For many years, Avon has been producing collectible perfume bottles, with their “Avon ladies” selling them door-to-door. Unique and beautiful designs were produced, often in special, limited edition designs that included a variety of subjects, such as animals, flowers, beauty objects, historical figures, and popular films.
Today these beautiful bottles have become collectibles in their own right. Many people collect vintage Avon perfume bottles, making them quite popular and causing them to fetch high prices at auction.
Read on to learn more about the history of Avon bottles, their collectability, the most valuable bottles, plus a guide to procuring them for your own collection.
A Brief History of Vintage Avon Bottles and Their Collectability
Founded in 1886 by David McConnell, Avon got its start in New York. David was a traveling book salesman who decided to form a company where female salespeople would sell perfumes and toiletries door-to-door. He was inspired to do so when he realized that his female customers were often more interested in free perfume samples than books.
At first, the bottles in which he sold perfume were quite simple. However, in 1956 Avon introduced a cologne bottle called the “Little Dot.” It was designed to look like a hatpin, and it became very popular with customers. It became the first of many collectible Avon bottles, often designed by the likes of Fenton Art Glass and Wheaton Glass Company.
Each Avon bottle was purposely produced in limited runs in order to boost itsa value as a collectible. They were often modeled after stunning vintage perfume bottles, or they were designed to look like pop culture icons. The bottles were also quite practical in that they were refillable. Today, vintage Avon bottles are sought after collectible items.
Which Are the Most Valuable Avon Bottles?
Some of the most valuable Avon bottles feature unique designs – featuring everything from a chess set to Little Miss Muppet. Read on to learn more about some of Avon’s most popular designs.
32 Piece Avon Chess Set
Produced from 1971 to 1978, the complete Avon chess set was popular during its production years. It was produced by the Wheaton Glass Company and contained 32 decanters. The glass bottles were amber Avon bases, and the lids were made of silver plastic. Avon even produced a chess board, which was given only to the highest-selling Avon ladies to sell to their clients. The average value of this set is $50.
“Little Miss Muffet” Decanter
This unique porcelain Avon decanter was made to look like a girl sitting on a tuffet, alarmed by the spider on her skirt. The decanter contained an Avon perfume called Topaze. The average value is $20.
Automobile Collection
Many car-themed bottles were produced by Avon in the 1990s. They were often designed to look like classic cars, and were made of both colored and clear glass. The average value is between $100 and $500.
1979 Avon Anniversary Keepsake Bottle
This elegant bottle stands at 5 inches tall. Its shape is tall and thin and it featured an embossed pattern. The average value is between $10 and $20.
Avon Beehive Bottle
This 2 1/4 inch tall bottle was designed to look like a beehive, with a golden bee perched on top. It once held an Avon perfume called Moonwind. The average value is $30.
Bulldog Pipe Aftershave Decanter
Made of milk glass, this decanter was shaped like a smoking pipe, and the bowl is shaped like the head of a bulldog. It originally held aftershave. The average value is $20.
Small World Series
Produced in the 1970s, this series of perfumes and lotions featured women and girls from around the world. The design was very stylized, and the characters were dressed in bright colors. The average value is between $30 and $40.
Avon Bottle Rare Car Collectible
This bottle was designed to look like the Thomas Motor Company’s Model 35 automobile that won the New York to Paris race in 1908. It once held 6 oz. of the Wild Country aftershave. It is valued at $200.
Rare Vintage Avon Wild Country Aftershave Blue Motorcycle
A rare find, this bottle once held 5.5 oz. of the Wild Country aftershave and is valued at just under $200.
1960s Avon Charisma Perfume Full Bottle
This Avon bottle is quite simple in design, and it dates back to the late 60s and early 70s. Its value is just north of $170.
Avon Sweet Honesty Body Splash Full Bottle
This stunning Avon bottle is made of transparent glass and has intricate details. Even the stopper is made of glass! The bottle originally held 6 oz of Avon Sweet Honesty body splash. It is valued at around $150.
Avon Old Bottle Dog Shaped
This bottle was produced in the 1970s during the Avon figurine bottles craze. It is shaped like an Alsatian dog and is worth around $100. It held 90ml of Avon Tai Winds after shave lotion.
Vintage Rare Avon Model A Wild Country Aftershave Bottle
Shaped like a 1928 Ford Model A, it originally held Tai Winds after shave lotion. It is valued at just under $100.
Vintage Avon Pony Wild Country Aftershave Horse-Shape Bottle
Valued at just under $100, this unique bottle was shaped like a horse’s head with a keyring in its mouth. Produced in the 1970s, this bottle held Avon Wild Country after shave.
Vintage Avon Fashion Figurine Gay Nineties Unforgettable Cologne Decanter
This rare find was inspired by the “Gay Nineties”, or the 1890s. This era is regarded as one of comfort and prosperity. The bottle originally held Avon Unforgettable cologne and is worth just under $100.
Vintage Avon Big Mold Glass Train Aftershave Bottle
Another rare find, this train bottle has a brass stop and held Avon after shave lotion. It is valued at just under $100.
Avon Shaving Brush Endeavor After Shave Lotion Bottle
This small Avon bottle is shaped like a shaving brush. The handle is the container and the brush is the lid. It held Avon Endeavor after shave lotion and was produced in the 1970s.
How to Determine the Value of a Vintage Avon Bottle
Valuing a vintage Avon bottle is no easy task. Each bottle’s value is dependent on its rarity, its condition, and its historical significance. Values range from a few dollars to hundreds or thousands of dollars. Utilize online auction sites and price guides to research the value of your specific Avon bottle. You may also want to consult with an expert in the field.
As you research your bottle, examine it for any markings on the bottom. Wheaton Glass Company didn’t label their bottles, but you may find other markings on the bottle, including the word “AVON.”
If the bottle is unmarked, it may be difficult to identify. Avon figural bottles were first produced in 1965, so if you have one you may find it easier to date than other bottles.
When determining value, you’ll also want to consider the following factors:
Age: As with most collectibles, older Avon bottles tend to be more valuable than newer ones. Vintage Avon is more valuable than newer editions!
Rarity: Collectible Avon bottles that are unique or hard to find will have the most value. Pre-1965 Avon bottles are rare and quite valuable.
Condition: The better the condition of the Avon bottle, the more valuable it is. Consider whether the Avon bottle is opened or unopened, how full the bottle is with its original content, whether or not the stickers are intact, whether or not the bottle has its original packaging, and whether the bottle is free from scratches and cracks.
Where to Find Rare & Valuable Avon Bottles
If you are looking to purchase Avon bottles for your collection, be sure to buy them from a reputable source. If you are buying online, you’ll want to ensure that the Avon bottle you purchase is authentic and in good condition. Look for listings that provide lots of photos and a detailed description of the item’s condition.
Some good places to buy an Avon bottle include eBay, Etsy, and Collector’s Weekly. If you buy on Etsy or eBay, you can easily narrow down your search to find the specific bottle you are looking for. You can also ask the seller questions and check out their reviews to determine how reputable they are. Collector’s Weekly provides you with listings from a variety of auction sites.
FAQs
What are the most sought-after Avon collectibles?
Avon perfume bottles are sought after for their unique and often limited-edition designs. Among the most popular designs are the 32 Piece Avon Chess Set, the “Little Miss Muffet” decanter, the automobile collection, the 1979 Avon Anniversary Keepsake Bottle, the Avon beehive bottle, the bulldog pipe aftershave decanter, and the Small World series.
Who buys antique Avon bottles?
Avon bottles are highly sought after by collectors and vintage dealers looking to resell.
Where can I sell my Avon collectibles?
If you are looking to sell your Avon bottles, you could sell them to an antique store or pawn shop. However, these stores are looking to resell your collectible and make a profit, so they may not offer you top dollar. To get the most money for your Avon bottles, sell them individually on an online auction site such as eBay. You may also be able to sell them on Etsy.
Sources
https://www.chroniclecollectibles.com/most-valuable-avon-bottles/
