If you need an appraisal of antiques and decorative arts, Portland antiques appraiser Jerry L. Dobesh, ASA, of Dobesh Appraisal, can help.  Jerry has been active in the antiques business, full time, for over 40 years.  Jerry performs antiques appraisals of furniture, silver, porcelains, glass, firearms, and a wide range of personal property.

The following is from a recent discussion with a collector of American barber bottles, which you may find interesting:

Here is a picture of four barber bottles.  All are American, all are opalescent glass, and date from perhaps 1900 – 1950, and are in excellent condition with no damage.  The tallest is 7 ¼” in height.

 

Light blue ‘reverse swirl’ barber bottle; dates to 1900 – 1920, maker unknown; transparent light blue and white opalescent glass, mold blown; the reverse swirl (lines diagonally rising from right to left) is much more uncommon than examples with lines rising from left to right.

• A dealer might ask $275 – $300 for this bottle.  If sold on Ebay, I might expect to see a selling price currently in the $200 – $250 range.

“Daisy and Fern” pattern barber bottle; dates to 1940 – 1950, by Fenton; lemon and white opalescent Vaseline glass, mold blown.

• A dealer might ask $175 – $200 for this bottle.  If sold on Ebay, I might expect to see a selling price currently in the $150 – $175 price range.

Cranberry “reverse thumbprint” barber bottle; dates to c. 1950, by Fenton; transparent cranberry opalescent glass, the thumbprint decoration is on the interior of the bottle, mold blown.

• A dealer might ask $100 or $125 for this bottle.  If sold on Ebay, I might expect to see a selling price currently in the $70 – $80 price range.

“Seaweed” pattern barber bottle; dates to circa 1900 – 1910; attributed to either Hobbs or Beaumont Glass; clear and white opalescent glass, mold blown.

• A dealer might ask $450 or $500 for this bottle.  If sold on Ebay, I might expect to see a selling price currently in the $350 – $400 price range.

 

Here is a picture of four additional barber bottles.  All are American, all are opalescent glass, and date from perhaps 1900 – 1950, and are in excellent condition with no damage.  The tallest is 7 ½” in height.

 

Enameled green barber bottle; dates to 1900 – 1920, maker unknown; transparent light green glass with interior coin spot decoration, mold blown; hand enameled floral decoration.

• A dealer might ask $100 – $125 for this bottle.  If sold on Ebay, I might expect to see a selling price currently in the $80 – $100 range.

Cranberry “reverse swirl” barber bottle; dates to circa 1930, is pre – Fenton; cranberry and white opalescent glass, mold blown the reverse swirl (lines diagonally rising from right to left) is much more uncommon than examples with lines rising from left to right..

• A dealer might ask $200 for this bottle.  If sold on Ebay, I might expect to see a selling price currently in the $150 price range.

Cranberry “fern” pattern barber bottle; dates to c. 1940 – 1950, by Fenton; transparent cranberry and white opalescent glass, mold blown.

• A dealer might ask $200 for this bottle.  If sold on Ebay, I might expect to see a selling price currently in the $150 price range.

Cranberry “fern” pattern barber bottle; dates to c. 1940 – 1950, by Fenton; transparent clear and white opalescent glass, mold blown.

• A dealer might ask $200 for this bottle.  If sold on Ebay, I might expect to see a selling price currently in the $150 price range.

 

 

Over the past five years, prices have been relatively constant, slightly varying up or down without significant change.  Until March of this year, demand was seen to be fairly constant, with an active market.

However the Covid-19 event brought perhaps a 30% decrease in the prices seen in this market since March of 2020.  The prices discussed above are what this collector reports seeing these types of bottles priced at and selling in July and August of 2020.  The collector is of the opinion that these reduced prices are temporary, and views this time as a good opportunity to add additional pieces to their collection.

 

When you want to know what your antiques are, what they are worth, and you want someone you can trust,

Contact Jerry for a quote, or call.

Appraising is his only business.  He is not a dealer, and he does not sell estates.  With Dobesh Appraisal, you will receive professional objectivity without any conflict of interest.  His sole interest is to provide you with an accurate, well supported, and unbiased appraisal.  Jerry’s reports are USPAP compliant, and meet the 2020 IRS Qualified Appraiser/Qualified Appraisal requirements.

Most of Jerry’s antiques appraisal work takes place here in the Portland – Vancouver metro area, including all the neighboring towns and cities such as Gresham, Tigard, Hillsboro, Beaverton, and Battle Ground, Washington, on a regular basis. Jerry is happy to travel as necessary, and over the past 40 years, he has worked in nearly every state.  If you need a valuation of antiques in Joseph, Bend, Condon, Rogue River, or anywhere else in our State, give Jerry a call.  He is happy to come and see you.