The Nicest 1970’s Old Home Bitters Bottle Lamp

Posted on 27 February 2013 by Ferdinand Meyer V

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OLD HOME BITTERS LAMP

Wow, this has to be one of the nicest, if not the nicest of the large Old Home Bitters bottle lamps. If you look at the size, proportions, embossing and hole in the bottom for the electrical you can quickly confirm the item as being well represented, photographed and described in this current ebay auction. The write-up is noted below:

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Actual OLD HOME BITTERS in a yellow green coloration – photo courtesy Norman C. Heckler

GREEN 1970’s OLD HOME BITTERS Figural CABIN patent medicine N.C. bottle 14″ LAMP

Up for bids is an MINT!, 1970’s, 14″ tall, yellowish green glass, ground lip, figural cabin-shaped bottle embossed DOC DUNNING OLD HOME BITTERS GREENSBORO N. CAROLINA OLD HOME BITTERS on the 4 side panels… these VERY COOL! bottles were made for end table lamps in the mid-late 1970’s during the “bottle craze” as a decorative item for bottle collectors… they originally came with a wood base & typical 1970’s lamp shade – they were only made in dark amber, light yellow amber & this yellowish-green glass … I’m not sure which glasshouse made them… no chips, cracks, scratching or staining … Nice!!… A nice addition to any antique vintage old advertising glass dr. doctor medical pharmacy druggist or drug store drugstore remedy apothecary prescription north cobalt blue collection. Winning bidder pays $12.00 shipping & handling. Will combine shipping on multiple purchases. Thank you and good luck bidding. CHECK OUT MY OTHER BOTTLES AT AUCTION! – grbottleguy (100% approval rating) See Listing on ebay

Read More: Old Home Bitters – Wheeling, West Virginia

Read More: Greennish Old Home Bitters Resurfaces at Heckler

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Posted in Bitters, eBay, Figural Bottles, Folk Art | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Those West Coast Megaphone Bottles

Posted on 26 February 2013 by Ferdinand Meyer V

W E S T   C O A S T   M E G A P H O N E S

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An example of a ‘rubberneck” automobile tour led by a “Megaphone Man”. Approximately thirty guests are taking this particular tour. Note the proximity of the guide to the guests. – Source F.T. Richards, Illustration for George Fitch’s “Seeing New York Through A Megaphone” from Ladies Home Journal (January 1907)

THE SPEAKING TRUMPET

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[Wikipedia] A megaphone or speaking-trumpet is a portable, usually hand-held, cone-shaped acoustic horn used to amplify a person’s voice or other sounds and direct it in a given direction. The sound is introduced into the narrow end of the megaphone, by holding it up to the face and speaking into it, and the sound waves radiate out the wide end. The megaphone increases the volume of sound by increasing the acoustic impedance seen by the vocal cords, matching the impedance of the vocal cords to the air, so that more sound power is radiated. It also serves to direct the sound waves in the direction the horn is pointing. It somewhat distorts the sound of the voice because the frequency response of the megaphone is greater at higher sound frequencies. Since the 1970s the voice-powered acoustic megaphone described above has been replaced by the electric megaphone, which uses electric power to amplify the voice.

This loudest horn was made of over 20 feet of copper and could supposedly project vocalizations as far as a mile and a half.

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Firefighter’s “speaking trumpet”, circa 1880s. – Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI), Seattle, Washington.

The initial inventor of the speaking trumpet is a subject of historical controversy, as both Samuel Morland and Athanasius Kircher lay claim to the device. Morland, in a work published in 1655, wrote about his experimentation with different horns and his most successful variant. This loudest horn was made of over 20 feet of copper and could supposedly project vocalizations as far as a mile and a half.

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With the aid of a huge megaphone, installed at the top of a slope in one of the training camps, a single bugler is able to make his calls heard over the entire. area. The conical sound magnifier is about eight feet long and is pivoted to the top of a post set in the ground. The bugler places his instrument in the small end of the megaphone, and as he plays, slowly swings the latter through a wide arc. In the remotest sections of the camp the notes can be heard.

Twenty years earlier, Kircher described a device that could be used for both broadcasting on one end and “overhearing” on the other. His coiled horn would be wedged into the side of a building, connecting a speaker or listener inside with the surrounding environment.

Morland favored a straight, tube-shaped speaking device, where an initial sound would reverberate in waves through the instrument and gradually become louder. Kircher’s horn, on the other hand, utilized a “cochleate” design, where the horn was twisted and coiled, unlike Morland’s design.

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Megaphone at Auto Race

With Edison’s megaphone, a low whisper could be heard a thousand feet away, while a normal tone of voice could be heard roughly two miles away.

The term ‘megaphone’ was first associated with Thomas Edison’s instrument 200 years later. In 1878, Edison developed a device similar to the speaking trumpet in hopes of benefiting the deaf and hard of hearing. His variation included three separate funnels lined up in a row. The two outer funnels, which were six feet and eight inches long, were made of paper and connected to a tube inserted in each ear. The middle funnel was similar to Morland’s speaking trumpet, but had a larger slot to insert a user’s mouth.

With Edison’s megaphone, a low whisper could be heard a thousand feet away, while a normal tone of voice could be heard roughly two miles away. On the listening end, the receiver could hear a low whisper at a thousand feet away. However the apparatus was much too large to be portable, limiting its use. George Prescott wrote: “The principal drawback at present is the large size of the apparatus.”

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You typically run in to examples of these ‘megaphone’ form bottles at west coast shows such as the Los Angeles, Auburn, Canyonville or the Downieville events. It was nice to see a grouping in the last Glass Works Auctions | Auction #96 (Parts I and Part II). These examples came from the great John Feldmann collection in Long Island, New York if I am not mistaken. It is nice to group all of these together for comparison. The locales on the bottles include Spokane, Washington, Seattle, Washington, Portland, Oregon and Los Angeles, California. Definitely a west coast phenomena. Notice that American Bottle Auctions also has an example of a Star Wine Co. megaphone in their present Auction #57.

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Here you can see an examples of the STAR WINE CO. and DURKIN megaphones on the perimeter floor corners in the great John Feldmann bottle room.

M E G A P H O N E   G A L L E R Y

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“DURKIN” / WHOLESALE AND RETAIL / WINES AND LIQUORS / MILL AND SPRAGUE ST. / SPOKANE, WASH.”, Washington, ca. 1895 – 1910, amber megaphone form, 8-sided base,13 1/4”h, smooth base, tooled lip. – Glass Works Auctions – Auction #96 (Part II)

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“FULL HALF GALLON / ANEUBERGER / THE FULL MEASURE HOUSE / PORTLAND, ORE. / RETURN BOTTLE / AND GET 10¢”, Oregon ca. 1895 – 1910, clear glass with amethyst tint megaphone form, 13 1/4”h, smooth base, tooled lip. – Glass Works Auctions – Auction #96 (Part II)

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Amber megaphone form, “FULL 1/2 GALLON” / “STAR WINE CO” / “WHOLESALE & FAMILY” / “WINES & LIQUORS”, “LOS ANGELES, CAL. – Glass Works Auctions – Auction #96 (Part I)

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“FULL HALF GALLON / J. ARONSON / (JA monogram) / SEATTLE, WASH. / “FULL HALF GALLON / Washington, 1895 – 1910, clear glass, 13 1/4”h, smooth base, tooled lips. – Glass Works Auctions – Auction #96 (Part II)

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Amber megaphone form “DURKIN” / WHOLESALE AND RETAIL / WINES AND LIQUORS / SPRAGUE AND WALL / SPOKANE, WASH – – Glass Works Auctions – Auction #96 (Part I)

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STAR WINE MEGAPHONE. LOS ANGELES, CAL. 13 ¾ inches. 8-sided base and shoulder. Tooled top. These large containers are quite rare as most likely they were a burden to cart around. – American Bottle Auctions | Auction #57

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(Detail of above) STAR WINE MEGAPHONE. LOS ANGELES, CAL. 13 ¾ inches. 8-sided base and shoulder. Tooled top. These large containers are quite rare as most likely they were a burden to cart around. – American Bottle Auctions | Auction #57

Posted in Auction News, Figural Bottles, History, Liquor Merchant, Spirits, Wine & Champagne | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Granger Bitters – Baltimore – Boykin Carmer & Co.

Posted on 24 February 2013 by Ferdinand Meyer V

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GRANGER BITTERS – BALTIMORE

BOYKIN CARMER & CO.

24 February 2013
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1887 Boykin, Carmer & Co. advertising listing Baltimore City Directory

Apple-Touch-IconAThe Granger Bitters from Baltimore is a tough bottle to find and I do not have an example in my collection, yet. The bottle has a tooled top and is also embossed ‘BOYKIN CARMER & CO.” Interestingly enough, in some of the Baltimore City directory listings (see below) it is listed as ‘BOYKIN CRAMER’. This looks to be a mistake.

Boykin Carmer & Co. Wholesale Druggists were located on 11 and 13 N. Liberty Street in Baltimore City. Dr. Thomas Jackson Boykin was listed as President. Dr. Boykin was born on January 26, 1828 in Sampson Co, NC, and died about October 08, 1909. He married Katherine Wentworth Micks on November 01, 1866 in Elmira, NY, daughter of William Goodrich Micks and Cornelia Martha Rathbone. In 1885 his partner was James W. Carmer. H.R. Micks and Jas. G. Stanley were also listed with the business. They produced a number of bottles and products such as Boykin’s Worm Killer, Harty’s Diarrhea Remedy, Stanley’s Nerve & Bone Liniment, Laudanum Poison and a long necked druggist bottle embossed with the company name. A few examples are posted below.

What is interesting is that one example, as noted in Bitters Bottles by Carlyn Ring and W.C. Ham was found in Loris, South Carolina. The example pictured in this post was found in an antique shop some thirteen or so years ago in Virginia. I do not know if it is a coincidence, but this advertising envelope was addressed to Kildee, North Carolina. The company has also shown up in a few South Carolina directories. Time to dig in to Ancestry.com and look further. I wonder where the ‘Granger’ name came from?

Read More: Leading up to Baltimore Glass Works

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1896 Advertising Cover Boykin Carmer Druggist Baltimore

The Carlyn Ring and W.C. Ham listing in Bitters Bottles is as follows:

G 91  GRANGER BITTERS
GRANGER BITTERS // f // BALTIMORE // BOYKIN CARMER & CO //
8 1/2 x 2 1/2 (5 3/4)
Square, Amber, LTC, Tooled Lip, Extremely rare
Found near Loris, South Carolina
G 91 L ….Granger Bitters
Boykin Carmer & Co., Proprietors, 11 & 13 Liberty Street, Baltimore, motif anchor
7 3/4 x 3 1/4 x 2
Flask – oval, Amber
Probably earlier version of lettered bottle.

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Boykin Carmer & Co. Letterhead logo – 1883

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BOYKIN CARMER & CO WHOLESALE DRUGGISTS BALTIMORE – is aqua, and the dimensions are as follows: 9.36″ tall, finish height is .80″, inner mouth is .53″, base is 2.47″ x 1.28″. Embossed on one side of the bottle is “Boykin Carmer & Co. Wholesale Druggist Baltimore” – Port Tobacco Archaeological Project

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Antique LAUDANUM Poison Bottle- Has paper label with skull & crossbones. States dosages from 3 months old to adult. On small part of label missing but it didn’t have writing on it. Back of bottle has embossed BOYKIN CARMER & CO DRUGGISTS BALTIMORE MD. Has cork in place. – historical ebay

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STANLEY’S NERVE & BONE LINIMENT BOYKIN CARMER & CO BALTIMORE, MD.

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Dr. Thomas Boykin Obituary – American Druggist and Pharmaceutical Record, Volumes 54-55 – 1909

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1899 City of Baltimore, Maryland Directory

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1894 Report of the State Tax Commissioner of Maryland to the General Assembly

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1883 Reports and Resolutions, Volume 2 By South Carolina. General Assembly

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Here you see for the first time that Boykin and Carmer were from North Carolina. – Baltimore Physician and Surgeon, Volumes 2-6 – 1874

Posted in Bitters, Druggist & Drugstore, Medicines & Cures, Questions | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Mailbox Letters – February 2013

Posted on 23 February 2013 by Ferdinand Meyer V

www.studiomathewes.com

Apple-Touch-IconAHaven’t emptied out the mailbox until this morning. Here are a few incoming pieces. Let me know if you have any info or are interested.

5-Log Drake’s Find

JasonDrakesHello Ferdinand,

On Thursday, myself and a few buddies were relic hunting a 1862-63 civil war winter encampment, and I was fortunate or unfortunate according to how you look at it to dig a Drakes plantation bitters bottle. Unfortunately while it looks good in the picture half of the bottom is broken and a massive piece out of the back is broken. That back break was just one piece and inside the bottle itself. I am trying to get an understanding of how common or rare this bottle is. So here is the basic info on it, the embossing is “drakes” “plantation” “bitters” on the one side and “patented 1862″. The 2 in the patent date is a weird style to me ( FYI I know practically nothing about bottles) the top of the 2 loops around like a nine but has the bottom horizontal line like a 2. It is a five log version, and the color is a yellow green amber like color. The photo is a bit dark. The dimensions are 9 7/8″ by 2 7/8”. Any additional info you can give me on the bottle would be greatly appreciated. You have a fantastic site, and at least what I saw of the drakes bottle info by far the best and most info on the web. Thanks – Jason

[PRG] Wow, what a story and find. The 5-log examples are rather tough to get. This bottle in great shape would be worth some nice money. Unfortunate the damage you note is very problematic. It looks like it shows well. You should keep it and display it proudly.

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“Antique Warner’s Safe Bottle mint condition never cleaned (scratches perhaps but I doubt it, maybe.) I have not cleaned the bottle since I dug it up in a dump in Maryland 1976) no defects, chips, no slivers, TO TOUCH EVEN. REGARDING HINGE: WHEN LOOKING AT THE BOTTLE, AS IN PICTURE, THE HINGE IS TO THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE EMBOSSED MEDICINE CABINET. Reads, “12 1/2 FL. OZ. WARNER’S SAFE REMEDIES CO. ROCHESTER.N.Y.U.S.A.” BOTTOM:”MADE IN THE U.S.A.” “4 8″” http://www.ebay.com/itm/170993029749?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649

Blown Vase Question

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Hello Mr Meyer,

I came across your web-site, which is very impressive, whilst trying to research a Blown Vase I have. It’s been in my family according to my father for a long time. I wondered if you would like to take a look at a picture of it & maybe you may recognize its style or possibly the maker? I would be very grateful for your time. Thank you, kind regards – Darren

[PRG] Darren: this is not my area but I will relay any comments. It does not look familiar to me which can mean it is European or Mexican. I am just guessing here.

Barron, Moxham & Company

Dear Ferdinand,

I came across your website after searching for information regarding my great great grandfather, William James Moxham, who had a business in New South Wales, Australia, called ‘Barron, Moxham & Company’ .

By 1883 Hotaling's successful ventures in Australia led him to trademark a brand of whiskey especially for the Colonies. This time, he chose Sydney, New South Wales, and the Barron, Moxham Co as his agents. The new brand was to be known as Kangaroo Whiskey, and featured a boldly embossed "Roo" on the bottle's face. The bottles were blown in San Francisco, filled at Hotaling's Jackson Street warehouse and shipped to NSW. To date, the Kangaroo bottles remain extremely rare, with only a handful coming to light, and only one actually making it to the US. I "discovered" the existense of this bottle quite by accident. A number of years ago, while going through some early papers, I came across one of Hotaling's circulars that advertised this product. WHOA!! That started the ball rolling, and after many phone calls and letters back and forth to Aussie collectors I finally tracked the bottle down. The problem was that the owner was a notorous "flip-flopper", a guy who played me like a fish. He found the bottle while diving in Sydney harbor, so really had no idea of it's value or history. Well, no sooner did I explain the entire story to him and express my desire to purchase the bottle from him, he got a big case of the "gimmies". At first he wanted $1500AUS, but that changed almost immediately after he talked to some of his buddies. Suddenly, the price jumped to $7000AUS, which I agreed on. Maybe I sounded a bit too eager, so he backed off again. Somehow, he got wind of Glass Works Auctions and the big bucks that Yanks were paying for bottles, and he contacted them. When the bottle finally came up I was so disgusted with the entire proceedings that I could care less about bidding on it. The bottle sold for a very high price and now resides in Ken Schwartz' collection. Included below are some of the advertisements and information for the Kangaroo Whiskey. As far as how many were actually blown, I have no idea. All records have been lost, so the numbers will never be known, but they could be substantial. In my searches, 6 examples have turned up. There is one "mint" bottle and 4 with some sort of "minor" damage in Australia. All came from Sydney area tips. Ken's Kangaroo, and those other 5, represents the entire known population of this most desired Western Whisky. - Michael Dolcini

By 1883 Hotaling’s successful ventures in Australia led him to trademark a brand of whiskey especially for the Colonies. This time, he chose Sydney, New South Wales, and the Barron, Moxham Co as his agents. The new brand was to be known as Kangaroo Whiskey, and featured a boldly embossed “Roo” on the bottle’s face. The bottles were blown in San Francisco, filled at Hotaling’s Jackson Street warehouse and shipped to NSW. To date, the Kangaroo bottles remain extremely rare, with only a handful coming to light, and only one actually making it to the US. I “discovered” the existense of this bottle quite by accident. A number of years ago, while going through some early papers, I came across one of Hotaling’s circulars that advertised this product. WHOA!! That started the ball rolling, and after many phone calls and letters back and forth to Aussie collectors I finally tracked the bottle down. The problem was that the owner was a notorous “flip-flopper”, a guy who played me like a fish. He found the bottle while diving in Sydney harbor, so really had no idea of it’s value or history. Well, no sooner did I explain the entire story to him and express my desire to purchase the bottle from him, he got a big case of the “gimmies”. At first he wanted $1500 AUS, but that changed almost immediately after he talked to some of his buddies. Suddenly, the price jumped to $7000 AUS, which I agreed on. Maybe I sounded a bit too eager, so he backed off again. Somehow, he got wind of Glass Works Auctions and the big bucks that Yanks were paying for bottles, and he contacted them. When the bottle finally came up I was so disgusted with the entire proceedings that I could care less about bidding on it. The bottle sold for a very high price and now resides in Ken Schwartz’ collection. Included below are some of the advertisements and information for the Kangaroo Whiskey. As far as how many were actually blown, I have no idea. All records have been lost, so the numbers will never be known, but they could be substantial. In my searches, 6 examples have turned up. There is one “mint” bottle and 4 with some sort of “minor” damage in Australia. All came from Sydney area tips. Ken’s Kangaroo, and those other 5, represents the entire known population of this most desired Western Whisky. – Michael Dolcini

I was thrilled to view a leaflet shown on your website listing W. J. Moxham’s company and wondered if it would be possible for your to email me a copy of this image (or any others concerning this company) for my family tree research?

Many thanks, Kind regards, Jane – Melbourne, Australia

[PRG] Subject image posted above from Michael Dolcini (RIP).

Plennert Milk Bottle?

Hi, I am looking for a milk bottle with the name on it “Plennert”. My father in law’s father had a milking farm in Flemington, N.J.

Thank YOU, Mindy

[PRG] Mindy, suggest you contact the National Association of Milk Bottle Collectors.

August Helmken

Hallo Mr. Meyer,

I found under “Singchi” an offer about an Old Bootle,  Aug. Helmken,  Brooklyn, N.Y., Plob Top Beere, Rare – 9.99 Dollar.

Can you help me to buy someone (an example). August Helmken was a family member of mine, Heinz – Bremen, Germany

Drake’s Plantation Bitters Variant

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I was browsing your Peach Ridge Glass site to find out more about a rare Drake’s Plantation Bitters that I presently own, and discovered that it is the rare one with four slug-plates. It is in a particularly rich orange-amber color and in perfect-mint condition. I have been tied up with family concerns for months, but returned today to research the bottle some more. I am submitting the pictures for your website. Shown with it is another example I own. It is the lighter honey amber Drake’s in a more common mold. I may be interested in selling them to a serious collector.

Photos Courtesy: Peter B. Nielsen

[PRG] This example is for sale. Great pictures don’t you think?

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Tippecanoe Whiskey Question

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Dear Elizabeth: I don’t seem to be able to find anything on the internet for this old whiskey bottle. Ferdinand suggested I send pictures to website…..Thanks for your help! Gene

[PRG] – Suggest you contact Jeff Wichmann at American Bottle Auctions. In his current auction he has some similar bottles. 

Pitcher Question

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I have this pitcher I can’t identify. There are tiny raised hairline seams where the mold sections were joined and a slight displacement. The bottom reads PATENTED 665 with a 5 in the middle, the numbers 76545. I you can help me with any information I would deeply appreciate it. Thank for your time reading this, Rick

[PRG] I will ask the readers as I am unfamilar. This is a later, 20th century piece.

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Hello, was wondering if you ever cross any glass fishing floats from any of the members? i collect glass floats and am looking to find some other resources. thought maybe a couple might show up in the glass bottle world every now and then. any help would be great. thanks. nic

Dyottvillle O’Kane Bottles?

Hi Ferdinand

I am interested in purchasing any good condition Dyottville bottles that have the O`Kane name on them. If you own any, or know others that have any, I would appreciate your consideration. Thanks, Jim O`Kane

About Soda Fountains

Business stationery of Geo. C. Goodwin & Co., patent medicine warehouse, Boston Ma. - Library of Philadelphia

Business stationery of Geo. C. Goodwin & Co., patent medicine warehouse, Boston Ma. – Library of Philadelphia

Hello, My name is Gia Giasullo. I am writing a book to be published by Ten Speed Press, about Soda Fountains. I am the owner of a working soda fountain in Brooklyn, NY called Brooklyn Pharmacy & Soda Fountain. There is an image (top and below) that I found in my research that has led me to you. I am wondering if someone could contact me regarding both these image, and perhaps others, that are in the public domain and that would be appropriate for this project. You can reach me via email, brooklynfarmacycookbook.com. I am attaching the images that I am interested in finding the usage rights to, but again, think that you may be a valuable resource with some others I have in mind. I thank you kindly in advance for your time and consideration, Gia – Brooklyn Farmacy & Soda Fountain

Old Sachem Bitters and Wigwam Tonic - Wm. Goodrich, New York Geo. Hunnewell, agent, New York lithograph of Sarony, Major & Knapp, 449 Broadway, N. York.Sarony, Major & Knapp Lith., New York, Sarony, Major & Knapp, 449 Broadway, circa 1859. Print showing a Native American man, possibly a chief, full-length portrait, standing, facing right, holding a spear in left hand; in the background are the teepees of a Native village during an assault on the village - Library of Congress

Old Sachem Bitters and Wigwam Tonic – Wm. Goodrich, New York Geo. Hunnewell, agent, New York lithograph of Sarony, Major & Knapp, 449 Broadway, N. York.Sarony, Major & Knapp Lith., New York, Sarony, Major & Knapp, 449 Broadway, circa 1859. Print showing a Native American man, possibly a chief, full-length portrait, standing, facing right, holding a spear in left hand; in the background are the teepees of a Native village during an assault on the village – Library of Congress

For Sale

Hello, I have a collection of old antique bottles, vases, etc. I would like to sell. large, small, special shapes, designs, etc. the majority or emerald green in color. if you know of anyone that may be interested in seeing them please contact me at (blocked).com . I am located near tomball, texas. thank you, Rick

Bethesda Water Company Question

Hi Mr. Ferdinand, I was just speaking with Mr. Rocky, a design supervisor at Waukesha Motor Company and he mentioned in 1834 a NY man came and set up shop since he got cured from his illness, when he came to drink water at the Bethesda springs. Loved my conversation with Mr. Rocky, but I wanted to see how things were, now that I read your note you sent up on 12/23. How are things with the Bethesda Water Company and what can I do to help? Let me know if you have time to talk. Kind regards, Anand

Highland Bitters and Scotch Tonic barrel shaped bottle

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Hello, I am not a bottle collector, but have inherited from my father in law’s estate a Highland Bitters and Scotch Tonic barrel shaped bottle. It is in the dark amber color like one that you have pictured in your collection. Since I am not a collector, I am not educated in pontils and other things to look for on the bottle to help date it. It appears to be in excellent condition. I decided to do a little research on it and your website contains some wonderful information on the bottle and the history of the drug company. I do not live in the Memphis area, but rather in southeast Tennessee. I would appreciate any information that you could give me as to the rarity or value of the bottle. I do not believe that this bottle has been dug, but rather has been in the family for a long time. My father in law is deceased and would be 95 if living, and he always referred to it as his Uncle John’s whiskey bottle. Thank you so much for your time and any information is appreciated. Thanks again. – Susan

[PRG] You have a classic figural bitters barrel that is pretty rare in a great color. Be safe.

I.W.Harper Whiskey Decanter

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Hello, I came across your site on Facebook a few days ago and thought maybe you could help me find some info on a an old whiskey decanter I found behind a wall in my house several years ago along with 20 other different whiskeys, mostly old Schenley and some O.F.C. It’s a hand engraved bottle by A. Hewit. I have searched the internet for him but have come up empty. The whiskey is still in the bottle (I.W. Harper) which they don’t make anymore. Last August I attended an Antique’s Road Show in Pittsburgh and took the bottle with me, however no one could tell me the value. I have searched on ebay and a few other sites to no avail as to price either and I have never seen it anywhere. I sure hope you can point me in the right direction. I am attaching some pics of the bottle, hoping this will help. Thank you, – Michael

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I have an unopened bottle of Morning Bitters 5869 with a metal foil around the top. Perhaps an inch or two of the liquid has evaporated. Are there many unopened examples out there? – Bob

Posted in Advice, Bitters, Figural Bottles, Mailbox Letters, Milk & Creamers, Pitchers, Questions, Vases, Whiskey | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Looking back at the Tony Shank Bitters Collection – Part II

Posted on 22 February 2013 by Ferdinand Meyer V
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Tony Shank in his bottle room.

Apple-Touch-IconAThis is the second post of old 35 mm slides that were digitally converted by Tom Lines (Birmingham, Alabama). Sometime in the past Tom and Howard Crowe (Gold Hill, North Carolina) visited the famous Tony Shank collection of figural bitters. These images could have been forgotten as the bottles have long since been sold and sit in other prominent collection. Preserving our history and knowing about a bottles provenance adds value and enjoyment to the hobby. Thank you Tom.

“Amazing shots. Them being in 35mm just add to the feeling in the pictures. Absolutely stunning. This made my week to see so much amazing glass. The root bitters barrel is over the top. Thanks so much for sharing.”

BRAD SEIGLER (Part I comment)

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Howard Crowe looking at a legendary teal green Kelly’s Old Cabin Bitters.

TONY SHANK COLLECTION (Part II)

Read: Looking back at the Tony Shank Bitters Collection – Part I

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Posted in Bitters, Collectors & Collections, Color Runs, Figural Bottles, History, Photography | Tagged , , , , , | 3 Comments

Looking back at the Tony Shank Bitters Collection – Part I

Posted on 21 February 2013 by Ferdinand Meyer V
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Tony Shank

Apple-Touch-IconAA couple years back, Tom Lines (Birmingham, Alabama) asked me if I would like some pictures of the legendary Tony Shank collection. Of course I said yes. Tom was kind enough to get the 35mm slide transparencies converted into digital images. If I am not mistaken, major collector and dealer Howard Crowe (Gold Hill, North Carolina) was along for the visit. Tom and Howard have been friends for many years.

Folks I kid you not, these are some of the top bitters specimens on the planet. All of the bottles are now in other top notch bitters collection across the United States including the Bayou City.

Read More: World Famous Cobalt Blue “The Fish” Bitters

TONY SHANK COLLECTION

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Posted in Bitters, Collectors & Collections, Color Runs, Figural Bottles, History | Tagged , , , , | 5 Comments

Log Cabin Series – Old Cabin Bitters

Posted on 21 February 2013 by Ferdinand Meyer V

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OLD CABIN BITTERS

Pictured on top: “Old Cabin / Bitters” Figural Bottle, America, 1860-1880. In the form of a rectangular two story log cabin, red amber, applied sloping collared mouth – smooth base, ht. 9 1/8 inches. R/H #O19 Great looking bottle, strongly embossed, beautiful brilliant medium color. Rare. Price Realized: $4,680 – Norman C. Heckler & Company

Log Cabin Series – Old Cabin Bitters 

John H. Garnhart | St. Louis and James B. Kelly | New York

21 February 2013
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KELLY’S OLD CABIN BITTERS

Apple-Touch-IconAA couple of months ago I did a post on Kelly’s Old Cabin Bitters (pictured above) which is the slightly younger brother of the Old Cabin Bitters. Virtually identical bottles, with the Old Cabin Bitters missing the word ‘KELLY’S’.

Read More: Log Cabin Series – Kelly’s Old Cabin Bitters

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CARNHART & KELLY ST. LOUIS Mo. 9″ Applied top, smooth base. A nice example with some decent overall crudity, this is the first example we’ve seen or sold. Found in a Midwestern fort, we’re told this is a rare St. Louis bottle. An interesting one it is, it has arched panels with embossing on the two ends. For the St. Louis collector, this has most of it’s crudity around the shoulder. About Mint, here’s a rare and pretty bottle. – American Bottle Auctions (December 2003)

The Old Cabin Bitters and Kelly’s Old Cabin Bitters are products of John H. Garnhart of St. Louis and James B. Kelly of New York. Look at this great square pictured above with both partners names. Fantastic.

The Carlyn Ring and W.C. Ham listing in Bitters Bottles is as follows:

O 19  OLD CABIN BITTERS, Circa 1863 – 1875
// s // f / OLD CABIN / BITTERS // PATENTED ( au ) / 1863 // f /
OLD CABIN / BITTERS // PATENTED ( au ) / 1863 //
9 1/4 x 3 1/2 x 2 3/4 (5 1/4)
Rectangular cabin, Amber , LTC, Applied mouth, Rare, Similar to Kelly’s
Design patent No. 3,926, dated March 22, 1870 by John H. Garnhart
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OLD CABIN BITTERS in a red amber color – Meyer Collection

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“OLD CABIN / BITTERS – PATENTED / 1863”, (O-19), American, ca. 1865 – 1875, amber cabin bottle, 9 1/4”h, smooth base, applied mouth. A tiny flake is off the top outer edge of the lip. Also a few areas of outside wear and inside stain. Considerably harder to find than it’s Kelly’s embossed brother! Ex. Judge MacKenzie Collection. – Glass Works Auctions – Auction #96 (Part 2)

READ MORE LOG CABIN SERIES POSTS

Log Cabin Series – Kelly’s Old Cabin Bitters

Log Cabin Series – Dr. Lovegood’s Family Bitters

Log Cabin Series – Perrine’s Apple Ginger – Philadelphia

Log Cabin Series – American Life Bitters

Log Cabin Series – Drake’s Plantation Bitters

Log Cabin Series – Holtzermann’s Patent Stomach Bitters (2-Roof)

Log Cabin Series – Holtzermann’s Patent Stomach Bitters Compound (4 Roof)

Log Cabin Series – Old Homestead Wild Cherry Bitters

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Lightning Rod Exhibit at the Franklin Institute

Posted on 21 February 2013 by Ferdinand Meyer V

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F – Thought you’d find interesting. (Some Executive at) AMC Pictures collects LIGHTNING RODS. Dealer Ted Storb in Connecticut sold many of these to him.

JEFF (FROGGY) BURKHARDT

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Visit The Franklin Institute Web Page

Hi All,

Jeanne and I visited family in Philadelphia last weekend and also got to see the lightning rod exhibit at The Franklin Institute. Thought you might like to see some photos we took at the exhibit. Believe it’s a nice well rounded collection of types, sizes and configurations, Ben would probably approve!

Ted & Jeanne

Apple-Touch-IconAThe Franklin Institute (named after the noted American scientist and statesman Benjamin Franklin) is a museum in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and one of the oldest centers of science education and development in the United States, dating to 1824. The Institute also houses the Benjamin Franklin National Memorial.

Read: The Franklin Institute Press release “New Exhibit of Antique Lightning Rods”

Read: Lightning Rod Balls – A Few From Our Collection

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Posted in Advice, Collectors & Collections, Display, Early American Glass, History, Lightning Rod Balls, Museums, News | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Curtis Cordial Calisaya Stomach Bitters – The Real McCoy

Posted on 19 February 2013 by Ferdinand Meyer V

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CURTIS CORDIAL CALISAYA STOMACH BITTERS

19 February 2013

CurtisCordialTrio_ScamQuite a bit of excitement of late with the scam involving a ‘doctored’ emerald green Curtis Cordial Calisaya Stomach Bitters. You see, there is no record of that yellow green color but it was sure tempting. You just never know.

Read: Curtis Cordial Calisaya Stomach Bitters Fraud?

With that said, I though I would develop a post of the real McCoy meaning known examples of the Curtis Cordial Calisaya Stomach Bitters. The Carlyn Ring and W.C. Ham listing in Bitters Bottles is as follows:

C 261  CURTIS CORDIAL CALISAYA STOMACH BITTERS, Circa 1866
// s // CURTIS // f // CORDIAL // f // CALISAYA // f // THE GREAT // f // STOMACH // f // BITTERS // f // // s // below 1 // 8 // 6 // 6 // C // C // C // 1 // 9 // 0 // 0 // f //
11 3/4 or 11 1/2 x 2 3/4 ( 4 3/4)
Round, ARM, Applied mouth, Amber – Scarce; Yellow olive – Rare
12 Panels on shoulder, Bridgeport, CT.
Note 1: There can be a 1/4 inch variation in bottle height. Known from newspaper advertisement: L.F. Curtis, 285 Main St. & L. F. Curtis & Co., No. 3 Curtis Bldg, East Washington Avenue., Bridgeport, CT.
Note 2: L.F = Probably Louis Foulk Curtis
Note 3: Same Curtis family name as in Curtis & Perkins Wild Cherry Bitters
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Spectacular olive green CURTIS CORDIAL CALISAYA STOMACH BITTERS. This is the REAL bottle that was doctored in the scam noted above. – Mark Warne Collection

“Mystery solved. Absolutely same bottle. Bought it only 4 months ago. Some low life scallow stole the sellers photo.”

MARK WARNE
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Louis F. Curtis noted in United States 1900 Census, born June 1843, Married Mary Curtis in 1871. Druggist in Connecticut

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Advertisement for L.F. Curtis in Southport Times, CT, 1879

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1886 Graphic Billhead – Curtis Brothers Stoves, Ranges,Furnaces – Bridgeport CT (same address as Curtis Druggists)

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CURTIS CORDIAL CALASAYA THE GREAT STOMACH BITTERS. When we said Bryan had two of the best Curtis bitters, we were serious. While the first one is loaded with whittle (see below) and is an overall superb bottle, the second example is even better. It’s green! We’ve actually never seen a green example before. And when you look at the picture with the two variants together, you can see just how green it is. This also has some pretty good whittle and a perfect top. The whole bottle is nothing less than exceptional. It is definitely one of the best examples around and just another bitters we’re proud to offer from the Bryan Grapentine collection. Ex-Carolyn Ring – American Bottle Auctions Auction 41 (Grapentine Part II) – Lot 495

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CURTIS CORDIAL CALASAYA THE GREAT STOMACH BITTERS. 1866 CCC 1900. Ring-261. Applied band. There are some bitters I never seem to tire of and Bryan (Grapentine) managed to find two of the best examples we’ve ever seen. This first example is a medium to deeper amber, in terrific condition and it is hammered with whittle. These bottles for some reason are often in poor shape and we’re just not sure why they don’t turn up in better condition more often. In this case, Bryan has an beautifully colored, highly whittled and desirable bitters. At worst, there may be a hint of high point wear but we have to call this one a 9. It would be very hard to find a better one. This bottle sold in a Norm Heckler sale in June of 1999. American Bottle Auctions Auction 41 (Grapentine Part II) – Lot 494

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Detail of above – CURTIS CORDIAL CALASAYA THE GREAT STOMACH BITTERS. 1866 CCC 1900. Ring-261. Applied band. There are some bitters I never seem to tire of and Bryan managed to find two of the best examples we’ve ever seen. This first example is a medium to deeper amber, in terrific condition and it is hammered with whittle. These bottles for some reason are often in poor shape and we’re just not sure why they don’t turn up in better condition more often. In this case, Bryan has an beautifully colored, highly whittled and desirable bitters. At worst, there may be a hint of high point wear but we have to call this one a 9. It would be very hard to find a better one. This bottle sold in a Norm Heckler sale in June of 1999. American Bottle Auctions Auction 41 (Grapentine Part II) – Lot 494

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CURTIS CORDIAL CALASAYA THE GREAT STOMACH BITTERS. When we said Bryan had two of the best Curtis bitters, we were serious. While the first one is loaded with whittle and is an overall superb bottle, the second example is even better. It’s green! We’ve actually never seen a green example before. And when you look at the picture with the two variants together, you can see just how green it is. This also has some pretty good whittle and a perfect top. The whole bottle is nothing less than exceptional. It is definitely one of the best examples around and just another bitters we’re proud to offer from the Bryan Grapentine collection. Ex-Carolyn Ring – American Bottle Auctions Auction 41 (Grapentine Part II)

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Golden amber CURTIS CORDIAL CALISAYA BITTERS – Meyer Collection

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“CURTIS – CORDIAL – CALISAYA – THE GREAT – STOMACH – BITTERS / 1866 CCC 1900″, (C-261), American, ca. 1866 – 1875, amber, 11 3/4″h, smooth base, applied mouth. A 3/8” in diameter open bubble is located on the panel between Stomach and Bitters, otherwise in perfect condition. – Glass Works Auctions | Auction #97

Posted in Bitters, Collectors & Collections, Cordial, Druggist & Drugstore, Medicines & Cures | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Color Purple or Amethyst in Antique Glass

Posted on 18 February 2013 by Ferdinand Meyer V

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T H E   C O L O R   P U R P L E

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Purple, Amethyst, Plum, Violet, Lilac, Grape, Bishop’s Purple, Aubergine, Eggplant, Royal Purple

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The Color Purple or Amethyst in Antique Glass

18 February 2013

Apple-Touch-IconANot too long ago I did a post on the color Puce. Probably the most misunderstood color in bottle collecting. Not far behind is the color Purple. Rarely are antique bottles and glass in purple, but when you do see a nice rich piece, it is breathtaking.

Read More: What is Puce or ‘Pooce’ as some call it?

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Wikipedia defines Purple as a range of hues of color occurring between red and blue. The Oxford English Dictionary describes purple as a deep, rich shade between crimson and violet. In the ancient world, purple was the color worn by Roman Emperors and magistrates, and later by Roman Catholic bishops. Since that time, purple has been commonly associated with royalty, piety, magic and mystery.

Purple is the color of good judgment. It is the color of people seeking spiritual fulfillment. It is said that if you surround yourself with purple you will have peace of mind. Purple is a good color to use in meditation. Being the combination of red and blue, the warmest and coolest colors, purple is believed to be the ideal color. Most children love the color purple. Purple is the color most favored by artists. Thursday’s color is purple.

Purple was the color worn by Roman Emperors and magistrates, and later by Roman Catholic Bishops

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imagesPurple or as you will hear often, ‘Amethyst’ glass, was given its color by adding manganese oxide to a molten glass mixture of sand, potash and lime.

Purple or Amethyst glass should not be confused with clear antique glass that has changed color due to sun exposure (see picture to left). This type of glass color has actually been enhanced by sitting in the sun and has a different hue, almost violet in nature, when compared to the rich plum color of glass made with manganese oxide.

Just a FEW altered insulators pictured

Just a FEW altered insulators pictured – Dwayne Anthony

It’s also wise to note that “sun colored amethyst” glass has been artificially produced by some unscrupulous sellers who expose antique clear glass pieces to ultraviolet light in order to change the color. You see this often on ebay with Coke bottles and insulators.

Read More: Color-Altered Glass – Presented by Dwayne Anthony @ FOHBC 2012 Reno Expo

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A true Purple Drakes – Danny Catherino

With Bitters bottles, you almost never see the color purple. The very closest you will come might be this Drakes Plantation Bitters pictured above when held up to a light.

P U R P L E   G L A S S   G A L L E R Y

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Purple Masonic Flask – Fuss Collection

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R. & G.A. WRIGHT / PHILADA. from the 2011 Norman C. Heckler – ex Thomas McCandless Collection Auctions 95 & 96 – Jane & Charles Aprill Collection

Umbrella Inkwell in a deep amethyst - GreatAntiqueBottles.com

Umbrella inkwell in a deep amethyst – GreatAntiqueBottles.com

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20 Vertical Rib Patterned Flask in purple

HAYWARD'S / HAND FIRE / GRENADE - PATENTED / AUG / 8 / 1871 - S.F. HAYWARD / 407 / BROADWAY - NEW YORK - photo Great Antique Bottles.com

HAYWARD’S / HAND FIRE / GRENADE – PATENTED / AUG / 8 / 1871 – S.F. HAYWARD / 407 / BROADWAY – NEW YORK in purple – photo GreatAntiqueBottles.com

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“DODGE BROTHERS – MELANINE – HAIR TONIC”, bright purple amethyst, tombstone-shaped rectangle, early smooth base, 7 1/2″H, applied double collar, mint. American, 1865-1875, rare. This pristine hair bottle is not only sparkling attic perfect but also quite crude and best of all, the color is even better than normal. – Jeff and Holly Noordsy

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Purple cone ink reading Brilliant Red Ink Prepared By Thaddeus Davids & Co., New York

Photo courtesy BottleNut.com

Purple Decanter – photo courtesy BottleNut.com

Unlike hanging friendship balls or witch balls that have a loop, gazing balls have a stem so they can securely sit in a stand. Larger sizes can be made, but may be difficult due to the weight of the blown glass.

Puplish Witch Ball

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Dark Amethyst Barber Bottle with Cherubs – Wilbur Collection

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Purple BTC 102 MONTREAL – Meyer Collection

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Purple Hair Bottle

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Amethyst Apothecary Jars

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Purple Glass Fishing Float

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Purple Johnston target ball selling for $12,880 – American Bottle Auctions

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The legendary coffin shaped NATIONAL BITTERS in amethyst – Fuss Collection

Posted in Apothecary, Bitters, Color, Early American Glass, Flasks, Historical Flasks, Insulators | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment