Not a furniture piece (Avon Chess Decanter Bottle)
Decorative Collectible/Aftershave Decanter · Mid-Century Kitsch / Pop Culture (Late 1960s - Early 1970s) · Avon Products, Inc.
Type
Decorative Collectible/Aftershave Decanter
Style Period
Mid-Century Kitsch / Pop Culture (Late 1960s - Early 1970s)
Material
Amber-colored glass bottle with a chromed plastic screw-top figural cap.
Age Estimate
Circa 1968-1972 (The 'King' from the Avon Chess Set collection).
Dimensions
Approximately 6 inches high and 2 inches in diameter; significantly smaller than furniture.
Origin
United States; part of an extensive line of mens grooming collectables sold via direct marketing.
Designer/Maker
Avon Products, Inc.
Value Estimate
$5.00 - $15.00 USD depending on whether it is full (with original liquid) or has its original box.
Description
This is actually a vintage Men's Aftershave Decanter shaped like a Chess King. It features a bulbous amber glass base that held fragrance and a decorative silver-toned plastic cap depicting a bearded royal figure wearing a crown. It was part of a tiered marketing campaign where customers could collect all 32 pieces of the chess set through individual fragrance purchases.
Key Features
Stylized bearded face on the cap, amber glass bulbous body, 'Avon' branding likely embossed on the bottom base.
Color & Finish
Translucent amber glass body with a highly reflective silver-tone chrome finish on the figural cap.
Construction Method
Mass-produced mold-blown glass and injection-molded plastic with a vacuum-metallized (chrome) finish.
Joinery & Craftsmanship
Industrial molding and high-volume manufacturing; no traditional woodworking joinery present.
Wood Grain & Species
None; item utilizes synthetic materials (glass and plastic).
Surface Treatment
Polished glass and electroplated/chrome-painted plastic; stylized relief carving of a King's face on cap.
Upholstery Details
None; item is made of glass and plastic.
Hardware & Fittings
Plastic screw-on cap featuring a threaded interior to provide a liquid-tight seal.
Origin & Provenance
United States; part of an extensive line of mens grooming collectables sold via direct marketing.
Condition Notes
Good overall; minor oxidation or wear visible on the chrome finish of the cap; glass appears intact without cracks. Grade: Good.
Interesting Facts
Avon's chess decanters were highly popular gifts in the 20th century; the set was designed to be functional after use, though the glass bottles made for a very heavy and fragile chess game.
Cultural Significance
A prime example of 20th-century Americana marketing and the 'collect-them-all' consumer culture of the 1970s.
Similar Pieces
Often confused with actual chess pieces or perfume atomizers; distinguished from actual furniture by its scale and material.
Care & Maintenance
Wash glass with mild soap; avoid abrasive cleaners on the chrome cap as the silver finish will flake off; keep out of direct sunlight to prevent liquid discoloration.
Value Estimate
$5.00 - $15.00 USD depending on whether it is full (with original liquid) or has its original box.
Sustainability Notes
A re-usable glass bottle intended to be kept as a collectible rather than discarded; early example of durable packaging design.