Ken Schwartz Collection or Museum?

Posted on 29 April 2011 by Ferdinand Meyer V

Ken Schwartz Collection or Museum?

29 April 2011

After the FOHBC Pomona National Show in 2009, I travelled with Bill Ham and Elizabeth to see the Ken Schwartz collection in Redding, California. I had always heard about this ‘museum like’ collection and had seen a few pictures. This was something else. It didn’t take Ken long to warm to our visit and start expanding on his many collecting interests. Besides the most extensive Western Bottle Collection in existence, there are stamps, shot glasses, horse buttons, toys, advertising and much, much more. We were amazed. Well worth the trip. You can really learn a lot about a person by visiting with them and talking about their interests. I usually have as much fun with all of these ‘fringe benefits’ as I do at the show itself.

A Proud Ken Schwartz

Could Spend All Day Here

Corner Display Cases

Floor Display Cases

Antique Cash Register

Christmas Ornaments

Shot Glasses

More Whiskeys

About Ferdinand Meyer V

Ferdinand Meyer V is a native of Baltimore, Maryland and has a BFA in Fine Art and Graphic Design from the Kansas City Art Institute and School of Design. Ferdinand is the founding Principal of FMG Design, a nationally recognized design consultation firm. Ferdinand is a passionate collector of American historical glass specializing in bitters bottles, color runs and related classic figural bottles. He is married to Elizabeth Jane Meyer and lives in Houston, Texas with their daughter and three wonderful grandchildren. The Meyers are also very involved in Quarter Horses, antiques and early United States postage stamps. Ferdinand is the past 6-year President of the Federation of Historical Bottle Collectors and is one of the founding members of the FOHBC Virtual Museum.
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3 Responses to Ken Schwartz Collection or Museum?

  1. sandchip says:
    6 November 2011 at 6:53 am

    Now, that’s the way to display a collection! First class all the way.

  2. Warren Friedrich says:
    22 March 2013 at 10:35 pm

    So sad to hear of his passing. He will be missed! I have such fond memories of my several visits to his open house after the Anderson show each year. What a character.

  3. bob-figurals says:
    22 March 2013 at 11:36 pm

    I am saddened to learn of the demise of Ken. He was a special person who always showed an interest in expanding his knowledge of Western glass, particularly when it came to whiskey bottles and all related collectibles. I was overly impressed with the displays throughout their home, so tastefully arranged and backlighted.
    Bob Ferraro

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