Haven’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

Hello 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.

Sneaky ebay Plug

“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

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 $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

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?

Tippecanoe Whiskey Question

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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