How to Find Liquid-Holding Figurines

If you're a fan of vintage collectibles, you might be on the hunt for a certain kind of product: the shaped bottle. Makers of vintage products like perfumes, food and drink, or medicines crafted interesting figurines to contain their wares. Many of these old "liquid-holding figurines" are now on sale across the country, and collectors are snapping them up for posterity and attractive display in homes.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Talk to the Avon lady. Cosmetics or accessories vendors often sell decorative perfume or cologne bottles in interesting shapes. These can end up being collectibles if saved. Ask representatives about what kind of unique products they might have on hand.

2. Visit yard sales or estate sales. In the liquidation of household items, you can sometimes find a one-of-a-kind figurine used to hold cosmetics, medicine, or kitchen items.

3. Patrol the flea markets. A "junk" market brings a wide variety of antiques and collectibles under one roof. Independent antiques dealers may also have vintage bottles in interesting shapes.

4. Check out online vendors. Net merchandisers like the "Our Old Stuff" site have shaped liquid-holding figurines available including vintage Avon bottles. Visitors can browse through the product line, view details on products, and buy using a "shopping cart" system (You'll have to input relevant credit card information). Try a keyword search for what you are looking for.

5. Look for unique figures on eBay. All kinds of collectible figurines are available on the huge auction retail site. Browse by category or by keyword search.

Resources

• Our Old Stuff site
• Betsy Ross Perfume Bottle on eBay