Nina Ricci Appraisal

Nina Ricci L'Air du Temps Perfume Bottle with Double Dove Stopper

This item is a vintage L'Air du Temps perfume bottle, specifically featuring the iconic dove stopper. The bottle is crafted from clear glass, exhibiting a delicate, swirling, ribbed design that tapers towards the base. This ribbed pattern appears to have been molded into the glass, creating a visually appealing texture and enhancing grip. The glass itself shows a slight yellowish or ambering patina, common in older glass items, suggesting its age. The most distinctive feature is the stopper, cast in the shape of a peace dove with outstretched wings. The dove stopper is also made of clear glass, but it has a cloudy or frosted appearance, possibly due to decorative treatment or surface degradation over time. Fine details, such as etched lines to simulate feathers on the wings, are discernible, indicating a degree of craftsmanship. There is a small, dark, possibly metal, element visible at the base of the dove where it connects to the bottle neck, which could be part of the sealing mechanism or a remnant of packaging. Regarding condition, the glass of both the bottle and the stopper shows visible wear. There are numerous small dark specks and general surface dirt or dust adhering to the glass, particularly on the dove. A thin, dark, wire-like protrusion is visible near the head of the dove, which could be a manufacturing anomaly, a piece of wire from original packaging, or a small piece of debris. While no major chips or cracks are immediately apparent from this view, the overall quality of the glass and the precision of the molding suggest a commercial rather than artisanal production, typical for a well-known perfume brand. The design is characteristic of mid-20th century perfume bottles, likely from the 1950s or 1960s, aligning with the introduction and popularity of L'Air du Temps.