Clear glass perfume or extract bottle, circa early 20th century

This type of small, clear glass bottle was commonly used in the late 19th and early 20th centuries for perfumes, toilet waters, extracts, and pharmaceutical preparations. Companies like Larkin Co. of Buffalo, NY, and various perfume manufacturers produced these simple yet elegant bottles with tooled tops and squared or rounded bodies. The slight cloudiness visible in the glass is typical of bottles that have been buried or exposed to moisture over many decades, a condition collectors call 'sick glass' or mineral deposits. Vintage glass bottles appeal to a dedicated community of bottle collectors, antique enthusiasts, and those interested in early American commercial history. These bottles are valued for their historical significance as everyday objects that tell the story of personal care and household products from a bygone era. Collectors appreciate the craftsmanship of hand-tooled or machine-made glass, the variety of forms, and the connection to specific manufacturers and regional commerce.