Collectors and perfume bottle enthusiasts should exercise caution when purchasing antique scent bottles online, particularly through auction platforms such as eBay. A seller operating under the name sunil_arts_engg_works, based in India, has been noted for offering what are described as Victorian-era chatelaine scent bottles that in many cases appear to be modern assemblages rather than genuine antiques. These pieces are typically created by taking later glass bottles—often dating from the 1930s or even more recent decades—and attaching newly manufactured brass fittings designed to imitate Victorian chatelaine hardware. Once modified, the bottles are presented as antique Victorian perfume bottles or scent bottles, which can mislead buyers who are unfamiliar with the design differences between true nineteenth-century pieces and later glassware.
One of the most noticeable issues with these altered bottles is the stylistic mismatch between the glass and the hardware. Many of the bottles being used are clearly Art Deco in style, characterized by geometric shapes and design elements that emerged during the 1920s and 1930s. When paired with reproduction brass mounts meant to resemble Victorian chatelaine fittings, the result is visually inconsistent and historically inaccurate. Authentic Victorian chatelaine bottles typically feature hardware that was crafted to suit the bottle’s form and period design, whereas these modified pieces often share identical or nearly identical brass fittings across multiple listings, suggesting that the hardware is newly manufactured rather than original.
This pattern is an important warning sign for collectors. In genuine antique perfume bottles, particularly those designed to be worn on a chatelaine—the chain accessory Victorian women used to carry small personal items—the metal mounts and suspension rings were custom-made and varied widely depending on the maker. When many bottles display the exact same style of hardware, it strongly suggests modern production or later alteration rather than authentic nineteenth-century craftsmanship.
It is worth noting, however, that the seller has occasionally offered authentic antique Victorian perfume bottles among these altered or “fantasy” pieces, which can make identification even more challenging for buyers. For this reason, collectors are encouraged to carefully examine photographs, research the typical design features of Victorian scent bottles, and compare hardware details before purchasing. Looking for consistent period materials, original wear patterns, and historically appropriate design elements can help distinguish genuine antiques from later assembled pieces. Awareness of these practices can help collectors avoid mistakenly purchasing reworked or misrepresented bottles while preserving the integrity and historical appreciation of true Victorian perfume collectibles.
Bottle from Britney Spears' Curious perfume c2005
Prince Matchabelli perfume bottle c1950s
