I have been asked ‘were there any standout Bitters Bottles’ by a number of folks (Bob Ferraro, Sandor Fuss, Bill Taylor etc) that could not attend the Heckler Columbus Day Weekend Event last Saturday in Woodstock, CT or the Yankee Bottle Show in Keene, NH this Sunday.
First of all, there was a tremendous variety of classic figural Bitters including fish, cabins, barrels, queens, corns and pigs. It just seemed like I had many of the colors represented. Nothing really rocked my socks but three (3) really nice bottles come to mind. I posted pictures below.
Yellow Browns Indian Queen with green tone (Jerry Forbes purchased)
Green Professor Byrnes (crack in base)
Aqua Seaworth's Bitters (repaired lip chip) Sold by Jonathan Melnick
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.
Hi Ferd, Great writeup and pics on the Heckler/Keene shindig. I couldn’t make It this year,hope to next. I was wondering If that Green “Byrnes” you were holding was at the Shows or where that came from. I would be Interested If available,fat chance!! I have a crack at a very rare “Skilton And Foote Bunker Hill Pickle” coming up,will try and get pic to you when I receive It. Keep up the great work Guy,we need more like you. The Best—— Dave Kyle
Hey Dave, you missed a good weekend. The Professor Byrnes was cosigned by Noel Thomas in CT. It came from an old collection. It is with John Pastor and will be in his next auction at American Glass Gallery. You going to Auburn?
F
Hi Ferd, I wound up as high bidder on that “Prof. Byrne’s” Bitter’s from Pastors “AGG-Auction”. Talked to Dick Watson who saw that bottle and commented,”I have never seen a “Byrne’s” with that much Green In It before”. I am really excited about getting It and plan to bring It along to the Reno Expo next year. I think that there are only two clear versions of this bottle, and besides Watson having one,John Feldman Is the other holder. Anyway Ferd,thanks for your Input about this rare find,I’m surprised you were not In the “Hunt” even with the crack! Looking forward to your “Bitter’s Talk” at the Expo. Take Care—- Dave
Thanks Ferd for the get back and Info on the “Byrnes”,would like to do Auburn but the wife just got out of back surgery so my time Is limited,will make Reno for sure. Dave