This is one thing that I'm lacking in my wet shaving back story. I recall both of my grandfathers having stubble nearly all the time. I suspect that in the time I knew them, they were shaving with electrics. My dad always sported a beard. So I have no memories of my family members shaving or smelling like any products.
Now, I do have one memory, that led me down my my aftershave rabbit hole. My grandparent's bathroom was decorated with several Avon aftershave decanters. I recall staring at those bottles often when I went to their house. When I learned about aftershave, and saw that people were still using vintage Avon, it led me to collect a few of the bottles that I specifically remember from that time, including the Sidewheeler riverboat, Swinger Golf Bag, Avon Open Golf Cart, and the Mini-Bike. My Grandmother on the other side of my family was an Avon rep and sold those decanters. And my father did have one bottle of Wild Country stashed away, he said he used it as a cologne, so special occasions (but I don't recall ever smelling it). Because of all of these reason's Avon really means something special to me, and when I discovered how easy it was to acquire, from antique stores at very reasonable prices, it led to a huge collection.
Then, after my Grandfather passed, I was given a few aftershave decanters that were not Avon..... they were in fact Amway decanters, and the backstory on these is amazing. My grandfather worked for Amway, way one of the first few employees, and was instrumental in developing their initial products. The decanters I received were prototype pieces that my grandfather had saved. Not only did these belong to my Grandpa, but he helped make them. He was involved with the design of the decanters and worked with the glass and plastic suppliers to have them made. I will cherish these forever.
Old Pic, sorry about the watermark
L-R: Gramophone (production prototype w/ brown glass), Powder Flask, Gramophone (pre-production w/clear glass)
The gramophone decanter was the first decanter Amway made for aftershave. They both contain Caliber aftershave. The trademark for Caliber was filed and registered in 1960. Also note that the special shaped Amway decanters pre-date Avon's special shaped decanters.
The powder flask decanter has no label, but contains Tonga aftershave. All three bottles have the word Amway stamped into the glass on the bottom.
So, in the end, I don't have a scent that reminds me of them..... but I have products that make me think of them every time I use them.
Canoe. I don't have the foggiest idea if it still exists,
It's pretty easily available. Check Walmart. I usually see it there. Otherwise Amazon will certainly have it.
(she likes it on me of course, not her)
