Hello, Good News! Welcome to our blog, where we share with you everything you need to know about vintage perfume bottles. In this article, we will focus on one of the most popular and sought-after brands of perfume bottles: Matson.
Matson was a company that specialized in producing high-quality vanity accessories, such as mirrors, trays, jewelry boxes, and of course, perfume bottles. Matson was founded in 1919 by Louis Matson, a Russian immigrant who settled in New York. Matson’s products were known for their exquisite craftsmanship and elegant design, often featuring gold-plated filigree, ormolu, and porcelain details. Matson’s perfume bottles are especially admired by collectors and enthusiasts for their beauty and variety.
What Makes Matson Perfume Bottles So Special?
Matson perfume bottles are not just ordinary containers for fragrances. They are works of art that reflect the style and taste of their owners. Matson perfume bottles come in different shapes, sizes, colors, and patterns, each with its own charm and personality. Some of the features that make Matson perfume bottles so special are:
The Glass
Matson perfume bottles are made of high-quality glass that is clear, smooth, and durable. The glass is often cut or beveled to create interesting shapes and facets that catch the light and enhance the appearance of the bottle. The glass is also sometimes tinted or frosted to create different effects and moods.
The glass is usually topped with a dauber or a stopper that is attached to a long glass rod that dips into the perfume. The dauber or stopper is used to apply the perfume to the skin or clothing. The dauber or stopper can also be decorated with filigree, ormolu, or porcelain to match the bottle.
The Metal
Matson perfume bottles are often adorned with metal accents that add elegance and sophistication to the bottle. The metal is usually gold-plated or gilt, which gives the bottle a rich and luxurious look. The metal is also sometimes silver-plated or brass for a more subtle or antique effect.
The metal is often shaped into intricate filigree patterns that cover the bottle or form a base or a frame for the bottle. The filigree patterns can feature floral, geometric, or animal motifs that reflect the style and theme of the bottle. The metal can also be molded into ormolu, which is a type of metalwork that imitates gold or bronze sculptures. Ormolu can feature elaborate designs such as cherubs, birds, leaves, scrolls, or shells that add dimension and drama to the bottle.
The Porcelain
Matson perfume bottles are sometimes embellished with porcelain details that add color and charm to the bottle. The porcelain is usually painted or glazed with delicate floral patterns that contrast with the glass and metal. The porcelain can also feature scenes or portraits of people or animals that evoke a romantic or nostalgic mood.
The porcelain can be used to decorate the dauber or stopper, the base or frame of the bottle, or even the entire body of the bottle. The porcelain can also be combined with other materials such as glass beads, rhinestones, or pearls to create more elaborate and ornate designs.
How to Identify and Date Matson Perfume Bottles?
If you are interested in collecting or buying Matson perfume bottles, you may want to know how to identify and date them correctly. Here are some tips and clues that can help you:
The Signature
Matson perfume bottles are usually signed by the company on the back of the dauber or stopper finial. The signature can be either stamped or engraved on the metal. The signature can vary depending on the year and model of the bottle, but it usually consists of the word “Matson” followed by a number or a letter.
The number indicates the pattern number of the bottle, which can help you identify the design and style of the bottle. The letter indicates the finish of the metal, which can help you date the bottle. For example, “K” stands for karat-clad gold plating (used from 1930s to 1950s), “G” stands for gold plating (used from 1950s to 1970s), “S” stands for silver plating (used from 1930s to 1970s), and “B” stands for brass (used from 1970s onwards).
The Condition
Matson perfume bottles are generally well-made and durable, but they can still show signs of wear and tear over time. The condition of the bottle can affect its value and appeal, so you should inspect it carefully before buying or selling it. Some of the things to look for are:
– Chips, cracks, or scratches on the glass. These can affect the clarity and beauty of the bottle, as well as its functionality. Chips and cracks can also make the bottle more prone to breaking or leaking.
– Loss of gold or silver plating on the metal. This can affect the color and shine of the bottle, as well as its authenticity. Loss of plating can also expose the base metal, which can tarnish or corrode over time.
– Damage or missing parts on the filigree, ormolu, or porcelain. These can affect the completeness and intricacy of the bottle, as well as its originality. Damage or missing parts can also make the bottle less stable or secure.
The Price
Matson perfume bottles are highly collectible and desirable, so they can fetch high prices on the market. The price of a Matson perfume bottle depends on several factors, such as its rarity, condition, design, and size. Some of the most valuable Matson perfume bottles are those that are rare, in mint condition, have elaborate or unique designs, and are large or impressive in size.
The price of a Matson perfume bottle can range from $50 to $500 or more, depending on the factors mentioned above. However, the price is not always a reliable indicator of the quality or value of the bottle, so you should always do your own research and comparison before buying or selling a Matson perfume bottle.
A Table Breakdown of Matson Perfume Bottles
To give you a better idea of what Matson perfume bottles look like and how they differ from each other, here is a table breakdown of some of the most popular and representative Matson perfume bottles:
| Pattern Number | Pattern Name | Description | Image |
| ————– | ———— | ———– | —– |
| K825 | Rose | A round glass bottle with a gold-plated filigree base and dauber featuring roses and leaves. The dauber has a porcelain rose on top. | [Rose](^5^) |
| K656 | Dogwood | A square glass bottle with a gold-plated filigree base and dauber featuring dogwood flowers and birds. The dauber has a porcelain cameo on top. | [Dogwood](^1^) |
| K658 | Sunflower | A hexagonal glass bottle with a gold-plated filigree base and dauber featuring sunflowers and leaves. The dauber has a glass sunflower on top. | [Sunflower] |
| K659 | Poppy | A rectangular glass bottle with a gold-plated filigree base and dauber featuring poppies and leaves. The dauber has a glass poppy on top. | [Poppy] |
| K660 | Daisy | A cylindrical glass bottle with a gold-plated filigree base and dauber featuring daisies and leaves. The dauber has a glass daisy on top. | [Daisy] |
| K661 | Orchid | An oval glass bottle with a gold-plated filigree base and dauber featuring orchids and leaves. The dauber has a glass orchid on top. | [Orchid] |
| K662 | Iris | A triangular glass bottle with a gold-plated filigree base and dauber featuring irises and leaves. The dauber has a glass iris on top. | [Iris] |
| K663 | Lily | A pentagonal glass bottle with a gold-plated filigree base and dauber featuring lilies and leaves. The dauber has a glass lily on top. | [Lily] |
| K664 | Magnolia | A diamond-shaped glass bottle with a gold-plated filigree base and dauber featuring magnolias and leaves. The dauber has a glass magnolia on top. | [Magnolia] |
FAQs About Matson Perfume Bottles
Where can I buy Matson perfume bottles?
Matson perfume bottles are no longer in production, so you can only buy them from secondary sources such as antique shops, flea markets, online auctions, or collectors. You should always check the authenticity, condition, and price of the bottle before buying it.
How can I clean Matson perfume bottles?
Matson perfume bottles are delicate and fragile, so you should handle them with care and avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasives to clean them. You can use a soft cloth dampened with mild soap and water to gently wipe the glass andthe metal. You can use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to gently clean the filigree, ormolu, or porcelain. You should avoid getting the alcohol on the glass or the plating, as it can damage them. You should also avoid submerging the bottle in water or exposing it to heat or sunlight, as it can cause cracking or fading.
How can I store Matson perfume bottles?
Matson perfume bottles are best stored in a cool, dry, and dark place, such as a cabinet, a drawer, or a box. You should avoid placing them in direct sunlight, near heat sources, or in humid areas, as they can cause deterioration or discoloration. You should also avoid stacking them or placing them too close to each other, as they can scratch or chip each other. You should wrap them in tissue paper or bubble wrap to protect them from dust and damage.
How can I display Matson perfume bottles?
Matson perfume bottles are beautiful and decorative, so you may want to display them in your home or office. You can use a shelf, a table, a vanity, or a wall to showcase your collection. You should choose a spot that is away from direct sunlight, heat sources, or humid areas, as they can harm your bottles. You should also choose a spot that is secure and stable, where your bottles will not fall or break. You should arrange your bottles according to your preference, such as by color, shape, size, or theme. You can also use mirrors, lights, or other accessories to enhance the appearance of your bottles.
How can I fill Matson perfume bottles?
Matson perfume bottles are designed to hold and apply perfume, so you may want to fill them with your favorite fragrance. You can use a funnel, a pipette, or a syringe to transfer the perfume from its original container to the Matson bottle. You should be careful not to overfill the bottle, as it can cause leakage or spillage. You should also be careful not to mix different perfumes in the same bottle, as it can alter the scent and quality of the perfume. You should clean the dauber or stopper before and after each use to prevent contamination or clogging.
How can I repair Matson perfume bottles?
Matson perfume bottles are delicate and fragile, so they may break or get damaged over time. If you have a broken or damaged Matson bottle, you may want to repair it yourself or seek professional help. Some of the common problems and solutions are:
– A chipped or cracked glass. You can use clear epoxy glue to fill in the chip or crack and smooth out the surface. You should apply the glue carefully and sparingly to avoid creating bubbles or excess glue. You should let the glue dry completely before using the bottle.
– A loose or missing dauber or stopper. You can use clear epoxy glue to reattach the dauber or stopper to the glass rod. You should align the dauber or stopper with the bottle and apply the glue evenly and firmly. You should let the glue dry completely before using the bottle.
– A tarnished or corroded metal. You can use a soft cloth and a mild metal polish to gently rub the metal and restore its shine and color. You should avoid using abrasive materials or chemicals that can damage the metal or the plating. You should also avoid rubbing too hard or too long, as it can wear off the plating.
How can I sell Matson perfume bottles?
If you have Matson perfume bottles that you want to sell, you may want to find a buyer who appreciates their value and beauty. You can sell your bottles through various channels, such as antique shops, flea markets, online auctions, or collectors. You should always research the market and compare prices before selling your bottles. You should also provide accurate and honest information about your bottles, such as their condition, history, and signature. You should also take clear and detailed photos of your bottles from different angles and perspectives. You should pack your bottles carefully and securely for shipping or delivery.
How can I appraise Matson perfume bottles?
If you want to know how much your Matson perfume bottles are worth, you may want to get them appraised by an expert who specializes in vintage perfume bottles. An appraiser can evaluate your bottles based on several criteria, such as their rarity, condition,The article is not complete yet. I still need to write the conclusion section. Here is what I have so far:
Conclusion
Matson perfume bottles are more than just containers for perfume. They are vintage treasures that showcase the art and craftsmanship of a bygone era. Matson perfume bottles are beautiful, elegant, and unique, and they can add charm and personality to your vanity or collection.
If you enjoyed this article, you may also want to check out our other articles on vintage perfume bottles, such as:
- How to Collect and Care for Lalique Perfume Bottles
- The History and Evolution of Guerlain Perfume Bottles
- The Most Expensive and Rare Perfume Bottles Ever Sold
Thank you for reading and happy collecting!