Seeking info on Antique Avon Decanter

[babapmbt]

I recently inherited a glass decanter in the shape of a violin.  I was told by my mother, who is 86 years of age, that it belonged to my grandfather and was an Avon decanter.  On the upper of the violin the following words are in raised lettering, "PAT. APPL'D FOR".  There is a cork at the bottom of the decanter instead of a top.  This would seem to say that it is very old.  A picture has been attached.  Any information would be greatly appreciated.

[KC]

If it is an Avon Decanter we know that it had to be made after 1939 because the prior to then it was known as the California Perfume Company (founded 1886).

Couldn't find this one for you (violin or cello).  They do make collector's books.

Site that may help if you keep an eye on it.... www.ziris.info/index.asp?refu=ziris.info&frm=1&adv=0&word=violin+bottle&siteid=0&searchit=Search&tc=1&tc1=29797&tc2=0

[babapmbt]

Thank you so very much for the information.  I will definately follow up with the website that you gave me and try to locate the books.  Thanks again.

[D&b antiques]

it certainly looks old. I have seen avon's in blue and three different size's. but not amber.

[babapmbt]

I just found out today from my mom, age 86, that the violin decanter I recently acquired is not Avon because it is much older.  It belonged to my grandfather who passed away in 1976 at the age of 90.  At this point I am not sure what it orginally contained.  It has a small hole (1/4 inch in diameter)at the base of the violin and still has a part of the cork still in the hole.  Please, any info on this would be greatly appreciated.

[KC]

Okay, here is what I have found out so far.... First violin bottles apparently were made in France in the mid of 19th century, however, most bottles in US (called fiddle bottles) were made in this country between 1900 and 1940. Any bottle marked with the "Federal law" was produced between 1933 and 1964. Most bottles are identified by their design patent number  (Ex:  granted on Dec. 7, 1937, and assigned to the
Bardstown Distillery bottles (Bardstown, Ky) were made by Owens-Illinois and Anchor-Hocking and held bourbon.)  Interesting enough...yours is prior to that....so it may be worth more!

Bottles originally had paper labels. They are well known among fiddle-bottle collectors, who prefer bottles with their original paper labels. With the labels, the bottles sell for $15 up to about $50, depending on size and condition.

This site is one you need to read....and maybe you can get their book...or email them.  Let us know!
[/url]www.glswrk-auction.com/032.htm[/url]

[babapmbt]

Thank you so very much for the info on the violin bottles. As far as I could tell, the violin bottles pictures in the article all opened at the top. The violin decanter I possess cannot sit up on it's own like most bottles and the opening is at the base of the violin.  Would this make a difference?   Hopefully, I can get in touch with someone at the website you have provided.  I will definitely keep searching.  By the way, the glass violin is 6 5/8" X 2 1/2" X 5/8" in size. Thanks again for your help!