company names

[mcey]

 I was wondering about the different company names that at one time were a different company,and how to trace them back? I have a spoon that has the california perfume co. name on it,one of my antique books says they are now avon, but then another says it's still the perfume co.. how do you know where to find out for sure ?
any help would be great. thanks...mcey

[Michelle Staley]

Avon started as the California Perfume Co. in 1886 and the name changed occurred in 1939.

There have been quite a few commemorative pieces issued by Avon over the years so it would take some research to find if what you have is from the early days of the company or a new piece.