Vintage Frosted Low-Density Polyethylene Plastic Holy Water Bottle in the Image of the Virgin Mary

This is a vintage figural holy water bottle or novelty container fashioned in the likeness of Our Lady of Lourdes (the Virgin Mary). The item is constructed from a low-density polyethylene (LDPE) plastic, characterized by its translucent, slightly milky-white appearance and frosted texture. It stands approximately 6 to 8 inches tall. The figure is depicted in a traditional prayer pose with hands pressed together, wearing a flowing veil and robe. A notable feature is the painted sash in dark blue and a chain-link rosary with a crucifix painted in black/bronze on the front. The construction is mass-produced blow-molded plastic, typical of the mid-20th century, likely dating between the 1950s and 1970s. The bottle rests on a screw-cap base made of opaque light blue plastic with vertical ribbing for grip. Condition issues are visible: the paint on the sash is heavily worn and smeared, several spots of surface grime or dark residue are present on the body, and the overall color shows signs of light yellowing due to UV exposure over time. This type of object was frequently sold as a souvenir at religious pilgrimage sites like Lourdes or Fatima. The craftsmanship is utilitarian and intended for mass consumption rather than fine art display.

I have examined this vintage figural bottle, which exhibits the characteristic hallmarks of mid-20th-century religious souvenirs. From a visual standpoint, the item is authentic to the 1960s-1970s era of mass-produced plastic devotional ware. The low-density polyethylene construction and blow-molded seams are consistent with production techniques used for pilgrims at sites such as Lourdes. However, the condition is poor to fair. The blue paint on the sash is significantly smeared and degraded, and the presence of ingrained surface grime suggests it was not kept in a controlled display environment. Market demand for these items is steady but saturated; millions were produced, making them common rather than rare collectibles. Value is driven primarily by sentimental or decorative 'kitschy' appeal rather than intrinsic material worth. Comparables on secondary markets (eBay, Etsy) frequently sell for under $20 when in similar or better condition. The primary factors limiting value here are the visible yellowing and the lack of original contents or clean paintwork. Please note that via image alone, I cannot confirm the chemical stability of the plastic or whether the residue is organic mold or simple soot. A full physical inspection would be required to verify the integrity of the screw-threaded base and check for interior contamination. Provenance, such as a documented original purchase from a specific grotto, could provide minor historical interest but would likely not increase the market value significantly given the utilitarian nature of the object.