The first step is knowing the styles and origins that interest you. While books on antique perfume bottles are aplenty (there is no need to buy, just visit your local library!), I find the Internet most useful. Auction sites are excellent sources of information on what is popular out there, as well as the expected prices. Because they are antique, they tend to be expensive and having a good idea of the prices is important.
Secondly, what can one find antique perfume bottles? Begin by searching antique stores if you are a newbie. Most storeowners would be able to guide you on the age and origin of each piece. Compare what the storeowner tells you with your research note and you will know whether the storeowner is reliable. Auction sites like Yahoo! and eBay are good for bargain purchases but make sure you ask lots of questions and demand to see pictures of the bottle to ensure it is the real thing. You may also be able to unravel gems occasionally in garage or yard sales.
Thirdly, look out especially for some famous manufacturers. Collectors often have a preference for antique perfume bottles of a certain brand. Do a few trades and you will realize bottles made by Val St. Lambert, Devilbiss, Moser, Baccarat and Lalique are highly sought after in the market. Some manufacturers like Baccarat, Galle and Moser make it easy for collectors to identify the real thing by marking the bottom of their bottles.
The overall condition of the antique perfume bottle is another critical consideration. It is obvious that bottles in good conditions (no marks, scratches, chips, stains or cracks) will fetch better prices. There should also be no blotches, discoloring or tear on the label. Nonetheless, being antiques (meaning old!), antique perfume bottles in perfect conditions are hard to come by. If it is a rare bottle, a minor chip should not be too devaluing.
Next, collectors are concerned about the contents in the bottles. Many collectors may wish to own antique perfume bottles that still contain the original scents. Indeed, perfumes that are sealed will fetch higher prices. But bear in mind that perfumes lose their freshness after 7 to 10 years, so some vintage perfumes actually stink! In addition, perfumes evaporate over time due to the alcohol content and there may also be residue in the bottles.
Lastly, antique perfume bottles require special care. If your old perfume bottles are turning cloudy from hard water minerals, drop a denture-cleaning tablet in, fill the bottle with water and let the fizzing action clean it. The interior of perfume bottle can also be cleaned by swirling lead shot or sand around in the water-filled bottle. Just take care not to over-fill the perfume bottle lest water comes into contact with and damage the label.
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Of course, if you also want to smell good, why not try a special scent like Burberry Perfume or a clean and fresh scent like Clean Perfume? For even more information on branded perfumes, visit Perfume 321.
