Avon Bottles - A Beginners Guide To Collecting
A Brief History of Avon
Over 120 years old, Avon was founded in 1886 in New York City as the California Perfume Company. It didn't take long for "CPC" to reach 10,000 representatives, which happened in 1906 when Avon first released a color brochure. By 1928 the company had 25,000 representatives and introduced the first products under the band name of Avon. The company officially changed its name to Avon Products, Inc. in 1937.
During the mid-1960s, Avon began marketing novelty containers, with the first glass car decanter introduced in 1968. Over the next 25 years, hundreds of exciting and unique novelty and figural decanters from the men's and women's fragrance lines. The product line grew to include fancy soaps, scented candles, holders, a complete range of children's toys filled with soaps and bubble baths, stationery items, and Christmas ornaments.
Avon Figural Bottles
Avon figural bottle popularity was between 1965-1980, although other figural containers have been produced since then. These bottles were created in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, including animals, people, vehicles, and household objects. Some of the most popular designs were shaped like cars, trains, animals, and famous people, such as Elvis Presley and George Washington.
The bottles were made of various materials, including glass, porcelain, and plastic, and were often filled with fragrances, lotions, and other cosmetics. Some of the bottles were designed to be reusable and could be refilled with different fragrances or used as decorative items.
Vintage Avon figural bottles are popular among collectors and enthusiasts and can be found in online marketplaces, antique stores, and estate sales. The value of these bottles can vary greatly depending on their rarity, condition, and design. Some of the most valuable vintage Avon bottles include the 1968 Volkswagen Beetle, the 1971 George Washington bottle, and the 1978 California Perfume Company bottle.
Styles of Vintage Avon Bottles
Vintage Avon figural bottles come in many shapes and sizes, and collectors often focus on specific categories or themes. Here are some popular types of vintage Avon figural bottles:
Cars: Avon produced a variety of car-shaped bottles, including classic cars like the 1936 MG and modern sports cars like the Corvette and Thunderbird.
Animals: Animal-shaped bottles were very popular and included cats, dogs, horses, birds, and even a kangaroo. Some of the more unusual animal bottles included a skunk, a poodle, and a peacock.
People: Avon created a number of bottles in the shape of famous people, such as Elvis Presley, George Washington, and Mark Twain. Other people-shaped bottles included brides, clowns, and angels.
Household items: Avon created bottles in the shape of household items like teapots, sewing machines, and irons. These bottles often had a practical use, such as a lotion dispenser or talcum powder shaker.
Holiday themes: Avon produced bottles with holiday themes, including Christmas, Halloween, and Easter. These bottles often had holiday decorations or symbols, such as Christmas trees or Easter bunnies.
Perfume bottles: While many Avon bottles were designed to be decorative, the company also produced a number of bottles specifically for perfume. These bottles often had unique designs and shapes and came in various scents.
These are just a few examples of the types of vintage Avon figural bottles that are popular among collectors. You may find other categories or themes that appeal to you depending on your interests.
Collecting Vintage Avon Bottles
If you are interested in collecting vintage Avon figural bottles, here are some tips to help you get started:
Research: Before you start collecting, do your research to learn about the different types of bottles, their value, and how to identify genuine vintage Avon bottles. Look for books, online resources, and collector groups to get started.
Condition: Condition is an important factor in determining the value of a vintage Avon bottle. Look for bottles that are in good condition, with no chips, cracks, or damage. Make sure the label or decoration is intact and in good shape.
Rarity: Some bottles are rarer than others, greatly affecting their value. Look for bottles produced in limited quantities, part of a special collection, or discontinued quickly.
Original packaging: Vintage Avon bottles that come with their original packaging are generally more valuable than those without. Look for bottles with original boxesEnsure, tags, or inserts.
Authenticity: With any collectible item, there are always risks of counterfeit or fake items. Ensure you buy from reputable sellers or dealers and ask for proof of authenticity if you are unsure.
Storage: Once you have started your collection, make sure to store your bottles in a cool, dry place away from sunlight and dust. Use shelves or display cases to keep them organized and protected.
By following these tips, you can start building a valuable and interesting collection of vintage Avon figural bottles.
