Would this perfume bottle be considered a purse/travel bottle or a sample?

I have a bunch of these tube like perfume bottles that came in the lot I showed here a while ago. This one happens to have a label. It is Esmé Sophisticated Lady which was launched in the early 1940's. The tube is 3 3/4" long and has a screw off Lucite cap. All of the tubes have the same color caps although in different shapes. I may test for Bakelite on the caps but I'm pretty sure they are Lucite. So what do you think these bottles were used for? Thank you.

 

Purse size if it holds one dram.

Debora

 

Thanks @Debora, I did see that ad in searching. There's no volume listed on the bottles so I wasn't sure about the 1 dram.

 

Esmé of Paris wasn't an inexpensive brand. It wouldn't be a sample. The tube is too expensive for that and holds too much "juice." So purse/travel size. The screw top would ensure it wouldn't leak.

Debora

 

Awesome. Thanks so much @Debora. I have about 10 of these bottles with different tops and only a couple have labels but selling will be much easier knowing they are purse bottles.

 

All ten are different? Apparently the line had 12 different scents.

Debora

 

First picture shows the similar ones with some different tops. The second picture shows more that have labels and different tops and sizes. Third and fourth pictures are two groups of four that are triangular in shape and fit together, The one group on the right has the same tops as the Esmé one but they are shorter bottles.

 

This is earlier but... An idea of how they might have been packaged. Key word "vial."

https://www.rubylane.com/item/265898-RL0571/1928-Renaud-Paris-Blue-Striped-Blown

Debora

 

Thank you again @Debora. You have been amazingly helpful.

 

I'm thinking department store perfume counter testers.

 

I looked at vintage tester examples but they don't have the nice, fancy tops.

 

Mmmm... I'm going to disagree re testers. Testers have visual weight intended to sell the product at point-of-sake. And back in that day, a brand like Esmé of Paris, (which was sold at Bergdorf's) would have an attentive, highly-trained sales staff that would assist in the selection and purchase of a new fragrance. Here it just happens to be Joan Crawford.

Debora

 

I just saw this listing which might go along with the ones in your 3rd photo.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/3866577748...svfp2A8lMwvkW3rIhT8O/6Bpw=|tkp:Bk9SR5bCgaSjYw

Just curious. They don't look like your typical Bakelite but did you test any of the caps?

 

@bercrystal, that does look like some of the ones in that third group. Now I wish I had the cases too.
No, I haven't tested for Bakelite which I am still considering. Because of the translucence I was leaning towards Lucite. The tops don't have that clunky feel that Bakelite has but it wouldn't hurt to test to be sure.

 

I agree, but it won't hurt to check.

Helen will likely be able to tell you all about them for sure.