The 1927 catalog advertisement from the N. Shure Company features a charming selection of celluloid perfume atomizers, reflecting the stylish sensibilities and material innovations of the late 1920s. Though the ad does not name the bottle manufacturer directly, the glass components were produced by Cambridge Glass Company, known for their high-quality pressed and blown glass in delicate colors and elegant forms. These atomizers, however, were not simply glass—they incorporated celluloid, a fashionable and lightweight plastic, which added a modern touch to the traditional perfume atomizer.
The celluloid parts were crafted from pyralin, a type of pyroxylin plastic developed by Dupont Viscoloid Company, Inc. Pyralin was particularly prized during this era for its versatility and ability to mimic the look of natural materials like ivory, tortoiseshell, and mother-of-pearl. This made it a popular choice for vanity items, as it could be molded, tinted, and finished to achieve an attractive, luxurious appearance at a fraction of the cost. The use of pyralin allowed these atomizers to appear far more expensive than they were, making them accessible to a wide market while maintaining a high-end aesthetic.
The functional components—the atomizer bulbs, fittings, and hardware—were produced by Vant Woud, a company specializing in fine atomizer mechanisms. Vant Woud’s precision-crafted fittings ensured reliable performance and durability, which was essential for maintaining the atomizer's usability over time. The combination of Vant Woud hardware with Cambridge glass and Viscoloid celluloid formed a collaborative, cross-industry product that represented the height of 1920s beauty accessory innovation.
These perfume atomizers were both decorative and practical, designed to sit elegantly on a lady’s vanity table. The blend of materials—glimmering glass, glossy molded plastic, and gleaming metal hardware—created a tactile and visual richness that spoke to the period’s fascination with luxury, convenience, and new technology. The 1927 N. Shure Co. catalog ad captures a moment in time when beauty products were becoming more stylish, modern, and widely available, and these atomizers perfectly reflect that cultural shift.
No. 2146 -Pearloid (celluloid) on amber. Glass container (vial) inside to hold perfume. Rubber bulb. Gold-plated trimmings. Size 6.5" tall x 2.5" diameter.
- No. 2147 -Decorated amber. Glass container (vial) inside to hold perfume. Rubber bulb. Size 4 5/8" tall x 2.5" diameter.
- No. 2148 -Pearloid (celluloid) on amber. Glass container (vial) inside to hold perfume. Rubber bulb. Gold-plated trimmings. Size 4.5" tall x 2.5" diameter.
- No. 2149 -Pearloid (celluloid) on amber. Glass container (vial) inside to hold perfume. Rubber bulb. Gold-plated trimmings. Size 5" tall x 2.5" diameter.
- No. 2150 -Pink pearl (celluloid) on amber. Glass container (vial) inside to hold perfume. Rubber bulb. Gold-plated trimmings. Size 4.5" tall x 2.75" diameter.
No. 2151 -Red opaque on French ivory (celluloid) base. Rubber bulb. Gold-plated trimmings. Glass container. Size 6.5" tall x 2.5" diameter.
- No. 2152 -Red opaque on French ivory (celluloid) base. Glass container. Rubber bulb. Gold-plated trimmings. Size 4.5" tall x 2.25" diameter.
- No. 2153 -Plain amber (celluloid body). Glass container (vial). Rubber bulb. Gold-plated trimmings. Size 4.5" tall x 3" wide.
- No. 2154 -White on amber (celluloid). Glass container (vial) to hold perfume. Rubber bulb. Gold-plated trimmings. Size 4" tall x 2" wide.
- No. 2155 - Amber (celluloid). Glass container (vial) to hold perfume.. Rubber bulb. Gold-plated trimmings. Size 4" tall x 2.5" wide.
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