Shaving Mugs - barbershop memorabilia - 1Earth Antiques and Appraisals Magazine

POPULAR WITH COLLECTORS OF NOSTALGIA

SHAVING MUGS
Intricately decorated shaving mugs that depict an unusual image or occupation are at the top level of the market. While most shaving mugs can be found in the $200-300 range, collectors pay a premium for wonderful images and intricate designs.

In the October/November 1999 two-part sale at Glass-works Auctions, one collector paid $4,510 for an occupational shaving mug that depicted a barbershop scene. A rare and unusual mug with a wonderful image in great condition can bring as much as $6,000-8,000 at auction or in a private sale.

BARBER BOTTLES
Decorated glass barber bottles are another great example of the market for barbershop memorabilia. These bottles originally contained witch hazel, hair tonic, toilet water and shampoo, among other liquids. Like the mugs, they are beautifully decorated, but tend to be less individualized. Prices vary according to the rarity of the form and decoration and can range from $50 to $5000.

An attractive but common colored glass barber bottle would be one having a simple form, with a dot pattern and floral spray decoration. Examples of unusual decoration would be a barber bottle decorated with a woman holding a guitar, or a pair of crossed American flags. A recent rare example with beautiful decoration sold recently in the February/March 2000 sale at Glass-works Auctions for $2,860.