Antique bottles can be beautiful and intriguing pieces of history. Many people enjoy collecting them as a hobby, and they can be found in a variety of places, from garage sales to flea markets. Whatever their value, antique bottles are sure to add a touch of charm to any collection.
Duraglas bottles are a type of antique glass bottle that was popular during the 1940s and 1950s. They were made from a type of glass called Duraglas, which was created by the Owens-Illinois Glass Company. These bottles are often collected by antique enthusiasts because of their unique history and beauty. In this blog post, we will discuss the history of Duraglas bottles and their value on the collectors market.
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Duraglas Bottles History
Duraglas bottles were first introduced in the 1940s by Owens-Illinois Glass Company as a more durable alternative to traditional glass bottles. The Owens Company was founded in 1903 by Michael Owens. The company specialized in the production of sheet glass and quickly became one of the largest manufacturers of glass in the United States. In 1929, Owens-Illinois merged with the Illinois Glass Company, and the newly enlarged company continued to prosper.
The Duraglas process made the bottles more resistant to breakage, which was a common issue with other types of glass bottles at the time. This new type of glass quickly became popular with bottle manufacturers and consumers alike. The bottles are also coated with a special film that makes them resistant to scratching and chipping. Duraglas bottles are available in a variety of sizes, shapes, and colors. They are often used for storing essential oils, herbal tinctures, and other liquids. The bottles are also frequently used for packaging cosmetics, skincare products, and fragrances. The durability of Duraglas bottles makes them an excellent choice for many different uses.
During the 1940s and 1950s, Duraglas bottles were produced in a variety of colors and styles. Some of the most popular designs included embossed flowers, swirls, and geometric shapes. These bottles were often given as gifts or used for special occasions.
Today, Duraglas bottles are highly sought after by antique collectors. They are often priced based on their age, condition, and rarity. However, some bottles can fetch high prices even if they are not in perfect condition. This is because Duraglas bottles have a unique history and are considered to be works of art by some. The process of creating Duraglas is still in use today, though the original patented process has long since been lost to time.
Determining Antique Duraglas Bottles Value
The market for antique bottles is ever-growing, with collectors searching high and low for that perfect addition to their collection. Among the most popular antique bottles are Duraglas bottles. Because they were mass-produced, they are not as rare as some other collectible bottles. However, they can still be quite valuable, depending on their condition and age.
Condition of the Antique Duraglas Bottle
There are a number of factors that can increase antique duraglas bottles value. One of the most important is the age of the bottle. Generally speaking, the older the bottle is, the more valuable it will be. Another important factor is the condition of the bottle. Antique bottles that are in good condition are much rarer than those that are damaged, and as a result, they are often worth more.
One of the most important is whether or not the bottle retains its original label. A label that is in good condition and clearly legible can add significantly to the value of the bottle. Similarly, if the bottle is still wrapped in its original paper or housed in its original box, this can also increase its value. Finally, if the bottle still contains its original contents, this can be a major selling point, as it adds to the authenticity of the piece. In general, an antique bottle with all of its original packaging and contents is much more valuable than one that has been stripped of these items.
However, there are some things that can decrease antique duraglas bottles value. Chips, cracks, and stains can all mar the appearance of a bottle and make it less desirable to collectors. Extensive wear is also a concern, as it can indicate that the bottle has been used heavily over the years. Antique bottles are delicate objects, and even minor damage can have a big impact on their value. Therefore, it is important to be careful when handling them, and to store them in a safe place where they will not be subject to damage.
Color of the Duraglas Bottle
When it comes to antique bottles, collectors place a high value on color. This is because rarer colors are more difficult to find, and thus more coveted by those who specialize in bottle collecting. In addition, certain colors may be indicative of a particular time period or style, making them even more desirable to collectors.
Clear, amber and aqua bottles were produced in large quantities and as a result, they can be found relatively easily and at a lower cost than other colors. These bottles were typically used for household products like medicine or cleaning supplies, and they often have embossed labels or other simple designs.
Higher value antique duraglas bottle colors include:
- Black
- Teal blue
- Green
- Olive
- Milk Glass
- Vaseline glass
- Purple
- Yellow green
- Cobalt blue
- Puce
Type and Rarity of the Bottle
The value of an antique bottle is determined by its type. Some bottle types are more valuable than others, for example:
- Medicine bottle
- Flask
- Beverage bottles
- Cosmetics bottle
- Syrup bottles
- Barber bottles
Rarity is another thing to consider. Bottles that were produced in small quantities or that are no longer being made are usually rarer, and therefore more valuable. However, rarity does not always equate to quality; a cheaply made bottle that is readily available may be worth less than a well-made bottle that is harder to find.
Antique Duraglas Bottles Price Guide
Duraglas bottles are relatively inexpensive and can be found at most antique stores or online. While most bottles sell for a few dollars, the rarest examples can fetch up to $100, depending on the factors mentioned above. Let’s take a look at some examples:
- A Basic duraglas mason jargoes for only $3.
- Old 1951 antique duraglas soda bottlegoes for less than $10.
- A Clear duraglas milk bottle from the 1940s with embossed lettersis listed at $14.
- Similarly, a clear duraglas pharmacy bottlefrom the same decade goes for $12.
However, it’s important to know that these are mass-produced duraglas bottles so their price isn’t that high. Rare bottles with unique colors and designs can go for a little more:
- Two duraglas juice jars with floral motivesfrom the 1940s go for $33.
- A lot of three duraglas 12 Oz brown amber bottlesgo for $24.
- A green duraglas prescription bottle from the 1950sgoes for around $20.
- Antique duraglas turpentine bottlesells for $20.
Some rare antique duraglas bottles can reach higher prices, for example:
- A duraglas kerosene drip jar with white and yellow swirlsin great condition goes for almost $50.
- A duraglas “The Columbus Pharmacal” brown aspiring bottleis listed at $75.
- A 1940s Coleman’s Pharmacy green duraglas bottlegoes for almost $95.
Resources
Anyone looking for antique duraglas bottles price resources will find a wide variety of options available. Here is what we recommend:
- The Bewildering Array of Owens-Illinois Glass Co. Logos and Codesby Bill Lockhart and Russ Hoenig
- The Federation of Historical Bottle Collectors
- Kovel’s Price Guide
- Historic Glass Bottle Information and Identification Website
- The National Bottle Museum
Where to Find Antique Duraglas Bottles for Sale
While you may be able to find some Duraglas bottles at your local antique store, the best place to look is online. There are a number of websites like Antique Bottle Depot or Kreeger’s Antique Bottle Market that specialize in selling vintage glass bottles, and you’ll often be able to find a better selection and better prices than you would at a brick-and-mortar store.
You can also find a variety of antique duraglas bottles on websites like eBay or Etsy. Another option is to visit antique stores or flea markets, though these can be more expensive. With a little patience and perseverance, it is possible to buy or sell duraglas bottles at a reasonable price.
Conclusion
Antique bottles are a unique and interesting collectible. They come in all shapes and sizes, and each one has its own story to tell. Duraglas bottles are particularly sought-after by collectors due to their durability and striking appearance. Duraglas bottles are known for their durability and they were first introduced in the late 1940s. Whether you’re looking for the rarest or most common of antique duraglas bottles, prices will vary. The price of antique duraglas bottles depends on their rarity and condition, but it can range anywhere from a few dollars to almost 100 bucks per bottle.
If you are interested in collecting duraglas bottles, we recommend doing some research to find out what bottles are most valuable. You can also check out local antique stores or online auction sites to see if any duraglas bottles are available for sale. Happy collecting!