Overview
The item is identified by the original presentation box as 'Perfumed Writing Pens' featuring the Arpege and Chanel No. 5 brands. The style of the pens and packaging indicates a mid-20th-century novelty item.
Identification
Vintage "Perfumed Writing Pens" Set, Arpege & Chanel No. 5
Photo reference
1 uploaded photo
Story
Produced during the mid-20th century (likely 1950s-1960s), these sets were marketed as luxury lifestyle accessories, capitalizing on the immense post-war popularity of French fragrances like Chanel No. 5 and Lanvin's Arpege. While marked '14 KT Gold' (indicating plating), they were typically manufactured by third-party novelty companies under license or as promotional tie-ins, rather than by the perfume houses themselves.
Maker / Origin
Unattributed
Condition & Value
The primary value driver visible is the intact original presentation box, which appears to be in good displayable condition and clearly shows the fragrance branding. The pens themselves feature the correct filigree design and show standard vintage wear.
Full Research
See what it's actually worth.
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Market Analysis
The secondary market for mid-century perfume novelties is niche but active, driven primarily by collectors of Chanel and Lanvin (Arpege) memorabilia rather than traditional pen collectors. Unboxed pens from this series frequently trade in the $10-$30 range as casual vintage curiosities. However, complete sets retaining their original branded presentation boxes are much scarcer and command a strong premium, often moving quickly when priced under $100.
Value Drivers
▲ Presence of the original branded presentation box elevates the set from a $20 curiosity to an $80 collector's piece.
▲ Dual branding featuring both Chanel No. 5 and Lanvin's Arpege maximizes cross-collector appeal.
▲ 14K gold-plated filigree design presents well as a mid-century vanity display item.
Concerns
▼ Unverified ink condition — if the pens are dried out (as is typical), it prevents the set from reaching the absolute highest novelty premiums.
▼ Lack of a known premium pen manufacturer (e. g., Cross, Parker) limits crossover appeal to dedicated writing instrument collectors.
Best Venue
List on a platform with strong vintage vanity and perfume collector bases, such as eBay or Etsy. Highlight the 'Chanel No. 5' and 'Arpege' branding prominently in the title, as these keywords drive the highest traffic. A fixed-price listing around $75-$85 with 'Best Offer' enabled is recommended to capture the boxed-set premium.
Upside Potential
If the pens are confirmed to still write and retain their original scent, the set could exceed the $80 high-end, as functional scented ink from this era is exceptionally rare and highly prized by novelty collectors.
▾Also found — market-range context
Related comps outside the valuation band· 4 comps
Surfaced during research but not used to anchor the valuation — wrong form, species, era, or no published price. Shown so the market range around this item is visible.
Also found — market-range context
Related comps outside the valuation band· 4 comps
- LOT-ART· 2017-11-2614K Yellow Gold Plated Chanel "Arpege No. 5" Pen SetSale on record but hammer price not published.No price
- 14K Yellow Gold Plated Chanel "Arpege No. 5" Pen SetSale on record but hammer price not published.No price
- Mebane Antique Auction· 2024-10-14Vintage 14K Gold Filigree Arpege Chanel No. 5 Perfumed Writing PensSale on record but hammer price not published.No price
- Berner's Auction Gallery· 2021-07-08Arpege & Chanel No. 5 14k Gold Writing PensSale on record but hammer price not published.No price