Date: Fri 02-Jul-1999
Date: Fri 02-Jul-1999
Publication: Ant
Author: MELISS
Quick Words:
IBPA-Monsen-Baer-perfume
Full Text:
IPBA Convention Attracts 500 Enthusiastic, Top Prices Seen In Monsen & Baer
Auction
(with 4 cuts)
RESTON, VA. -- Members of the International Perfume Bottle Association
gathered May 14 to 16 at the Hyatt Regency to buy, sell, trade, and admire
scent bottles and related memorabilia at the 11th annual convention.
More than 500 people attended from as far away as Australia. The IPBA
Convention boasts America's only all perfume bottle Monsen and Baer auction.
Available to admire or purchase were crystal and glass by Lalique, Baccarat,
Moser, Steuben, Viard and more. There were Czechoslovakian bottles and powder
boxes including examples of jeweled and miniature bottles, atomizers from the
increasingly elusive Imperial line considered the royalty of De Vilbiss,
porcelain bottles and dresser sets, laydown, crown tops, perfume lamps and
advertising items.
Vintage commercial bottles by Coty, Arden, Schiaparelli and other fragrance
and designer names were highly sought after and sold well. Other popular items
were vintage deluxe miniature samples, novelties, figural solid perfumes,
perfume jewelry, giant factice bottles, powder boxes and jars, and compacts.
Informative workshops included Mr Rick Kinsel, Coty's director of curatorial
services, discussing Francois Coty's masterpieces. Laura Mueller, author of
several books including the highly regarded Compacts, Carryalls and Face
Powder Boxes , discussed rare and unusual compacts.
Highlights of the Monsen and Baer auction were Randall Monsen's debut as an
auctioneer and the lively bidding on rare bottles in all categories. Medium
grade commercial bottles offered a buyer's paradise, with the hammer going
down within or even below their pre-sale estimate.
A set of three books donated by drom international were auctioned and sold,
with all proceeds going to the IPBA. The books highlight over 600 bottles in
full color from drom's private museum collection. The books are not for sale
to the public.
Elizabeth Arden exhibited a dozen bottles, pictures, advertising and a book
from their archives to salute Randy Monsen's scholarly article on Arden in the
Monsen and Baer auction.
The IPBA is a non-profit, all volunteer association dedicated to promoting the
collecting and appreciation of perfume bottles and preserving the history of
the fragrance industry. IPBA's year 2000 Convention will be held in Atlanta,
Ga. May 18 to 21. For IPBA membership information please call 610/995-9051.