Hardware Forensics: Atomizers & Glass Marks

Hardware Forensics: Atomizers & Glass Marks

Fake vintage bottles are an increasing problem. Authenticating them requires looking closely at the details of the atomizer assembly.

Guerlain Nozzles

• **Black Plastic Collar**: Standard on Guerlain refills and presentation sprays in the 1970s and early 1980s.
• **Gold Metallic Collar**: Introduced in the mid-1980s. Check if the gold finish is metal or metallic-painted plastic.

Crimping and Seams

• **Glass Seams**: Low-quality fakes have thick, rough glass seams. Luxury vintage bottles have polished or very faint mould seams.
• **Crimp Collars**: Check the metal collar crimp under the nozzle. Machine-crimped collars are smooth, uniform, and tight. Hand-crimped fakes are often dented or loose.