy, and Ruby Lane are go-tos for Avon collectors. Compare prices, check seller feedback, and don‘t hesitate to message sellers for more details/photos.
- Estate Sales and Flea Markets: If you don‘t mind a little digging, these can be goldmines for Avon. Having a reference book on hand can help you ID hidden gems among the junk.
- Thrift Stores and Yard Sales: It‘s a long shot, but I‘ve found some of my best Avon steals at Goodwill and neighborhood garages. Patience and persistence are key to scoring at these spots.
As you can see, collecting Avon perfume bottles can be an immensely rewarding hobby on multiple levels. Financially, you can turn a tidy profit with a good eye and timing. Aesthetically, Avon bottles are simply delightful to display and admire. And emotionally, these nostalgic treasures evoke such fond memories for so many.
I still get a thrill every time I discover a "new" Avon gem to add to my collection. My first bottle was a 1960s Avon Lemon that I received from my grandmother. Ever since then, I was hooked on these charming, inventive little pieces of fragrance history. Over 30 years later, the joy of the hunt is still going strong.
So whether you‘re a beauty maven, kitsch connoisseur, or just feeling nostalgic for grandma‘s dressing table, consider starting your own collection of vintage Avon perfume bottles. With some knowledge and nose for value, you may just find a new passion and some buried treasure!
