Vintage Old Spice Bottles Value Guide: Collectible Prices & Identification
Discover the value of vintage Old Spice bottles from Shulton's iconic collection. Learn to identify rare designs, determine authentic pricing, and understand what collectors seek.
By Appraisily TeamLast updated November 14, 2023
Introduction to Vintage Old Spice Bottles
The distinctive nautical-themed bottles of Old Spice aftershave and cologne have been bathroom cabinet staples for generations of men. What began as a practical grooming product has evolved into a nostalgic collectible cherished by enthusiasts worldwide. These vintage vessels, with their sailing ships and classic styling, now command surprising values in the collectibles market.
Old Spice, originally produced by the Shulton Company starting in 1937, has a rich history spanning multiple design eras. From early glass decanters with metal stoppers to later ceramic and plastic containers, each iteration tells a story of American men’s grooming evolution. For collectors, these bottles represent more than just fragrance containers—they’re tangible connections to the past.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the fascinating world of vintage Old Spice bottle collecting, from identification techniques to current market values, helping you determine if those old bottles in your cabinet might be worth more than memories.
<h2 class="section-header__title">
<span>The History of Old Spice Bottles</span>
</h2>
<div class="section-header__body">Understanding the evolution of Old Spice bottles is crucial for proper identification and valuation. Knowing when design changes occurred helps collectors authenticate and date their finds.</div>
Old Spice began as a women’s fragrance in 1937 before the men’s product line was introduced in 1938. The Shulton Company, founded by William Lightfoot Schultz, created what would become one of America’s most recognizable men’s grooming brands. The early bottles featured nautical designs that would become the brand’s signature aesthetic.
Evolution of Old Spice Bottles
1937-1940s
First Generation
Early Old Spice bottles featured clear glass designs with cork or metal stoppers. The iconic sailing ship motif was present from the beginning, though simpler than later iterations.
1950s-1960s
Milk Glass Era
The brand transitioned to distinctive white milk glass bottles with more detailed ship designs. These are among the most collectible today, especially those with metal stoppers.
1970s-1980s
Transition Period
Glass bottles continued but with plastic caps replacing metal stoppers. Limited edition and special design bottles began appearing during holiday seasons.
1990-1992
Ownership Change
Shulton sold Old Spice to Procter & Gamble, marking the end of many classic bottle designs. This transition period created several short-run bottle variations.
1993-Present
Modern Era
Plastic containers became standard, with occasional commemorative glass bottles that reference classic designs. These modern commemoratives have their own collectible market.
The iconic ship designs on Old Spice bottles have a fascinating history of their own. The original vessel depicted was the Grand Turk, though different ships appeared on various products throughout the decades. For serious collectors, identifying the specific ship can help pinpoint the production era.
<h2 class="section-header__title">
<span>Identifying Vintage Old Spice Bottles</span>
</h2>
<div class="section-header__body">Learning to spot authentic vintage Old Spice bottles requires attention to specific details that changed over time. These identification markers can help determine both age and authenticity.</div>
When assessing Old Spice bottles, several key features help establish authenticity and age:
Material Composition
The material of the bottle is one of the primary indicators of its era:
Glass Bottles (1937-1980s): Early bottles were clear glass, transitioning to milk glass in the 1950s. These often command higher values, particularly those with metal stoppers.
Ceramic Bottles (Special Editions): Occasionally, Old Spice produced ceramic decanters for special occasions or as gift items.
Plastic Bottles (1990s-Present): Modern bottles are primarily plastic, though some special editions still feature glass.
Bottle Markings and Labels
Examine the bottom of the bottle for manufacturer markings:
“Shulton Inc.” Mark: Indicates production before the Procter & Gamble acquisition in 1990.
Numerical Codes: Often indicate year of production. For example, a single digit may represent the last number of the year (e.g., “8” for 1958 or 1968).
Original Labels: Intact paper labels significantly increase value. Look for design elements consistent with the era.
Cap and Stopper Styles
The evolution of bottle closures provides valuable dating information:
Cork Stoppers (1930s-1940s): Earliest bottles had cork stoppers, rarely found intact today.
Metal Stoppers (1940s-1960s): Distinctive screw-on metal caps, often featuring ship designs or nautical motifs.
Plastic Caps (1970s-Present): Transition to plastic closures began in the 1970s.
Vintage Old Spice Bottle Authentication Checklist
Use this checklist to verify the authenticity and era of your Old Spice bottle
Bottle has proper Shulton manufacturing marks on bottom
Ship design matches known authentic patterns
Glass has characteristic color/opacity for its purported era
Cap/stopper is period-appropriate for the bottle
Label (if present) shows appropriate design elements and fonts
Bottle size corresponds to known production measurements
Glass thickness is consistent with vintage manufacturing
Special and Limited Editions
Old Spice produced numerous commemorative and limited edition bottles that can be particularly valuable:
Holiday Decanters: Specially designed Christmas bottles from the 1960s-1980s
Ship Series: Different sailing vessels were featured in specialty collections
<span>Factors Affecting Vintage Old Spice Bottle Values</span>
</h2>
<div class="section-header__body">Multiple variables influence the market value of vintage Old Spice bottles. Understanding these factors helps collectors make informed purchasing decisions and realistic value assessments.</div>
The collectible value of vintage Old Spice bottles depends on several key factors:
Age and Rarity
Generally, older bottles command higher prices, especially those from the early Shulton era:
Pre-1950s bottles are particularly scarce and valuable
Limited production runs or discontinued designs increase value
Regional variants sold only in specific markets can be highly sought after
Condition Considerations
The physical state of the bottle dramatically impacts value:
Mint condition bottles with no chips, cracks, or label damage command premium prices
Original contents sometimes increase value, though many collectors prefer empty bottles
Complete packaging including original boxes can double or triple the bottle’s value
Intact labels without fading or tearing significantly enhance desirability
Completeness of Set
Some Old Spice products were sold as matching sets:
Aftershave and cologne pairs in original packaging
Gift sets with talcum powder, soap, and other accessories
Matching travel kits with multiple coordinated containers
Vintage Old Spice Market Statistics
Desirability Among Collectors
Certain designs and editions are particularly coveted by collectors:
Early ship designs with detailed craftsmanship
Figural bottles shaped like ships, lighthouses, or other nautical themes
Holiday editions from the 1960s and 1970s
Bottles with unusual colors or design variations
Original Contents and Packaging
While many collectors focus on the bottles themselves, original elements add value:
Sealed, unused products may appeal to fragrance enthusiasts
Original boxes often feature artistic designs that complement the bottles
Advertising materials like product inserts or pamphlets increase historical significance
<h2 class="section-header__title">
<span>Current Market Values for Vintage Old Spice Bottles</span>
</h2>
<div class="section-header__body">Exploring current price ranges helps collectors understand the investment potential and fair market value of different Old Spice bottle types and eras.</div>
The market for vintage Old Spice bottles remains active, with prices varying widely based on the factors discussed. Here’s a current overview of market values:
Vintage Old Spice Bottle Price Ranges
Current market values based on recent sales (2023)
Category
Price
Notes
1950s-1960s Milk Glass Bottles (Metal Stopper)
$25-$55
Excellent condition with original stopper
1940s Early Glass Bottles
$40-$150
Rare early designs, particularly with intact labels
1970s-1980s Glass Bottles
$15-$30
Common designs in good condition
Limited Edition/Holiday Bottles
$50-$100+
Specialty designs, especially with original boxes
Complete Gift Sets
$75-$200
Full sets with multiple matching pieces
Sealed/Unused Bottles
$30-$90
Original product still inside, no evaporation
New-in-Box Vintage Bottles
$75-$150
Mint condition with original packaging
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Recent Auction Highlights
Notable recent sales demonstrate the upper end of the market:
Notable Old Spice Bottle Auction Results
High-value recent sales from online platforms and auctions
Item
Price
Date
Auction House
1940s Early Ship Design Set
$150
March 2023
eBay
1956 Full Bottle with Original Box
$89.99
January 2023
Online Specialty Auction
1960s Christmas Ship Decanter Set
$120
December 2022
Antique Mall
Rare Green Glass Bottle (1966-1991)
$75
November 2022
Etsy
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Value Variations by Condition
The same bottle can vary dramatically in price based on condition:
Mint condition (no flaws, original stopper): 100% of base value
Excellent (minor wear, complete): 75-90% of base value
Good (noticeable wear, intact): 40-60% of base value
Fair (chips, cracks, missing pieces): 20-30% of base value
<h2 class="section-header__title">
<span>Where to Find and Sell Vintage Old Spice Bottles</span>
</h2>
<div class="section-header__body">Whether you’re looking to start or expand a collection, or sell bottles you already own, knowing the best marketplaces can help you find fair prices and authentic items.</div>
Best Places to Purchase Vintage Old Spice Bottles
Collectors can find vintage Old Spice bottles through various channels:
Online Marketplaces
eBay: Offers the largest selection, with prices ranging from a few dollars to over $100 for rare pieces
Etsy: Specializes in curated vintage items, often at premium prices
Facebook Marketplace: Can yield unexpected local finds, often at lower prices
Physical Locations
Antique Malls: Often have booths specializing in vintage bathroom and grooming items
Estate Sales: Can produce rare finds at reasonable prices, especially in older neighborhoods
Flea Markets: Require patience but occasionally yield exceptional bargains
Collector Communities
Vintage Grooming Forums: Connect with other collectors who may trade or sell duplicates
Collector Shows: Specialty events focusing on advertising memorabilia or men’s vintage items
Selling Your Vintage Old Spice Collection
If you’re looking to sell, consider these options:
Direct to Collectors
Specialty Forums: Reach motivated buyers with knowledge of fair values
Social Media Groups: Dedicated to vintage advertising or men’s grooming collectibles
Online Platforms
eBay Auctions: Let the market determine value; works well for rare or desirable pieces
Etsy Store: Better for curated collections with detailed descriptions
Ruby Lane: Focuses on quality vintage items with informed buyers
Professional Services
Consignment Shops: Take a percentage but handle marketing and sales
Auction Houses: For valuable collections or extremely rare pieces
Authentication Resources
Before making significant purchases, consult these resources:
Reference books like “The Collector’s Guide to Old Spice” for production details
Online image galleries of authenticated bottles from different eras
Collector forums where experts can verify authenticity from photographs
<h2 class="section-header__title">
<span>Tips for Collecting Vintage Old Spice Bottles</span>
</h2>
<div class="section-header__body">Building a meaningful and potentially valuable collection requires strategy and knowledge. These practical tips can help both new and experienced collectors make wise decisions.</div>
Starting Your Collection
For beginners entering the vintage Old Spice collecting world:
Decide on a Focus
Era-specific collection (e.g., 1950s milk glass)
Design-based (different ship designs)
Complete product lines from specific periods
Set a Budget
Begin with affordable common pieces
Save for occasional special acquisitions
Factor in display and storage costs
Learn to Spot Reproductions
Study authentic markings and manufacturing details
Compare weights and glass quality of suspected reproductions
Be wary of “too good to be true” pristine early bottles
Building Value Over Time
Strategic collecting can increase the worth of your collection:
Focus on Completeness
Complete sets typically exceed the value of individual pieces
Consider professional cleaning for valuable pieces
Store properly to prevent further deterioration
Documentation Adds Value
Keep records of provenance when available
Research and document the history of unusual pieces
Create detailed inventory with photographs and notes
Preservation and Display
Proper care ensures your collection maintains its value:
Storage Considerations
Store away from direct sunlight to prevent fading
Use stable temperature environments to prevent glass stress
Consider glass display cases with UV protection
Cleaning Guidelines
Use mild soap and water for glass bottles
Avoid harsh chemicals that may damage labels
Clean stoppers separately with appropriate materials
Display Strategies
Group by era, design, or type for educational displays
Use proper lighting that won’t generate heat or UV damage
Consider rotating displays to prevent extended light exposure
<h2 class="section-header__title">
<span>Most Valuable and Rare Old Spice Collectibles</span>
</h2>
<div class="section-header__body">While common bottles may sell for modest sums, certain rare specimens command significant premiums. Understanding what makes some bottles exceptional helps collectors identify valuable finds.</div>
Highly Coveted Rare Pieces
These exceptional items represent the upper tier of Old Spice collecting:
Early Production Rarities
First-year production bottles (1937-1938): Particularly women’s line before men’s products
Prototype designs: Test market bottles that never reached full production
Original promotional first releases: Often given to retailers or as samples
Limited Distribution Items
International variants: Bottles produced specifically for overseas markets
Regional exclusives: Special editions distributed only in certain areas
Military PX specials: Designs created exclusively for military exchange stores
Specialty Design Bottles
Figural decanters: Bottles shaped as ships, lighthouse, or other nautical themes
Anniversary commemoratives: Produced for company milestones
Executive gifts: Special designs not sold to the general public
Investment Potential
Some vintage Old Spice bottles have shown consistent appreciation:
Early Shulton glass bottles have increased in value approximately 5-10% annually over the past decade
Limited holiday editions from the 1960s have nearly tripled in value since 2010
Complete boxed sets in mint condition have become increasingly difficult to find, driving premium prices
Authentication of Valuable Specimens
For high-value bottles, authentication becomes crucial:
Professional appraisal services can verify age and authenticity
UV light examination can reveal glass composition characteristic of different eras
Microscopic examination of manufacturing marks helps identify production period
<h2 class="section-header__title">
<span>Complementary Old Spice Collectibles</span>
</h2>
<div class="section-header__body">Beyond bottles, the Old Spice brand produced numerous collectible items that complement bottle collections and have their own dedicated collector base.</div>
Related Old Spice Memorabilia
Expand your collection with these complementary items:
Advertising Materials
Print advertisements: Magazine and newspaper ads spanning decades
Store displays: Counter cards, stand-ups, and dimensional displays
Promotional items: Branded giveaways and store incentives
Accessory Products
Shaving mugs and bowls: Ceramic items with the Old Spice branding
Soap dishes and holders: Designed to match bottle aesthetics
Travel kits: Compact sets with miniature bottles
Packaging and Ephemera
Gift boxes: Seasonal and special occasion packaging
Product inserts: Instruction sheets and promotional materials
Catalogs: Shulton product catalogs featuring Old Spice lines
Collector guides specific to men’s grooming products
Price guides updated regularly with current values
Shulton company history books and documents
Visual Archives
Historical photograph collections showing bottles in period settings
Manufacturing process documentation
Design evolution portfolios
These complementary collectibles often tell a more complete story when displayed alongside bottle collections, providing context and historical perspective.
Common Questions About Vintage Old Spice Bottles
How can I tell how old my Old Spice bottle is?
To determine the age of your Old Spice bottle:
Check the bottom for manufacturer marks - "Shulton Inc." indicates pre-1990 production
Look for numerical codes that may indicate production year
Examine the cap/stopper style - metal stoppers are typically pre-1970s
Compare the bottle shape and design to known production periods
Note the glass color and opacity - milk glass became standard in the 1950s
The most reliable dating combines multiple indicators rather than relying on a single feature.
What is the most valuable vintage Old Spice bottle?
The most valuable vintage Old Spice bottles are typically:
First-generation bottles from 1937-1940 with original packaging
Rare limited editions or promotional designs with low production numbers
Prototype or test market bottles that never reached full production
Specialty figural decanters in mint condition with original boxes
Early Shulton bottles with intact original packaging can sell for $150-$200, while extremely rare promotional items have occasionally reached $300+ at specialty auctions.
Is it better to clean old Old Spice bottles before selling them?
Cleaning vintage Old Spice bottles requires caution:
Light dust can be carefully removed with a soft brush
For glass without labels, lukewarm water with mild soap is generally safe
Never use abrasive cleaners or harsh chemicals
Paper labels should not be cleaned with water - consult a professional
Sometimes original patina adds value and authenticates age
When in doubt, especially with potentially valuable bottles, consult with a collector or preservation specialist before attempting cleaning.
Are Old Spice bottles with product still inside worth more?
The value impact of original contents varies:
For common bottles, original contents typically add little value
Rare or early formulations may interest fragrance collectors specifically
Sealed, unused products generally command premium prices over used ones
Contents that have darkened or degraded can actually decrease value
Some collectors prefer empty, cleaned bottles for display purposes
Generally, the bottle design, age, and condition influence value more than remaining contents, unless the formulation itself is historically significant.
How can I display my Old Spice bottle collection safely?
For proper display and preservation:
Use glass-fronted cabinets to protect from dust while allowing visibility
Position displays away from direct sunlight to prevent label fading
Maintain stable temperature and humidity levels
Install LED lighting instead of incandescent bulbs that generate heat
Use museum putty for securing bottles against accidental bumps
Consider UV-filtering glass or acrylic for valuable collections
Rotate displayed items periodically if cabinet space is limited
The ideal environment maintains consistent temperature and humidity while protecting from UV exposure.
Where is the best place to sell vintage Old Spice bottles?
The best selling venue depends on your bottles and goals:
eBay: Excellent for common to moderately rare bottles reaching a wide audience
Etsy: Better for curated, higher-end pieces with detailed descriptions
Collector Forums: Direct sales to knowledgeable buyers who understand value
Auction Houses: For extremely rare or valuable collections
Antique Malls: Booth rentals allow physical display but require time investment
Online platforms typically reach more potential buyers, while in-person sales at shows or specialty events may yield higher prices for exceptional pieces.
Are reproduction Old Spice bottles common in the market?
While not as prevalent as in some collectible markets, reproduction and fake vintage Old Spice bottles do exist:
Some modern commemorative editions intentionally mimic vintage designs
Actual counterfeits typically focus on the most valuable early bottles
Signs of reproduction include incorrect weight, modern glass composition, poor detail quality
Suspect bottles often have inconsistent aging patterns or artificially created wear
Studying authentic examples, comparing glass weight and quality, and learning proper marking patterns are the best defenses against purchasing reproductions.
What should I look for when buying vintage Old Spice bottles?
When purchasing vintage Old Spice bottles, prioritize:
Condition: Check for chips, cracks, label damage, and stopper integrity
Authenticity: Verify correct markings for the purported production period
Completeness: Original stoppers, caps, and packaging significantly increase value
Rarity: Research how common the particular design was during its production period
Price Comparison: Check recent completed sales for similar items
Seller Knowledge: Established collectors or specialty dealers often provide more accurate information
Take time to research before making significant purchases, especially for higher-priced rare examples.
Conclusion: The Enduring Appeal of Vintage Old Spice Bottles
The charm of vintage Old Spice bottles extends beyond simple nostalgia. These artifacts represent an important chapter in American consumer culture and men’s grooming history. Their distinctive nautical designs, evolving over decades, created an iconic brand identity that resonates even with those too young to have used the original products.
For collectors, the hunt for rare variants and pristine examples continues to provide both the thrill of discovery and the satisfaction of preserving cultural history. As original examples become increasingly scarce, particularly those with complete packaging, their value is likely to continue appreciating.
Whether you’re drawn to these bottles for their investment potential, historical significance, or simply the personal connection to memories of fathers and grandfathers, vintage Old Spice collecting offers accessible entry points for beginners while still providing depth for serious collectors.
By understanding the identification markers, value factors, and preservation techniques outlined in this guide, you’re well-equipped to build a meaningful collection that captures a distinctive slice of Americana—one sailing ship at a time.
