Collecting Red Glass Commercial Perfume Bottles

In this guide, I will introduce you to the wonderful world of commercial perfume bottles made up of red glass. The allure of these bottles lies not only in their aesthetic appeal but also in the history and craftsmanship behind them. Most of the bottles in this guide date to the 1920s and 1930s period.

Starting a collection with a specific focus, such as red glass perfume bottles, can add a unique dimension to your hobby. It provides a clear direction and allows you to curate a cohesive and visually stunning collection.

When embarking on this journey, consider exploring various sources such as antique shops, flea markets, online auctions, and specialized collector forums. You may encounter a diverse range of designs, from simple and utilitarian to ornate and intricately decorated bottles.

It's essential to educate yourself about the different styles, manufacturers, and historical context surrounding these bottles. This knowledge will not only enhance your appreciation for the pieces you acquire but also help you make informed decisions when assessing their value and authenticity.

As your collection grows, documenting each acquisition with details such as the maker, design characteristics, and acquisition date can enrich your understanding of the evolving trends in perfume bottle design and production.

Additionally, connecting with fellow collectors can be a rewarding aspect of the hobby. Exchanging insights, sharing discoveries, and participating in community events or exhibitions can deepen your engagement with the subject and foster meaningful connections with like-minded enthusiasts.

Remember, collecting is as much about the joy of discovery and appreciation as it is about the tangible objects themselves. So, immerse yourself in the enchanting world of red glass perfume bottles, and let your collection reflect your passion and individual style!

Most of the opaque glass perfume bottles that you will encounter was manufactured by the French company, Cristalleries de Nancy between 1924-1934 and came in various colors such as red, green, black, purple and both turquoise blue and yellow ochre being the rarest. These bottles were produced for the following perfume companies: d'Alamode, Bischoff, du Bois, Bourbon, Burdin, de Burmann, Chenier, Drialys,  Marie Magdeleine, Miga, Offenthal, Renaud, Serey and plenty of others. You will see a variety of sizes ranging from 6 1/8" tall down to 2 1/8" tall. I have also seen these perfume bottles called slag glass.

Mascarade by LT Piver: launched in 1928. Opaque red glass bottle, arched shape,sloping shoulders, molded with swirling shapes. Matching opaque red glass stopper molded with repeating design. Base of bottle acid stamped "France". Bottle can also be found trimmed with gold enamel and gold enamelling on stopper. Mascarade was suggested to be worn by brunettes. The small size retailed for $2.45 and the De Luxe size retailed for $25 in 1928.

Sweet Pea by Renaud launched in the 1920s. French perfume bottle reddish orange slag opaque glass. Height is 4".

The opaque glass bottles made by H. Saumont in red, black and green were produced in 1925 for the Lionceau perfumery for their perfumes Parfum Pour Blondes, Parfum Pour Brunes and Fleuve Bleu. Sizes range from 5 7/8" tall down to just 2 1/8" tall.   The H. Saumont Glassworks also manufactured black glass and opaque colored glass bottles for other clients such as Fragonard, Gueldy and D'Amboise.

Carminade by LT Piver: launched in 1925. Opaque red glass bottle of a tall rectangular shape with rounded shoulders, gilded enamel trim. Colorless glass stopper, entirely gilded. Bottle by Cristalleries de Nancy. Bottle stands 10 cm tall. Exhibited at the Exposition of the Decorative Arts of 1925, in Paris.

Tryst by Villon: launched in late 1920s. The red slag glass bottle has stepped sides and a black glass bottle with stepped sides. The bottle measures 3 1/4" in height.

Odeur Charvai by Tre-Jur: launched in 1920s. This replica miniature perfume bottle is made out of red colored slag glass, with a matching stopper that has a matching red crystal on top of it, a paper label, and the bottle measures approximately 1 5/8 inches tall. 

Duchess of York by Prince Matchabelli: launched in 1934. This is one of the rarest of matchabelli bottles. Made up of opaque red glass with a gilded lapidary stopper. Bottle stands approximately 3.75" tall. Base is acid marked "Made in France, Prince Matchabelli". 

At the far end of the red spectrum was the pink glass bottles. These are some of the rarest to find and the prettiest in my eyes.  Commercial bottles made up of pink glass are quite uncommon and command high prices when found. The rarest of these bottles are the stunning opaque pink crystal examples manufactured by Baccarat in the 1920s and 1930s. Baccarat enjoyed pairing the bubble gum pink glass with silver gilt trim, which for the era, was probably very avant garde and modern. To further enhance the bottles and to give them an air of luxury, enameled stopper covers were often added to the bottles.

Sourire de France by Fontanis: Launched in 1926 and presented in a gorgeous bubblegum pink rectangular crystal bottle trimmed with silver overlay enamel. The inner glass stopper is covered by a sterling silver overcap featuring a pink guilloche enamel panel. The name "Sourire de France" is engraved on the front of the bottle. The base has the Baccarat acid mark. The bottle stands 3.25" tall x 1" wide x 3.5" long.

Astris by LT Piver: This beautiful pink crystal bottle was created in 1927 and produced by Baccarat. The bottle features a star shaped silver gilt detail, with the perfume name molded in the center. The stopper has a step shape and is enhanced with silver gilt trim. The base has the Baccarat acid mark. The bottle stands 4.25" tall. Sold for $2,700 at auction in 2011.

Pois de Senteur by Miga: Introduced in 1932, Baccarat created this desirable perfume bottle of opaque pink crystal featuring a molded and textured recessed surface design of a stylized floral motif. A rectangular pink glass stopper completes the presentation. The gilded foil paper label is affixed along the side of the bottle. The base features the Baccarat mark. The bottle stands 4" tall. Sold for $2,600 at auction in 2014.

Hantise by A. Gravier: launched in 1912, this extremely rare Baccarat bottle is made of opaque pink crystal is enhanced with gilt silver decoration of stylized floral and scale type motifs. It rests on a circular brass foot and has a high domed brass overcap covering a glass inner stopper. The bottle stands 4.5" tall. Sold for $2,800 at auction in 2015.

Le Parfum FF by Forvil: Launched in 1927, this perfume was presented in an opaque pink crystal Baccarat perfume bottle. The bottle features a molded label, silver gilt detail, and is topped by an enameled metal overcap that covers a glass inner stopper. The base displays the Baccarat acid mark. The bottle stands 2.75" tall. Sold for $1,800 at auction in 2015.

Desir du Coeur by Ybry: launched in 1926. Baccarat produced this interesting Art Deco perfume bottle of pink cased crystal, in a rectangular shape. Curiously, the stopper is jauntily placed at a corner, and is covered by a enameled metal cover. The lovely presentation box is adorned with glass pendant by Rene Lalique and ends in a silken tassel. Bottle stands 4 1/8" tall.

1000 Joies by Myon: Launched in 1928. This bottle shape is one of the most commonly found of the Myon perfumes. Produced by master craftsman at the Baccarat glassworks, this flacon is made up of opaque overlaid crystal and is in the shape of a stylized angular Chinese ginger jar, a reflection of the Orientalism theme during the Roaring Twenties. The bottle usually features an enameled brass label (missing on the example shown). An inner glass stopper is covered with a gilded brass cover. Original boxes are rare to find and add to the value.

“XII” by Delettrez: Launched in 1927 and presented in a fabulous Baccarat bottle of molded pink opaque glass, in a narrow upright rectangular form. It has a molded oblong shaped stopper, a small round gold paper hang tag label, and is complete with it's original hand-painted box. The base is marked with the Baccarat acid stamp. 4.5" tall. As a result it's first appearance on the market this extremely rare bottle sold for $24,000 at auction in 2009.

If you have photos of any other pink glass commercial perfume bottles, please let me know so I can add them here, credit will be given for any submissions.