The Venetian Novelty Company

The Venetian Novelty Company of New York sold various celluloid articles for the vanity as you can see in the 1916 advertisement below.

Collecting Vintage Black Glass Perfume Bottles

In this guide, I will introduce you to the wonderful world of commercial perfume bottles made up of black 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 black 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 black glass perfume bottles, and let your collection reflect your passion and individual style!

Evans Atarmist & Ronsons Perfu-mist Perfume Atomizers c1930s

Starting in the early 1930s, Evans, famous for their compacts and Ronson, famous for their lighters, brought out curious perfume flacons, both were similar and having the shape of a cigarette lighter, but sprayed perfume instead. Quite unique and daring for the time when it was still a little unladylike to smoke.


The Evans Atarmist came in two sizes, the larger one was meant to sit upon your vanity, whilst the smaller size was meant to be carried in your purse or pocket.


Ronson's Perfu-Mist also came in two sizes, one for the pocket or purse and one dubbed the Boudoir model, which was a large size and featured a handle.


Popular decorative motifs were engine turned designs, tooled leather, studded with jewels or marcasites, mother of pearl, goldtone metal or chromium plated finishes and French enamel. Some models were made of sterling silver.


Here are three pages from  May & Malone Co. catalog from1931 illustrating the various Atarmists and sets from their current line.

photos from ebay seller gdawg

Vintage Silvestri Reproduction Perfume Bottles

In this guide I will show you the various new reproduction perfume bottles that are sometimes unfortunately being passed off as antique. I am sure that I will find many and this guide might be in several parts to showcase as many bottles as I can locate. I will note the manufacturers whenever possible. This guide is devoted to the perfume bottles by Silvestri.