Daily Dose | March 2014

Posted on 1 March 2014 by Ferdinand Meyer V

M a r c h   2 0 1 4

Monday, 31 March 2014

DrWohAd

Sunday, 30 March 2014

OS_MorroBayLeaving Morro Bay today to go to Jerry Forbes place near Carmel. Had a great time at the show. Picked up a killer Webb’s Improved Stomach Bitters, gorgeous yellow Old Sachems (ex: Mike Henness), an aqua Paradise Bitters from Fresno and a killer Pipafax from Sacramento. Look for a post.

WebbsCat

Went to a very interesting wine tasting in a small cellar at Webb Tartaglia’s ranch last night. That is Webb above. Six of us huddled in the small rustic bunker and tasted Webb’s wines, had cheese and told tall tales. Had a blast. Very spiritual. Webb has been running the Morro Bay bottle show for 40 years!!!!

Added the below cool image of Webb’s Drug Store to the Webb’s Improved Stomach Bitters post.

WDS_Bitters

Friday, 28 March 2014

w olson

At my motel in Morro Bay, California. Bottle show starts today at noon. Great locale. Chilly this morn. Took a run earlier. Slept with windows open overlooking Morro Rock. Went to a bottle cook-out last night at Steve Mello’s in Paso Robles. Had fun. Saw some neat bottles that were dug and found by diving. Jerry Forbes (Carmel) had this cool Bissell’s Tonic Bitters from Peoria.

BissellsSideStevesHouse

I liked this Widemann & Chappas that Steve had.

WidemanMello

Tuesday, 25 March 2014

Hey Ferd, with so much in the news every day about the Crimean & Russia, it might be a good time to display one on Peach Ridge? Do you have one? I did years ago. Best Regards, Gary Beatty PS there might be collectors that don’t know there is such a Bitters? 

R 086 (Romaines_X)

PRG: Romaine’s Crimean Bitters (R 86) from my collection.

SandsSarsART1852NYC_8

Sands’ Sarsaparilla – New York post update with this cool art.

Monday, 24 March 2014

LighthillHighMagnification

UPDATE: One of the Facebook viewers, Jim Eifler, when reviewing the same images, solved the mystery when he made out “ORANGE GROVE BITTERS” on the sign. This makes sense as Baker’s Orange Grove Bitters is from Boston. So was Dr. Lighthill. One can imagine Baker and Lighthill having an agreement where Lighthill would take a couple crates of Orange Grove Bitters with him on the road and sell at his speaking engagements. Make a few extra bucks commission.

From Jack Hewitt:

Ferd,

We have some exciting news in the Southern Region. The Southeastern Antique Bottle Club in Atlanta was one of the charter member clubs from the early days of the federation. A few years ago the club lost it’s place to meet and unfortunately several of the “old timers” who had held the club together passed away. We have been able to preserve the Atlanta Show and on June 14, 2014 we will have our 44th annual show making it one of the longest running shows in the southeast, which we are very proud of. There has been a core group of collectors in the Atlanta area who do some shows together and keep in touch but without a regular club meeting and a place to meet something was missing. I have been able to secure a location to have monthly meetings and starting April 1, 2014 we will resurrect the Southeastern Antique Bottle Club. After our first meeting we will be joining the Federation and we plan to bring back the old gang and hopefully introduce some new ones in the area to the world of bottle collecting. We will be meeting near downtown Lawrenceville at the Old City Hall building in what currently houses the city of Lawrenceville Gas Dept. We will be meeting in the former city council meeting room affectionately known as the “gas chambers”. The address is 18 S. Clayton St. This is a big step in preparation for the Chattanooga National Show in 2015. I will keep you posted and appreciate any help you can give us getting the word out. If anyone has any questions or needs directions they can contact me at 770 856 6062. Thanks Again and we appreciate all you do for the hobby.

Jack Hewitt 
Southern Region Director

Saturday, 22 March 2013

Goodman'sCancerBitters_elmira1872

Possible unlisted bitters? Dr. Goodman’s Cancer & Liver Bitters. Advertisement circa 1872, Elmira, New York.

SunburstTrioHeckler

Updated The McKearin Group VIII – Sunburst Flasks post. Updated Dr. Harter’s Wild Cherry Bitters and the Bottle Gods with Dr. Harter’s Marriage Puzzle.

HartersMarriagePuzzle_DGC

Friday, 21 March 2014

SunburstSnuffJar_Heckler

Watching the current Heckler auction, specifically the Sunburst Snuff Jar, Keene Marlboro Street Glassworks, Keene, New Hampshire. Current bid is $45 grand. Read Post: Two Extraordinary Wide Mouth Sunburst Snuff Jars

Thursday, 20 March 2014

StillWinterStill winter in some parts of the country (picture from Gary Beatty). Busy, busy, busy… off to Los Angeles next Thursday and then connect to San Luis Obispo. Headed to the Morro Bay bottle show for the first time. Then off to Jerry Forbes house, then off to Louisville. Picked up some monsters in the Glass Works Auction. Confirmed today. Many came from Curt Paget. Lot of Marysville history there.

Tuesday, 18 March 2014

ouija

Michael Seeliger sent in his draft report on determining glass colors by using scientific measurements and other scholarly means. Reflected wavelengths, absorbed color, translucency, opaqueness all are important to understand when studying a bottle. Sometimes I use other ‘scientific’ means to determine if I should like or buy a bottle.

Heated call-backs now with Glass Works Auctions. Nothing yet. Prices rising FAST. Bitters are hot.

Monday, 17 March 2014

AmbushDale

HenleyWildGrapeColors_Dale

Sunday, 16 March 2014

The ‘bitters’ giants out west like Mlasko, Simi and Friedrich will be waking soon and seeing my post comparing Dr. Allen’s Stomach Bitters to Dr. Henley’s Wild Grape Root IXL Bitters. Always good to hear from them. Dale will probably ambush me with an emailed image of a killer support example.

PhoenixBitters1841Pittsburgh

Look at this early 1841 advertisement from a Buffalo, New York business directory listing 14 bottles Phoenix Bitters.

Read: Jack Stecher and his John Moffat Phoenix Bitters

Read: John Moffat Phoenix Bitters Support

Saturday, 15 March 2014

HenleysSpicedWineBittersLabel

Rainy, dreary, slow Saturday. Elizabeth away in Sweetwater with her father. Adriana off competing in some rodeo somewhere, junior pops with their father. Just me, my six dogs, and a kazillion bottle things to do. Life is good. Think I will have myself a Dr. Henley’s Spiced Wine OK Bitters. That OK with you?

Roback’s Scandanavian Remedies logo, 1865 or so…

ScandinavianRemediesLogo

Friday, 14 March 2014

RobacksIllustration1865

3:48 in the AM. Came in to the studio to knock out some work. Finalizing plans to head out to Morro Bay today. Arrive on the 27th. Look at this very nice illustration of a labeled Dr. Roback’s Stomach Bitters from The Lancaster Gazette (Lancaster, Ohio) , January 05, 1865.

Read: Barrel Series – Roback’s Stomach Bitters (the smaller ones)

Read: Barrel Series – Roback’s Stomach Bitters (the big boys)

Thursday, 13 March 2014

Post Update: The Constitution Bitters from Buffalo, NY

Post Update: Tobias Barto and his Great Gun Bitters – Reading, PA

GenMiteMajorAtom

Trying to get tickets to the St. Charles Theatre to see GENERAL MITE and MAJOR ATOM. Advertisement from The New Orleans Daily Democrat, March 09, 1880

WaHooBittersPrint_GWA

Just a wonderful Wa-Hoo Bitters print in the current Glass Works Auction. Added to Post. Read: C. K. Wilson’s Original Compound Wa-Hoo Bitters. Visit Auction

Wednesday, 12 March 2014

JerryBalto14_1

Some of the bottles picked up by my friend Jerry Forbes (Carmel, California) at the recent Baltimore Antique Bottle Show. Taken from his porch. See if you can identify the bottles.

JerryBalto14_2

Tuesday, 11 March 2014

MorrisonsInvigorating_Meyer

In the fine city of San Antone most of the week. Home of the Alamo, Tower of the Americas and the famous River Walk. Speaking of fine things, I wanted to share my new G.N. Morison’s Invigorating Bitters that I picked up for a song at the Balto show. Severely cracked buy hey, I just had to have it. Not bad provenance either. Nice character with a bird swing! Added to existing post: XR New Orleans bitters bottle on ebay – G. N. Morison

Sunday, 09 March 2014

TallMorningHairs

How’s this for some Sunday morning spiritual awareness…

“Good morning. I opened up the front drapes when we got up to get our dose of color and this is what we saw. Doesn’t get much better than this.” – Pam (Selenak), Orange, California

Afternoon_Selenak

“That is my morning wake up call. This is my afternoon visual.” – Pam

Saturday, 08 March 2014

GarnettsCompoundBittersVA_Viguerie

Working my way thru some tough-to-find Virginia bitters. Here’s a portion of a G5 Garnett’s Compound Vegetable Bitters from Richmond, Virginia submitted by James Viguerie. Also have incoming info and material on Yaupon Bitters, Aromatic Peruvian Bitters, French’s Virginia Bitters and Celery Bitters.

Friday, 07 March 2014

LabeledBakers_10

Hey, did you see that labeled Baker’s Orange Grove Bitters on ebay? I particularly like the neck foil embossing on the top.

BakersNeckFoilTop_10

Burwell’s Virginia Bitters – Richmond post updated.

BurwellShellArt

Wednesday, 05 March 2014

IceFence

Little ice at Peach Ridge yesterday. Not looking too peachy and springtime like the week before. Some big trees fell too. Nice way to return from Baltimore!

Ice Trees

Bet many of you have not heard of a Legal Tender Bitters from Cincinnati, Ohio. Look at this fine picture submitted by Tom Phillips.

LegalTenderBitters_Phillips_10

Post for Blue Mountain Bitters updated with Joe Gourd trade card. Working on Burwell’s Virginia Bitters post.

Tuesday, 04 March 2014

Houston3414

Mr. weatherman here thinks he outsmarted mother nature and is going to fly home to Houston today to avoid the snow in Maryland yesterday. Guess what! Houston now being hit hard! Pink is ice.

SumterWatchman1870

Updated a few posts yesterday based on following nice advertisements in the 1870 Sumter Watchman. This page had bitters ads for Aimar’s Sarracenia or ‘Flytrap’ Bitters, Old Carolina Bitters, Rocky Mountain Bitters and Dr. Tutt’s Golden Eagle Bitters.

Monday, 03 March 2014

Weather03March2014

Cancelled my flight from Baltimore to Houston later this afternoon as it snowed all last night and will snow today. Figure I can work at my mothers house instead of being bumped around at BWI airport. Most attendees at the Baltimore Antique Bottle Show yesterday got out in time or cancelled flights and will wait as I will. I can also play with my bottles. Maybe I will take a few window ‘snow’ pictures as I certainly can not do that in Houston.

My booty this weekend was good. Picked up some extremely rare bitters including a G.N. Morrison’s Invigorating Bitters, Milburn’s Kola Bitters (Winchester, Virginia), Dr. Herbert John’s Indian Bitters, Magic Bitters (Petersburg, Virginia), and a Winfrees Aromatic Stomach Bitters from Chester, Virginia. A citron green Bunker Hill Monument figural cologne was also added (with original stopper) to my collection. You may remember Sandor Fuss won the example that Heckler recently sold from the Ralph Finch Collection. I also added a pink toned and whittled Old Sachems Bitters and Wigwam Tonic, a corn whiskey figural (see: Summertime is for Corn – Great Corn Figurals) and a labeled C. H. Atwood.

Dr Colemans

My good friend Gerry Forbes from Carmel, CA, picked up a killer Baker’s Orange Grove Bitters and a Dr. Coleman’s Anti Dyspeptic Bitters and Tonic. My example from the Grapentine collection is pictured above.

Sunday, 02 March 2014

Got’ums some great bottles last night at the show. So excited. I’ll share shorty. In the mean time…

big and small demijohns_15

“Hi Ferd, Having fun in the bottle room and wanted to show off my two newest demijohns. We can call this the big, the small, and the ugly! Doing stuff like this is what my friend Brian calls “crapping around with bottles.” Gene Ainsworth

Saturday, 01 March 2014

BABC_ART14

4:22 am Saturday morning in Towson, Maryland. Already showers, dressed, packed and ready for the Baltimore Antique Bottle Show. Have a 4-hour FOHBC Board Meeting this morning. Need to be at the hotel by 7:00 am to set up.

Posted in Daily Dose, News | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Dissecting a Dr. Clark Johnson’s Indian Blood Syrup Advertisement

Posted on 28 February 2014 by Ferdinand Meyer V
TopIndian

[Top Illustration] Dr. Clark Johnson’s Indian Blood Syrup Trademark

Dissecting a Dr. Clark Johnson’s Indian Blood Syrup Advertisement

Laboratory, 77 W. 3d. St., New York City. Late of Jersey City.

Cures dyspepsia. Cures liver disease. Cures fever and ague. Cures scrofula and skin disease. Cures biliousness. Cures heart disease. Cures rheumatism and dropsy. Cures nervous debility.

28 February 2014

Apple-Touch-IconAAs a graphic designer and antique bottle collector, I have always enjoyed looking at patent medicine advertising. The typography, illustrations, testimonials and sales pitches are fascinating. While looking for Dr. Langley’s Rocky Mountain Bitters advertisements yesterday, I came across this wonderful, full column placement for Dr. Clark Johnson’s Indian Blood Syrup in the July 18, 1879 issue of the The Iola Register (Iola, Kansas). I thought I would dissect the advertisement for discussion sake.

The notice says that their laboratory was at 77 W. 3d St., New York City, late of Jersey City. Wakametkla, the Medicine Man of the Comanches is the focus point.

The advertisement appeared in a broad range of newspapers in late 1879 and very early 1880 including:

The Iola Register (Iola, Kansas), 18 July 1879

The Indiana Democrat, 11 September 1879

St. Joseph Herald (Michigan) 25 October, 1879

Perrysburg Journal (Perrsburg, Ohio), 12 December 1879

Fort Wayne Weekly Sentinel, 24 December 1879

The Waterloo Express, 25 December 1879

The Indian Journal, 1 January 1880

JohnsonsIndianBloodSyrupAd_6

Dr. Clark Johnson’s Indian Blood Syrup Advertisement – The Iola Register (Iola, Kansas), July 18, 1879

Dr. Clark Johnson’s Indian Blood Syrup

The Best Bemedy Known to Man!

Dr. Clark Johnson having associated himself with Mr. Edwin Eastman, an escaped captive, long a slave to Wakametkla, the medicine man of the Comanches is now prepared to lend his aid in the introduction of the wonderful remedy of that tribe.

The experience of Mr. Eastman being similar to that of Mrs. Chas. Jones and son, of Washington County, Iowa, an account of whose sufferings were thrillingly narrated in the New York Herald of Dec. 15th, 1878, the facts of which are so widely known, and so nearly
parallel, that but little mention of Mr. Eastman’s experiences will be given here. They are however published in a neat volume of 300 pages, entitled “Seven and Nine Years” Among the Comanches and Apaches”, of which mention will be made hereafter. Suffice it to say that for several years Mr. Eastman, while a captive, was compelled to gather the roots, gums, barks, herbs and berries of which Wakametkla’s medicine was made, and is still prepared to provide the same materials for the successful introduction of the medicine to the world; and assures the public that the remedy is the same now as when Wakametkla compelled him to make it.

Cures female diseases. Cures dyspepsia. Cures constipation. Cures humors in the blood. Cures coughs and colds. Cures indigestion.

MiddleIndian

[Middle Illustration] Wakametkla, the Medicine Man of the Comanches

Wakametkla, the Medicine Man

Nothing has been added to the medicine and nothing
has been taken away. It is without doubt the Best Purifier of the Blood and Renewer ot the System ever
 known to man.

This Syrup possesses varied properties.

It acts upon the Liver.

It acts upon the Kidney.

It regulates the Bowels.

It purifies the Blood.

It quiets the Nervous System.

It promotes Digestion.

It Nourishes, Strengthens and Invigorates.

It carries off the old blood and make
New.

It opens the pores of the skin, and induces healthy Perspiration.

It neutralizes the hereditary taint or poison in the
blood, which generates scrofula, Erysipelas and all
manner of skin diseases and internal humors.

There are no spirits employed in the manufacture, and 
it can be taken by the most delicate babe, or by the 
aged and feeble, care only is required in attention 
to directions.

BottomIndian

[Bottom Illustration] Edwin Eastman in Indian Costume.

Edwin Eastman in Indian Costume.

Seven and Nine Years among the Commanches and Apaches. A neat volume of 300 pages being a simple statement of the horrible facts connected with the sad massacre of a helpless family and the captivity, tortures and ultimate escape of its two surviving members.

For sale by our Agents Generally    Price. $1.00.

The incidents of the massacre, briefly distributed by agents, free of charge.

Mr. Eastman, being almost constantly at the West, engaged in gathering and curing the materials of which the medicine is composed, the sole business management devolves upon Dr. Johnson , and the remedy has been called, and is known as

Dr. Clark Johnson’s INDIAN BLOOD SYRUP.

Price of Large Bottles   $1.00

Price of Small Bottles   .50

Read the voluntary testimonials of persons who have been cured by the use of Dr. Clark Johnson’s Indian Blood Syrup in you own vicinity.

TESTIMONIALS OF CURES.

Dyspepsia and Indigestion and Liver Complaint.

GREENSBURGH, St. Helena County, Ia.

Dear Sir: This is to certify that after trying various kinds of medicine in vain for dyspepsia and indigestion, I got some of you wonderful Indian Blood Syrup, which I took according to directions and was greatly benefited thereby. It is an excellent remedy.

Chas. A. Dyson.

A Wonderful Cure.

FISHERVILLE, Merrimack Co., N. H. May 11, 1879.

Dear Sir: This is to certify that after trying your Indian Blood Syrup for rheumatism, neuralgia and liver complaint, and have never been troubled since. I never knew a well day before I took your medicine.

Mrs. H. Knowlton.

Liver Complaint.

BROOKHAVEN, Lincoln County, Miss. Dear Sir – This is to certify that I have used some of the Indian Blood Syrup for disease of the liver and have been very much benefited thereby. I can recommend it to all similarly affected.

A. O. Cox, Sheriff.

For Bronchitis.

LENTZVILLE, Limestone County, Ala. Feb 15, 1879.

Dear Sir – My wife has been afflicted for several years with chronic bronchitis, and, after trying all other remedies and finding no relief, I purchased some of your very excellent Indian Blood Syrup, which she used, and, after a fair trial, I have no hesitation in recommending it to the afflicted.

Rev. Jesse James.

Cures Dyspepsia.

PINEY GROVER, Alleghany Co., Md. Jan 24, 1879.

Dear Sir: I have been afflicted with dyspepsia for several years, and have tried every kind of medicine, but to no effect. I was induced to try your Indian Blood Syrup and purchased four one-dollar bottles, which entirely cured me.

C. Crawford

Cures Ague.

CADDO, Choctaw Nation, Ind. Terr, Feb 28, 1879.

Dear Sir: This is to certify that your Indian Blood Syrup has cured me of chills, which had been annoying me for a long time. I can cheerfully recommend it to all sufferers with chills and fever. It is the best medicine I ever used, and would not be without it.

Mrs. John Blue.

Cures Rheumatism.

MANNINGTON, Marion Co., W. Va., March 4, 1879.

Dear Sir: I have been bothered for several years with rheumatism, and was unable to find anything to relieve me, I got some of your Indian Blood Syrup, which relived me wonderfully.

Posted in Advertising, History, Medicines & Cures, Syrup, Tonics | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Dr. Langley’s Rocky Mountain Bitters

Posted on 27 February 2014 by Ferdinand Meyer V

LangleysRMB_trademark

Dr. Langley’s Rocky Mountain Bitters

27 February 2014 (R•082314) (R•051818) (R•070419)

Apple-Touch-IconAHere is a odd handbill (below) from my collection representing Dr. Langley’s Rocky Mountain Bitters. The piece pictures the trade mark for the brand. My question is, is the Dr. Langley’s Rocky Mountain Bitters related to Dr. Langley’s Root and Herb Bitters? Looks like both Langley bitters may have been competing in some of the same markets. Unfortunately, I have not been able to find the family connection. Very mysterious.

The updated Carlyn Ring and W.C. Ham listing in Bitters Bottles Supplemrnt 2 is as follows:

Letterhead
L 19 LANGLEY’S ROCKY MOUNTAIN BITTERS, Gentlemen, Your attention is called to our new trade mark and title. (Illustration hawk perched on rock in mountain setting), Respectfully, J. H. Langley & Co., Office, No. 30 Kilby Street, Boston, Mass. Feb 1. 1867.
Circular
L 19 LANGLEY’S ROCKY MOUNTAIN BITTERS, Descriptive Circular, No. 1. Notice stating that “Rocky Mountain Bitters,” is not and should not be confused with “Root and Herb Bitters of J. O. Langley.” Respectfully, J. H. Langley, Proprietor. All orders and Communications should be addressed to Langley, Hurd & Co., Nos. 96 and 98 Broad Street, Boston. April 1st, 1867.
Newspaper Advertisement
L 19 DR. LANGLEY’S STANDARD PREPARATIONS – ROCKY MOUNTAIN BITTERS, A very superior regulating Tonic. Manufactured only at the Proprietary Medicine Warehouse or Dr. J. H. Langley & Co., 207 Fulton St. N.Y.
Marshall County Republican (Plymouth, Indiana), August 12, 1869
L 19.3 L … Langley’s Rocky Mountain Beverage
LANGLEY’S // ROCKY MOUNTIAN / BEVERAGE ( embossed vertically) // c //
Round, Clear, NSC, Tooled top w/ground stopper
Dr. Langley’s Rocky Mountain Beverage. The Standard Tonic Bitters of America. The W. & L. Medicine Co., Buffalo, N.Y.
Buffalo Courier (Buffalo, New York) August 03, 1878
LangleysRM_AGG

Handbill with beautiful graphics for ‘Langley’s Rocky Mountain Bitters’ with
‘Price Current. A. D., 1867.’ – Meyer Collection

Flyer put out by J.H. Langley for his new Rocky Mountain Bitters. In it, Langley cautions the reader not to confuse his Rocky Mountain Bitters with the well known J.O. Langley’s Root and Herb Bitters. In the flyer, Langley alludes to his “Vegetable Bitters”. It apparently was his first attempt at a bitters medicine. It is another unlisted Bitters. – Gourd Collection

Here is an advertisement below for Dr. Langley’s Rocky Mountain Bitters from the Marshall County Republican (Plymouth, Indiana) in August 12, 1869. At the bottom of the ad it says, “Manufactured Only At The Proprietary Medicine Warehouse of Dr. J. H. Langley & Co., 207 Fulton Street, New York. Sold by all Druggists and Grocers throughout the Country.” Note the appearance now of “Dr.”.

LangleysRockyMountainBittersAdMarshall County Republican., August 12, 1869

Dr. Langley’s Rocky Mountain Bitters advertisement – Marshall County Republican (Plymouth, Indiana), August 12, 1869

Look at this tall, single column advertisement below for Rocky Mountain Bitters, Rocky Mountain Bitters Company, 207 Fulton Street, New York from The Sumter Watchman, May 04, 1870. Notice the absence of Langley’s name. Interesting.

RockyMountainBittersAd_1870tall

Tall, single column advertisement for Rocky Mountain Bitters, 207 Fulton Street, New York. Notice the absence of Langley’s name and inclusion of Rocky Mountain Bitters Company – The Sumter Watchman (Sumterville, S.C.), May 04, 1870

Dr. Langley’s Rocky Mountain Beverage – The Standard Tonic Bitters of America advertisement (see below)

Ferdinand, I picked this up recently. It is an exact match for the bottle described in the last advertisement in your 2014 write-up of the Dr. Langley’s Rocky Mountain Bitters. It was bought in Rochester, New York, so this matched the location of the address listed in the advertisement as well. I have never seen one of these before. It is a striking and big bottle and could not have been cheap to manufacture with the big ground stopper. Brandon DeWolfe, P.E.

Posted in Advertising, Bitters, Druggist & Drugstore, History, Medicines & Cures, Questions, Tonics | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Looking at some Dr. Langley’s Root & Herb Bitters from Boston

Posted on 26 February 2014 by Ferdinand Meyer V

LangleysGIII_2

Looking at some Dr. Langley’s Root & Herb Bitters from Boston

“Buy me and I will do you good.”

26 February 2014 (R•041219)

Apple-Touch-IconAThe top picture pretty much sums up why I am a bitters collector. Look at this great masculine yet feminine, strong yet delicate, example of a Dr. Langley’s Root & Herb Bitters from Boston, Massachusetts. The color, typography, character, form, balance, various sizes and history make this a must for any bitters bottle collection. And the bottles are rather inexpensive! I actually picked up this particular example from the Bryan Grapentine III auction by American Bottle Auctions. You can always spot a Jeff Wichmann photograph.

LangleysGIII_1

Dr. Langley’s Root & Herb Bitters – Meyer Collection

The post is dedicated to my bottle friend Rick Ciralli from Bristol, Connecticut as he has been asking for some time to see some of my Langley examples. I’m going to run into him at the Baltimore Antique Bottle Show this weekend so time is of the essence!

Read More: Rick Ciralli – Comedic Genius Bottle Guy

LangleysNoordsy

DR LANGLEY’S / ROOT & HERB / BITTERS / 99 UNION STREET / BOSTON, (Ring L 21), bright yellow green with an olive tone, cylindrical, smooth base, 8 5/8″H x 3″D, applied square collar, extremely rare and possibly unique in this color. I know of only one other Langley’s in this color and that is the half-size L22 that sold in an April 1995 Glass Works Auctions sale for $2,640. This bottle appears to have been blown using the same batch of glass and it is a staggeringly beautiful piece that is loaded with bubbles and impurities. – Jeff & Holly Noordsy

$(KGrHqZHJE8FJhPtiqOMBSbDvv1DcQ~~60_35John Osbourne Langley and George Clinton Goodwin

John Osbourne Langley was born in 1804 in New Hampshire and was a bitters peddler as he noted on an 1860 United States Federal Census. Langley sold his product from house to house and farm to farm.

George Clinton Goodwin at an early age, removed to Lowell, Massachusetts, and when he was about thirty years old, arrived in Boston and engaged in the sale of drugs and medicines, establishing the wholesale house of George C. Goodwin & Company at 76 Union Street in 1839. Previously he had worked with his father in the manufacture of extracts and compounds.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Blue aqua Dr. Langley’s Root & Herb Bitters – Wicker Collection

Around 1852, both Goodwin and Langley became partners and started making and selling Langley’s formula called Dr. Langley’s Root & Herb Bitters. By 1857, the firm had taken in William B. Hibbard as a junior partner. Goodwin retired in 1859 and Langley’s son, Charles C. Langley, and Hibbard ran the business. Eventually the firm moved to larger quarters on Marshall Street and eventually to 38 Hanover Street. The company would become one of Boston’s largest wholesale drug firms with a national reputation. George C. Goodwin & Co. was incorporated as the Eastern Drug Company in 1900.

With 18.1% to 25% alcohol by volume, you can understand their marketing pitch saying, “Buy me and I will do you good.”

LangleysEbay

Dr. Langley’s Root & Herb Bitters – ebay

Select Timeline Events

1804: John Osbourne Langley was born on 07 January 1804 in Gilford, Belknap, New Hampshire. His father was Lowell Langley and his mother was Hannah Marten.
1807: George Clinton Goodwin, son of Anson Goodwin was born in Ashfield on 13 October 1807.
1824: Charles C. Langley (John’s son) was born. Charles takes over the business in 1859.
1849: Listing: John O. Langley, pedler – Cambridge City Directory
1850: John O. Langley, farmer, wife Harriett R.  – United States Federal Census
1852: John O. Langley, medicine dealer – Cambridge City Directory
1853: Receipt: Received of J. O. Langley, No. 99 Union Street,Boston, 1 Dozen Langley Bitters, 1853. (see below)

1854: Receipt: Bought of J. M. Henry, Waterbury, Vermont, 1 Dozen Langley Bitters, August 17, 1854. Henry was a General Agent for Langley’s Bitters (see below)
LangleyBittersBill_JG_10

Receipt: Bought of J. M. Henry, Waterbury, Vermont, 1 Dozen Langley Bitters, August 17, 1854. Henry was a General Agent for Langley’s Bitters – Joe Gourd Collection

1857: John O. Langley, patent medicines, 11 Marshall – Boston City Directory
1860 –  1862: John O. Langley, patent medicines, 134 Cambridge – Cambridge City Directory (Also advertisement below)
RI_DrLangleys_62

A Dr. Langley’s Root and Herb Bitters advertisement Boston – Providence Directory Listings, 1862

1863: Advertisement for Dr. Langley’s Root and Herb Bitters sold by George C. Goodwin & Co. (see below) – The Caledonian (St. Johnsbury, Vermont), August 21, 1863
Langleys1863Caledonian

Advertisement for Langley’s Root and Herb Bitters sold by George C. Goodwin & Co. – The Caledonian (St. Johnsbury, Vermont), August 21, 1863

1866 – 1870: John O. Langley, drugs, 134 Cambridge – Cambridge City Directory
1867: J. H. Langley & Co., Bitters: Office, No. 30 Kilby Street, Boston, Mass., Feb. 1, 1857. Gentlemen,: Your Attention is Called to Our New Trade Mark and Title, which Will Hereafter Appear Upon Every Bottle of Bitters Sold, … Your Orders, If Forwarded at Once, Will be Promptly Filled, with a Supply of New Show Cards.

Here is a strange handbill below from my collection. I always wondered if it was related?

LangleysRM_AGG

Handbill with beautiful graphics for ‘Langley’s Rocky Mountain Bitters’ with ‘Price Current. A. D., 1867.’ – Meyer Collection

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

L 19 Langley’s Rocky Mountain Bitters
LANGLEY’S ROCKY MOUNTAIN BITTERS NEW YORK
Dr. J. H. Langley & Company, Proprietor New York
New York City Directory lists at 207 Fulton Street
The Courtland County Democrat (New York) October 15, 1869
1869: George C. Goodwin dies on 12 May 1869.
1872: John O. Langley died of pneumonia.
1899: Geo. C. Goodwin & Co., Wholesale Druggists, New England Patent Medicine Warehouse, 36 & 38 Hanover Street, Boston receipt (see below).
GeorgeGoodwinBill

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

Dr. Langley’s Root & Herb Bitters Examples

According to Frank Wicker at BottlePickers.com, there are seven variants of these bottles. Both with pontils and smooth base.

1 with no address.
3 with 99 Union Street address.
2 with 76 Union Street address.
1 with backwards 99.

The first example we will look at is a L 21 which is pictured below. The Carlyn Ring and W. C. Ham listing in Bitters Bottles is as follows:

L 21 Dr. Langley’s Root & Herb Bitters
DR. LANGLEY’S / ROOT & HERB / BITTERS // 99 UNION ST. / BOSTON // c //
John O. Langley Offices Nos. 36 and 38 Hanover Street
8 1/4 x 3 (6 1/2) 6 1/2 or 6 7/8 or 7 1/8 or 7 1/4 x 2 7/8 (4 3/4)
Round, NSC, Applied Mouth, Aqua – Common; Amber and Blue green – Rare;
some with Metallic pontil mark
L21A_Meyer

Dr. Langley’s Root & Herb Bitters (L 21) – Meyer Collection

The second example is the L 22 which is pictured below. The Carlyn Ring and W. C. Ham listing in Bitters Bottles is as follows:

L 22 Dr. Langley’s Root & Herb Bitters
DR. LANGLEY’S / ROOT & HERB BITTERS / 99 UNION ST. / BOSTON // c //
John O. Langley Offices Nos. 36 and 38 Hanover Street
6 1/2 or 6 7/8 or 7 1/8 or 7 1/4 x 2 7/8 (4 3/4)
Round, NSC or CM, Applied Mouth, Aqua – Common; Amber and Green – Scarce; Aqua – Rough pontil mark – Scarce
Some variation in length of neck and thickness of the mouth.
Label: Buy me and I will do you good. Composed of Sarsaparilla, wild cherry, yellow dock, prickly ash, thoroughwort, rhubarb, mandrake, dandelion and others comprising the best of roots, herbs and barks in the world, all of which are so compounded as to act in concert and assist nature in eradicating disease.
Note: All of these Langley’s could have been made in the same mold as each of them has the same width and the same body measurement.
L22_LangleysRoot_Meyer

Dr. Langley’s Root & Herb Bitters (L 22) in deep bluish aqua or teal color, 6 7/8″h, smooth base, applied mouth. Pristine perfect and in a good rich color that is considerably better than aqua – Meyer Collection

Posted in Advertising, Bitters, Collectors & Collections, Ephemera, History, Medicines & Cures | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Old Bourbon Whiskey Put Up By Wilson, Fairbank & Co. for Medicinal Purposes

Posted on 24 February 2014 by Ferdinand Meyer V

ShardsWilsonFairbanks

Old Bourbon Whiskey put up by Wilson, Fairbank & Co. for Medicinal Purposes

24 February 2014 (R•022019) (R•031719)

Apple-Touch-IconAThere is a wonderful bottle on ebay now reading “Monk’s Old Bourbon Whiskey Put Up By Wilson, Fairbank & Co. Sole Agents For Medicinal Purposes”. Somewhere, I have seen this bottle before and I bet it was at a past 49er Bottle Club Show in Auburn, California. The bottle shards above are from Western Bitters News which is interesting. This looks to be an eastern bottle. What was it doing out west? The ebay listing with a cropped picture below reads:

WilsonFairbanksebay

KILLER AND VERY RARE MONK’S OLD BOURBON WHISKEY BOTTLE PONTILED

Here is a killer and extremely rare Monk’s Old Bourbon Whiskey bottle. I believe it to be a bitters bottle. Nice graphite pontil and some nice whittling. This bottle has no condition issues whatsoever other than being a little dusty inside !!!!!  Measures approx. 9 3/4″ tall and 3″ square. Don’t miss an opportunity like this !!!!  This would be the highlight of any bottle collection !!!!!! hoffa 1 (100% Positive feedback) See ebay listing

Monks_Reggie

Monk’s Old Bourbon Whiskey – Southeast Bottle Club 2005 Newsletter

A bitters bottle eh? A ‘medicine’ for sure because it says, “For Medicinal Purposes”, there you go. Apparently, there is a pint version that has the word, “Monk’s” slugged out. Rumor has it that New England collector, Jack Pelletier has a labeled example. I hope see him in Baltimore this weekend and I will ask him.

I found two advertisements dating the Old Bourbon Whiskey brand to 1857 or so in the Rockland County Messenger and Cambridge Chronicle (see below). Wilson, Fairbank & Company (John Wilson, Jr. and  Franklin Dexter Fairbanks then George Edward Fairbanks) were wholesale druggists located at Nos. 43 and 45 Hanover Street in Boston, Massachusetts. The firm originated in 1849 or so from humble beginnings and within ten years, they became the largest and most prominent druggist in Boston. Their medicinal whiskey and other products such as assorted drugs, chemicals, patent medicines, glass ware, shakers’ herbs, fluid extracts, medicine chests, cigars, tobacco, and the purest of liquors, of their own importation (for medicinal purposes they said) were sold in New York and other parts of the country according to the advertisements below. It looks as though the bottle comes in green and aqua colorations.

WilsonFairbankOldBourbonWhiskeyAd_1858

“Old Bourbon Whiskey Put Up By Wilson, Fairbank & Co. for Medicinal Purposes” advertisement – Rockland County Messenger, January 21, 1858

WilsonFairbankAd1858

“Pure Old Bourbon Whiskey Expressly For Medicinal Purposes” advertisement – Cambridge Chronicle, 4 December 1858

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Quart and pint Wilson, Fairbank & Co., Old Bourbon Whiskey, pint is labeled (see below) – Michael George

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Pint Wilson, Fairbank & Co., Old Bourbon Whiskey – Michael George

“MONKS’ / OLD BOURBON / WHISKEY. – FOR, / MEDICINAL / PURPOSES – WILSON, FAIRBANK & CO / SOLE AGENTS.”, (Denzin, WIL-31), Massachusetts, ca. 1850 – 1860, deep yellow amber, 8”h, iron pontil, applied tapered collar mouth. Perfect condition, great impression, ‘seedy’ glass. Purchased from Van Herbert in 1979. Van acquired it in a trade with Sheldon Ray. Sidney Genius Collection. – Glass Works Auctions | Auction #128

 

WilsonFairbankAquaNoordsy

“OLD BOURBON / WHISKEY – FOR MEDICINAL / PURPOSES – WILSON FAIRBANK & CO. / SOLE AGENTS,” brilliant aquamarine, square, early smooth base, 9 15/16″H, applied sloping collar – Jeff & Holly Noordsy

WilsonFairbankCoCopy

The Drug Business – Wilson Fairbank & Co. – History of Prominent Mercantile and Manufacturing Firms in the United States, 1857

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The Drug Business – Wilson Fairbank & Co. – History of Prominent Mercantile and Manufacturing Firms in the United States, 1857

Wilson&FairbankSyrupbottle

Almost 10 inches tall, paneled medicine with a crude, sharp open pontiled base. Embossed on three concave panels, reading WILSON FAIRBANKS & CO SOLE AGENTS / SYRUP OF GINSENG & MALVA 45 HANOVER ST. BOSTON.

“FAIRBANKS & PIPER / NO 10 / DRUGGISTS / FRONT ST / WORCESTER” Whiskey Fifth, America, 1865 – 1870. Bright golden amber shading to a rich reddish-orange near the base, cylindrical, applied sloping collar with bevel – smooth base, ht. 11 7/8″, perfect! A beautiful and extremely rare eastern whiskey fifth. Much more difficult to find than the Geo. Fairbanks, or Wilson, Fairbanks & Co, this example is in pristine condition, with outstanding character, bubbly, whittled, and having great eye-appeal. Note; Fairbanks & Piper were listed as Agents in the 1869 Directory. – American Glass Gallery | Auction #22

Select Listings:

1851: John Wilson, Jr. and Franklin Dexter Fairbanks, Wilson, Fairbank & Co., druggists, 45 Hanover, Boston – 1851 Boston City Directory
1857: Advertisement (above in post) The Drug Business – Wilson Fairbank & Co. – History of Prominent Mercantile and Manufacturing Firms in the United States, 1857
1858: Newspaper advertisement (above in post) Old Bourbon Whiskey Put Up By Wilson, Fairbank & Co. for Medicinal Purposes – Rockland County Messenger, January 21, 1858
1872: Newspaper advertisement (below) Fairbanks & Piper’s Wine of Calisaya (Peruvian) Bark – The Fitchburg Sentinel, Saturday, January 20, 1872

1874: Newspaper notice (below) – George E. Fairbanks of Fairbanks & Piper files for bankruptcy – The Boston Globe, Wednesday, May 27, 1874

1874: Newspaper notice (below) – George M. Piper of Fairbanks & Piper files for bankruptcy – The Boston Globe, Wednesday, June 1, 1874
Posted in Advertising, Bitters, Bourbon, Digging and Finding, Druggist & Drugstore, eBay, History, Medicines & Cures, Questions, Syrup, Whiskey | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Walton’s Bitters Counterstamped Seated Half Dollar

Posted on 23 February 2014 by Ferdinand Meyer V
WaltonBittersCounterStamp_F

‘We Recommend Walton’s Bitters’ Counterstamped Seated Liberty Half Dollar – ebay

Walton’s Bitters Counterstamped Seated Half Dollar

23 February 2014 (o22518)

Apple-Touch-IconAFrank Wicker (bottlepickers.com) alerted me to an interesting counterstamped coin on ebay for Waton’s Bitters. This looks to be for W 22, Walton’s Bitters from Cincinnati, Ohio in the Carlyn Ring and W. C. Ham Bitters Bottles book. The Rulau United States Tokens catalog (see picture below) lists the piece as OH-CI-169. Looks like Cincinnati, Ohio here too.

WaltonsBittersRing&Ham

W 22 Walton’s Bitters illustration from Bitters Bottles

W 22  WALTON’S BITTERS
WALTON’S BITTERS // SAML W. WALTON & CO //
CINCINNATI, OHIO. // f //
9 3/8 x 2 3/4 (6 1/4) 3/8
Square, Amber and Yellow, LTC, Applied mouth, 3 sp, Extremely rare

RulauTokenCatalogArt

The bottle is listed as extremely rare and not present in my collection. I do have a letterhead though for review. I also have an advertisement from Knoxville, Tennessee mentioning Walton’s Bitters. Must be the same. The ebay listing is as follows:

COUNTERSTAMPED 1861-P U.S. SEATED HALF DOLLAR “WE RECOMMEND WALTONS BITTERS” R-OH-CI-169, GOULD-43

A Silver U.S. Seated Liberty Half Dollar dated 1861-P with a counterstamp “WE RECOMMEND WALTONS BITTERS”. This contemporary Counterstamp is listed in Rulau U.S. Token catalog as OH-CI-169 and in Gould’s catalog as Gould-43. Coin is in F-VF condition with scratches on the reverse. Many of these counterstamped pieces do have this type of damage and fortunately this piece does not have scratches on the side with the counterstamp!!! Rulau notes that these “bitters” were actually flavored alcohol sold at bitters to avoid the the tax that is normally added to alcoholic beverages! It was a very popular “medicine”!!! mwclarkoldstuff (100% positive) See Listing

Samuel W. Walton had a relatively short run in Cincinnati, Ohio as a distiller and dealer of wines and liquors. He first shows up at Prince & Walton selling Scandinavian Remedies and other spirits in 1866. This lasts until 1871 when he takes over and becomes Samuel W. Walton & Co. This lasts until 1874. During this period he was represented in Texas by W .P. Lovett and in Tennessee by E. J. Sanford & Co. Judging from the letterhead and advertisement, it seems as though Walton’s Bitters and Sam Walton Beech Run Bourbon Whiskey may have been their biggest brands.

Read More: Drakes Plantation Bitters – Encased Postage

WaltonBittersCounterStamp_Rev

Walton’s Bitters Counterstamped Half Dollar reverse – ebay

“WALTON’S BITTERS – SAML. W. WALTON & CO. – CINCINNATI, OHIO.”, (Ring/Ham, W-22), Ohio, ca. 1870 – 1880, amber, 9 1/2”h, smooth base, applied mouth. Great example and in ‘attic’ found condition. We auctioned this bottle in 1995 and again in 2005. Ex. Carlyn Ring Collection. Larry Umbreit Collection. – Glass Works Auctions – Auction 119

Select Walton Timeline Events

abt 1838: birth Samuel W. Walton

1863: Samuel W. Walton, pedler, Civil War Draft Registration

1866: Prince Walton & Co. (J. H. Prince, Samuel W. Walton and Austin Regnier), Scandinavian Remedies, 56 E. 3d, Cincinnati Directory

1868: Samuel W. Walton, agt., 62 E. 3d, Bds. Burnett House, Cincinnati Directory

1870: Prince and Walton, Distillers (J. H. Prince and Samuel W. Walton), n. e. c. Smith & Walnut, Cincinnati Directory

1871: Samuel W. Walton & Co. (formerly Prince & Walton), whisky, n. e. c. 4th & Walnut, distillers, 175 Sycamore, Cincinnati Directory

1872 – 1874: Samuel W. Walton & Co., Distillers & Wholesale Liquor Dealers, 175, 177 & 179 Sycamore, Cincinnati Directory (see advertisement below)

SamuelWaltonAd1874

Samuel W. Walton & Co., Wholesale Liquor Dealers, 27 West Third Street – Cincinnati Directory

1872: Advertisement noting Walton’s Bitters, E. J. Sanford & Co., Knoxville (See below)

SanfordSellingWaltonsBitters

E. J. Sanford selling Walton’s Bitters in Knoxville, Tennessee., circa 1872

1873: Letter from W. P. Lovett on Samuel W. Walton letterhead mentioning Walton’s Bitters (see below), February 7, 1873 from Navasota.

WaltonsLetter

Walton’s Bitters letterhead, Represented in Texas by W. P. Lovett (letter from Lovett), 1873 – Meyer Collection

Posted in Advertising, Bitters, Bourbon, Currency, eBay, Ephemera, History, Liquor Merchant, Spirits, Whiskey | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

A Stroll through the Scrolls

Posted on 22 February 2014 by Ferdinand Meyer V

A Stroll through the Scrolls

Charles and Jane Aprill

22 February 2014 (R•040419 – Heckler Aprill Auction)

ScrollsInALine_Aprill

Apple-Touch-IconACharles Aprill recently posted some outstanding examples of various sized blue scroll historical flasks over on Bottle Collectors on Facebook. I thought I would nest these together and link back to his earlier Blue Gallery in case some of you were not familiar with the post and some of the amazing blue glass in the Aprill collection. You will see examples of quarts, pints, half pints and a miniature below. Quite spectacular! There is also a picture of Charles with his winning entry in the New England Bottle Battle at the FOHBC 2013 Manchester National Antique Bottle Show.

Visit: The Charles & Jane Aprill Blue Gallery

7ScrollsInLine_Aprill

3QuartScrolls_Aprill

3Scrolls_Aprill

ScrollFamily_Aprill

4ScrollSizes_Aprill

Add2PintScrolls_Aprill

CharlesManchesterWinner

The Dr. Charles & Jane Aprill Collection: Beautiful, Bold, Blue Bottles & Glass at Auction, Session I, Premier Auction 172 – Norman C. Heckler & Company 

[March 2019]

Lot: 57 Scroll Flask, America, 1845-1860. Rich cobalt blue, sheared mouth – pontil scar, quart; (shallow 1/8 inch open bubble on scroll frame, light interior haze in lower half of flask). GIX-2 Big, bold, blue and beautiful. Generally fine condition. Ex Robert Mebane collection, Dr. Charles and Jane Aprill collection. Estimate: $4,000 – $8,000 Minimum bid: $2,000 Price Realized: $7,020 – Norman C. Heckler & Company

Lot: 58 Scroll Flask, possibly Bakewell, Page and Bakewell Manufacturers, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 1845-1860. Deep sapphire blue, sheared mouth – pontil scar, half pint; (light exterior high point wear). GIX-38a Beautiful “see through” color. Fine condition. Ex Edmund and Jayne Blaske collection, Dr. Charles and Jane Aprill collection. Estimate: $4,000 – $8,000 Minimum bid: $2,000 Price Realized: $8,775 – Norman C. Heckler & Company

Lot: 59 Scroll Flask, probably Louisville Glass Works, Louisville, Kentucky, 1845-1860. Medium cobalt blue, sheared mouth – pontil scar, pint; (moderate exterior high point wear). GIX-10 Two large interesting folds of glass on one side. Generally fine condition. Dr. Charles and Jane Aprill collection. Estimate: $3,000 – $6,000 Minimum bid: $1,500 Price Realized: $2,691 – Norman C. Heckler & Company

From Above: Lot 57, 58 & 59 pontils (L-R) Dr. Charles and Jane Aprill collection. – Norman C. Heckler & Company

Lot: 88 Miniature Scroll Flask, America, 1840-1860. Deep sapphire blue with a lilac hue, inward rolled mouth – pontil scar, ht. 2 3/4 inches; (light exterior high point wear). GIX-40 An extremely rare little gem of a bottle. Fine condition. Ex Elvin and Sherri Moody collection, Dr. Charles and Jane Aprill collection. Estimate: $2,500 – $5,000 Minimum bid: $1,200 Price Realized: $6,435 – Norman C. Heckler & Company

Posted in Collectors & Collections, Color Runs, Display, Early American Glass, Facebook, Flasks, Historical Flasks, Miniatures, Photography | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

What?…more Orange Bitters…..!

Posted on 20 February 2014 by Ferdinand Meyer V

OrangeBittersArt

What?…more Orange Bitters…..!

by James Viguerie

20 February 2014

I think Orange bitters must have been one of the most common varieties produced. I took a look and tried to find the oldest brand of Orange bitters I could. Most of what I found made reference in general to Orange bitters. However, a few, referenced specific manufacturers. More research is needed. Some high lights:

The “1862 How to Mix Drinks” has an interesting advertisement on page 245 for Pierre Lacour’s book on how to make various liquors including bitters. I wonder if he had any connection to Louis Lacour of San Francisco and his bitters (L3 in Bitters Bottles)?

An 1862 book about Benjamin Franklin has a reference to him being offered “Amontillado and a teaspoonful of Orange Bitters”.

An 1862 Book “International exhibition” mentions several different types of Orange bitters.

The 1862 “Official Catalogue: Industrial department” lists some potential new bitters such as G. H. G. Trede Anti-cholera and Stomach Bitters, and G. Dupe, Nova Scotia – Cider and Bitters.

Here is my list of early mention of Orange bitters in books and some newspapers:

1764: An Essay on the More Common West-India Diseases; and the Remedies which that …

OrangeB1

Mention of Orange bitters in An Essay on the More Common West-India Diseases; and the Remedies which that Country Itself Produces. … By a Physician in the West-Indies, 1764

1824: Tariff, or, Rates of duties, payable after the 30th of June, 1824, on all … (Orange is only Bitters listed)

OrangeB_17percent

Orange Bitters Tariff – Tariff, or, Rates of duties, payable after the 30th of June, 1824, on all goods, wares, and merchandise, imported into the United States of America in American vessels, under the act passed May 22d, 1824 entitled”, 1824

1825: The art and practice of boxing; or, Scientific mode of attack and defence …

Mentions Hollands, Seville orange bitters – recommended for boxers?? (Orange is only Bitters listed)

SevilleOB

Seville Orange bitters: The art and practice of boxing; or, Scientific mode of attack and defence … displayed in an easy manner, under the superintendence of a celebrated pugilist, 1825

1837: The Shipmaster’s Assistant, and Commercial Digest: Containing Information …

(Orange is only the bitters listed)

OrangeBittersfree

Orange bitters…free – The Shipmaster’s Assistant, and Commercial Digest, 1837

1842: The New American Tariff; Passed 30th Aug., 1842, Alphabetically Arranged …

(Orange is the only Bitters listed)

Orangebittersditto

Orange Bitters: The New American Tariff; Passed 30th Aug., 1842

1859: Hawaii Newspaper – Polynesian – Cases of Orange Bitters arrived in Hawaii on the Sea Nymph.

SeaNymphOrange

Cases of Orange Bitters arrived in Hawaii on the Sea Nymph in Hawaiian Newspaper – Polynesian – 1859

CharltonWharf

Orange bitters and Sachem bitters (could it be?) mentioned – The Pacific Commercial Advertiser, November 10, 1859

1861: (Melbourne Australia) Catalogue of the Victorian Exhibition, 1861: with prefatory essays …

(Some Orange bitters were exhibited, One was by O. G. Dixon of Melbourne. Also James Dickson, and by Prevot and Co, also from Melbourne. )

SomeOrangeBittersmentioned

Mention of Orange Bitters by James Dixon and Prevot and Co., both from Melbourne – Catalogue of the Victorian Exhibition, 1861

1861: Corporation General and Trades Directory of Birmingham … and Wolverhampton

(Wadsworth and Co. Birmingham, England. manufacturers of Orange Bitters)

WadsworthOrange

Wadsworth and Co. Birmingham, England. manufacturers of Orange Bitters – Corporation General and Trades Directory of Birmingham … and Wolverhampton, 1861

1862: How to Mix Drinks: Or, The Bon-vivant’s Companion, Containing Clear and …

(mentions English, Aromatic, Essence, Hamburg, Orange, Spanish, Stomach, Stoughton, Bogart’s, – Jerry Thomas [author, pic pg 3?] own Decanter Bitters, , ** page 245 is advertisement for Pierre Lacour’s book on how to make various liquors including bitters (see below).

PierreLacour

How to Mix Drinks: Page 245 is advertisement for Pierre Lacour’s book on how to make various liquors including orange bitters, 1862

1862: International exhibition, 1862. Refreshment departments. A catalogue of the …

Splendid Dutch Liqueurs – Orange Bitters, also French Orange Bitters (mentions these bitters: American, Vermouth, Cassis, Stoughton, Orange, Wine and O. ??? Bitters)

ForeignOBitters

Mentions Orange Bitters – International exhibition, 1862

MentionsFrenchOrangeBitters

Mentions French Orange Bitters – International exhibition, 1862

1862: Young Benjamin Franklin: Or, The Right Road Through Life by Henry Mayhew

Reference to an offer of Amontillado and a teaspoonful of Orange Bitters to Ben Franklin.

YoungBenFranklin OrangeB

Reference to an offer of Amontillado and a teaspoonful of Orange Bitters to Ben Franklin – Young Benjamin Franklin: Or, The Right Road Through Life, 1862

1862: Official Catalogue: Industrial department

P. G. Dixon (Melbourne) is listed as selling Orange Bitters, also advertisement for P. Bicker Caarten & Co….selling Curacao, Anisette, Cherry Brandy, Stoughton and Orange Bitters.

Also listed as Catalan & Co. Venezuela – Bitters from Maracaibo. Syers, Braach & Co, Venezuela Angostura Bitters. Warurg & Co, Devonshire Angostura Bitters. G. H. G. Trede Anti-cholera and Stomach Bitters. DAVID Bitters – Orleans France. G. Dupe, Nova Scotia – Cider and Bitters.

DixonOB

P. G. Dixon (Melbourne) is listed as selling Orange Bitters – Official Catalogue: Industrial department, 1862

CuracaoOrange

Curacao and Orange Bitters – Official Catalogue: Industrial department, 1862

1863: The New Zealand Gold Finder and Gold Buyers ‘Ready Reckoner, Etc. by Joseph Mackay

Butement Bros, Dunedin (New Zealand?) list an Orange Bitters in an advertisement (Orange is only Bitters listed)

ButemanBrosOrangeBit

Butement Bros, Dunedin (New Zealand?) list an Orange Bitters in an advertisement – The New Zealand Gold Finder and Gold Buyers ‘Ready Reckoner, Etc., 1863

1864: British & Foreign Spirits: Their History, Manufacture, Properties, Etc. (also mentions Wormwood Bitters)

“Prepared from dry Seville orange peel, caraway and coriander seeds, steeped in strong spirit until a strong tincture is produced. It is then slightly sweetened and made up in the usual manner. This bitters is often blended with Sherry, and sold with a good profit as Sherry Bitters. It I s a custom with some, especially commercial gentleman, to take a glass before dinner as a whet to the appetite.”

Orange&WormwoodBitters

Orange Bitters: “Prepared from dry Seville orange peel,… – British & Foreign Spirits: Their History, Manufacture, Properties, Etc. – 1864

1864: A History of American Manufactures from 1608 to 1860: Exhibiting the Origin …

(only has a mention of Orange Bitters in tariffs.)

OrangeBittersTariffs

Mention of Orange Bitters in tariffs – A History of American Manufactures from 1608 to 1860: Exhibiting the Origin, 1864

OrangeBittersSeriesArt

Rees’ Orange Tonica

Mamma’s Recipes for Keeping Papa Home – Herdrich’s Bitters

Grandfather’s Perfect Orange Bitters

Bernard’s Orange Bitters and a trip to Edinburgh, Scotland

Pale Orange Bitters and PJ Murray’s Ghost

De Kuyper’s Orange Bitters

Mack’s Orange Tonic Bitters – a sweet bitters from Orlando

California Aromatic Orange Bitters – San Francisco

Fine Aromatic Orange Stomach Bitters – Berry, Demoville & Co. – Nashville

Roped Squares – Baker’s Orange Grove Bitters

The Color Orange in Antique Bottles & Glass

More on the Color Orange in Antique Glass

Posted in Advertising, Ales & Ciders, Article Publications, Bitters, Cordial, History, Liqueurs, Liquor Merchant, Medicines & Cures, Tax Stamps | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Rees’ Orange Tonica – The Best Bitters in the World

Posted on 19 February 2014 by Ferdinand Meyer V

OrangeTonicaCardLabel

Rees’ Orange Tonica

The Best Bitters in the World 

OrangeBittersSeriesArtRisley Co. Sole Proprietors and Manufacturers – New York

PART OF THE ORANGE BITTERS SERIES

19 February 2014 (R•082519)

Apple-Touch-IconAWell, this is the last advertising trade card from authority Joe Gourd in the Orange bitters series. I thought that maybe this would be one of the more difficult bitters to identify but that is really not the case. All of the clues are on the front of the card and represented on the illustrated bottle label, including “Risley & Company”, “New York” and “151 Chamber Street”. The calendar on the reverse of the trade card, actually dates the product with “1882”.

Rees’ Orange Tonica, “The Best Bitters in the World”, was put out by Charles F. Risley & Co. in New York City. Charles was the son of nationally known druggist, Hubbell W. Risley. Their most successful product seemed the be THE PHILOTOKEN or FEMALES FRIEND which was a “cure for painful menstruation” (see label proof below).

HubbellProof

The Philotoken or Females Friend label proof from a woodcut signed by Hubbell W. Risley – Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division Washington, D.C.

The Risley name was huge in the drug world starting with Hubbell W. Risley who was born in New York City near Pearl Street and Cherry in 1807. At the ripe young age of 15, he worked at Ayer’s Drug Store in Bridgeport, Connecticut and by his 18th birthday was hired in Middletown, Connecticut by Haviland, Keyes & Co., Druggists, to go to Augusta, Georgia to represent the firm there.

Risley thrived in Augusta with the business now renamed, Haviland, Harral & Risley. They had four large drug houses including one in New York City, one in Augusta, one in Charleston and one in Mobile. For several years, the firm did the most drug business in the country.

ReesOrangeTonicafront

Rees’ Orange Tonica trade card front – Joe Gourd Collection

Around 1858, James Harrral and Hubbell Risley sold their southern branches and focused their business operations in New York City. Haviland retired and a new co-partnership was formed between Harral, Risley & Kitchen (William K. Kitchen). They operated two large stores at the corner of Reade and Church Streets where they conducted business for two or three years. When Kitchen retired, Charles F. Risley, James Harral, Jr. and Charles H. Thompson became members of the firm and continued business at 140 Chambers Street until about 187o when the business was dissolved and Charles F. Risley & Co. was formed. This is when Rees’ Orange Tonica first makes an appearance, with alcohol. The product had a long run and eventually ended up as a vegetable tonic, probably because of prohibition.

Rees’ Orange Tonica is also unlisted in Bitters Bottles and Bitters Bottles Supplement. Please make note that the word “Bitters” is only used in marketing phrases and advertising. I do not believe a bottle exists with the word ‘Bitters” on it.

The new listing in Bitters Bottles Supplement 2:

Trade card
R 29.3 REES’ ORANGE TONICA, The Best Bitters in the World. Illustration of round, lady’s leg bottle embossed Orange Tonica on shoulder. Label reading Rees’ Orange Tonica is Purely Vegetable. Neck label reading Caution, Only Genuine When Each Capsule Bears Our Signature, Risley & Co., Sole Proprietors and Manufacturers, New York. Risley & Co. 151 Chambers Street, New York. Presented By _, Reverse 1882 Calendar and Interest Table.
The bitters was put out by Charles F. Risley & Co. in New York City. Charles was the son of nationally known druggist, Hubbell W. Risley.
RisleysExtractBuchuBottle

Risley’s Extract Buchu New York bottle

Select Risley Timeline Events

1807: Hubbell W. Risley, born New York City.
abt 1822 – 1825: Risley works at Ayer’s Drug store for 3 years in Bridgeport, Connecticut.
abt 1825: In Middletown, Connecticut, Risley engaged by large drug firm there, Haviland Keyes & Co. to go to Augusta, Georgia to represent the firm there.
abt 1825 – 1855: Risley thrives in Augusta, Georgia with Haviland, Harral & Risley. They have four large drug houses, one in New York City, one in Augusta, one in Charleston and one in Mobile.
abt 1858: James Harrral and Hubbell Risley sell their southern branches and focus on New York City. Haviland retires and co-partnership formed between Harral, Risley & Kitchen (William K. Kitchen). Had two large stores at the corner of Reade and Church Streets. Did business for two or three years. When Kitchen retires, Charles F. Risley, James Harrall, Jr. and Charles H. Thompson become members of the firm and continued business at 140 Chambers Street until about 187o when the business is dissolved.
1865: Harral, Risley & Tompkins advertisement, 141 Chambers and 1 Hudson Streets, New York City
1867: Advertisement “Beauty, Health, Physical Comfort” use Philotoken (see bottle below), Sold by Druggists. Harral, Risley & Co. Wholesale Druggists, 141 Chamber Street, New York – National Freemason, 1867 also advertisements below from the Sacramento Daily Union

RisleysPhilotokenFaulkner

BeautyHealthPhysicalRisley

Advertisement “Beauty, Health, Physical Comfort” use Philotoken – National Freemason, 1867

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Risley’s Extract Buchu advertisement – Sacramento Daily Union, 28 August 1867

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The Philotoken or Females Friend advertisement, Harral, Risley & Co. – Sacramento Daily Union, 28 August 1867

1870: Charles F. Risley & Co. No. 64 Courtland Street.
1870: Book: Glass with Care from Risley & Co., 151 Chambers St., New York, Rees’ Orange Tonica … To Jobbers Only. – Risley & Co., 1870
1872: The advertisement below was run in the 1875 John F. Henry, Curran & Co.’s Catalogue. – HairRaisingStories.com Notice Morgan & Risley. There must have been other drug co-partnerships.
RISLEY_HC_1872Rees

Risley’s Preparations advertisement, 1875 John F. Henry, Curran & Co.’s Catalogue. Notice all of the Risley products.- HairRaisingStories.com

1880: “When ordering a cocktail, see that the bartender uses Rees’ Orange Tonica“ advertisement (see below) – The Sun (New York City, New York), September 05, 1880
WhenOrderingGetRees

When ordering a cocktail, see that the bartender uses Rees Orange Tonica – The Sun (New York City, New York), September 05, 1880

1882: Rees’ Orange Tonica trade card (post feature)
1911: Rees’ Orange Tonica 22.73 Alcohol per cent, Risley & Co., New York – Annual Report of the State Board of Health of Massachusetts, 1911
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Rees’ Orange Tonica trade card back – Joe Gourd Collection

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Hubbell W. Risley Obituary – New York Times, August 31, 1882

OrangeBittersSeriesArt

Mamma’s Recipes for Keeping Papa Home – Herdrich’s Bitters

Grandfather’s Perfect Orange Bitters

Bernard’s Orange Bitters and a trip to Edinburgh, Scotland

Pale Orange Bitters and PJ Murray’s Ghost

De Kuyper’s Orange Bitters

Mack’s Orange Tonic Bitters – a sweet bitters from Orlando

California Aromatic Orange Bitters – San Francisco

Fine Aromatic Orange Stomach Bitters – Berry, Demoville & Co. – Nashville

Roped Squares – Baker’s Orange Grove Bitters

The Color Orange in Antique Bottles & Glass

More on the Color Orange in Antique Glass

Posted in Advertising, Bitters, Druggist & Drugstore, Ephemera, History, Medicines & Cures, Remedy, Tonics, Trade Cards | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Mamma’s Recipes for Keeping Papa Home – Herdrich’s Bitters

Posted on 18 February 2014 by Ferdinand Meyer V

MamasRecipesHerdrich

OrangeBittersSeriesArtMamma’s Recipes for Keeping Papa Home – Herdrich’s Bitters 

PART OF THE ORANGE BITTERS SERIES

18 February 2014 R-062921

“Find out what drink is his favorite and supply him with the very thing that he goes to the club for…”

Mamma’s Recipes for Keeping Papa Home

Apple-Touch-IconAWe wrote about Grandfather’s Perfect Orange Bitters the other day. Now we will look at “Papa” and some of “Momma’s Herdrich’s” recipes for keeping men home. The Herdrich family was quite large as you will see and they were operating three saloons at once while producing and selling alcohol. I think the men were busy most of the time with their businesses and spent their ‘free’ time hunting, fishing, drinking, and playing the tuba. Things German men do. The ‘mammas’ definitely needed to supply the papa’s with something as the menu book says.

We will be looking specifically at four bitters, three unlisted, from Chicago and represented by Frederick Harry Herdrich, importer from Germany. Within the “Recipe Book”, various spirits were advertised, such as Orange Tonic, Old ye Whiskey, Tippecanoe Kentucky Whiskey, Burgundy Wine Bitters, Holland Herb Bitters, Maryland Peach Brandy, and more. Unfortunately, only the cover is available online with descriptions of what is within.

What prompted this post was yet another very odd trade card from the Joe Gourd collection. Joe, himself lives in the Chicago area. The folding card is pictured below and notes the following bitters:

Here is to you Health

Herdrich’s Holland Herb Bitters – Cleans the Blood, Invigorates and Tones up the system. | Unlisted

Herdrich’s Alpenkrauter Magenstarkender Bitters – Will make the Bowels move. *I believe this might be H 97.5 L … Herdrich’s Alpine Pure Herb Bitters, Fred H. Herdrich, 127 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, 3 1/2″, Square, Amber, LTC, Tooled Lip in Carlyn Ring and Bill Ham’s Bitters Bottles Supplement.

Herdrich’s Orange Tonic Bitters  – Gives appetite and new life and strength to the body. *F. H. HERDRICH’S / ORANGE TONIC / CHICAGO, Amber, square, 9 ¼” tall referenced in HistoricBottles.com | Unlisted

Herdrich’s Burgundy Wine Bitters – Makes new Blood and Invigorates the system. | Unlisted

Joe Gourd Trade Card

HerdrichsOrangeTonicBittersTCoutside

Frederick Herdrich Family Gatherings

This has to be the only advertising trade card where the family is pictured both at a meal table setting and gathered outside. Frederick Henry Herdrich was a proud German and a true family man. In the trade card picture above and below, Frederick is most likely seated with close family members like his father Landolin Herdrich, and mother Barbara Weber Herdrich. His many brothers and sisters could have been there such as Charles, Anton, Josephine, Bertha, Landolin W., Heinrich, and Stella. Some of the others pictured might be children, such as Ophella E., Harry Frederick, Martha R., and Frederick C. Herdrich. His first wife, Anna Boos Hendrich may be missing and children from his second marriage may be present. This includes Ruth L., Harold E., Margaret A., Alan, and Ralph Cooley Herdrich. His new young wife Stella Mae, may be featured on the exterior setting posing upfront with the little ones.

I bet the bottles on the tables are Herdrich products such as Herdrich’s Holland Herb Bitters, Herdrich’s Alpenkrauter Magenstarkender Bitters, Herdrich’s Orange Tonic Bitters and Herdrich’s Burgundy Wine Bitters. I wish I could enlarge and make out the labels.

HerdrichsOrangeTonicBittersinside

The exterior pose, presumably of the Herdrich family is a man’s picture. It looks like something that you might see within Field and Stream which was founded in 1895. Every male in the picture is holding something including, what I believe are shotguns, rifles, fly fishing rods, and a tuba! One of the stern women has a broom. The pretty lass in front might be Fredericks’s new, very young wife, Stella Mae. She was 28 and he was 55 at one point. I bet she knew how to keep ‘Papa’ home.

F&S1903

Looking at the illustration on the front of the card is interesting. You have to look close but you can see that there is three fly fisherman in a boat. Probably the three Herdrich saloon owners. One is holding up a bottle of bitters presenting it to an angry farmer with a pitchfork. Quite odd. I have enlarged and strengthened the art below.

EnlargedFlyfishingHerdrich

Another fun bitters to look at and learn about. Every bottle has a story. Here, I wonder why Frederich and Stella sold their new 10-room house and Chicago and why Stella went to Alabama. Did Fred go with her? He died in Chicago. Maybe the recipe didn’t work here.

Select Frederick H. Herdrich Listings

1856: Frederick H. Herdrich born 18 October 1856 in Baden, Germany, father Landolin Herdrich, mother Barbara Weber. Spouses Anna Boos and later Stella Mae Cooley.

1869: Immigration to United States.

1881: Established Herdrich brand in 1881.

1883 – 1884: Frederick H. Herdrich, liquor, 169 Chicago av – City of Chicago Directory

1884: F. H. Hedrich (Herdrich), three-story dwelling, 127 Chicago Ave, Cost $5,500 –American Architect and Architecture

1885: Frederick Herdrich marries Anna Boos on 30 June 1885. Children: Ophella E., Harry Frederick, Martha R. and Frederick C. Herdrich *He later marries a very young Stella Mae and has children: Ruth L., Harold E., Margaret A., Alan and Ralph Cooley Herdrich.

1886 – 1908: Wines & Liquors, F. H. Herdrich, 127 E. Chicago ave.  *also L. W. Herdrich & Bro. 169 Chicago av.- A. N. Marquis & Co.’s Handy Business Directory of Chicago & other City of Chicago Directories 

1897: House built for F. H. Herdrich (see below). This house later sold in 1914 after Herdrich retires in Alabama.

HerdrichHouseBuilt1897

House built for F. H. Herdrich – The Economist: A Weekly Financial, Commercial, and Real-estate Newspaper, 1897

1900: Frederick H. Herdrich, living Chicago, wife: Anna Boos Herdrich, children: Ophella, Harry, Martha, Frederick – 1900 United States Federal Census

1905 – 1908: Frederick H. Herdrich, saloon, 127 Chicago av – City of Chicago Directory

1905-1909: Harry A. Herdrich (Frederick’s son), saloon, 169 Chicago av – City of Chicago Directory

1905-1909: Landolin W. Herdrich (Frederick’s father), saloon, 48 Chicago av – City of Chicago Directory

1908: “Herdrich’s Bitters or Tonic should always be used when drinking whiskey” or Always use a little of Herdrich’s tonic or bitters, in your whiskey. – Antioch News, August 27, 1908 and August 20, 1908.

1909-1918: Frederick H. Herdrich, 348 W Chicago Ave – City of Chicago Directory

1914: Mr. & Mrs. Fred H. Herdrich – Chicago Blue Book *House put up for sale because they have moved to Alabama (see listing below)

HerdrichMovesAlabama15May1914

F. H. Herdrich puts Chicago house up for sale because he has moved to Fairhope, Alabama – Chicago Daily Tribune, 15 May 1914

1916: Mrs F. H. Herdrich (Stella Mae) dies in Alabama at only 36 years old.

1928: Frederick Herdrich died on 5 January, 1928 in DuPage, Illinois.

OrangeBittersSeriesArt

Grandfather’s Perfect Orange Bitters

Bernard’s Orange Bitters and a trip to Edinburgh, Scotland

Pale Orange Bitters and PJ Murray’s Ghost

De Kuyper’s Orange Bitters

Mack’s Orange Tonic Bitters – a sweet bitters from Orlando

California Aromatic Orange Bitters – San Francisco

Fine Aromatic Orange Stomach Bitters – Berry, Demoville & Co. – Nashville

Roped Squares – Baker’s Orange Grove Bitters

The Color Orange in Antique Bottles & Glass

More on the Color Orange in Antique Glass

Posted in Advertising, Bitters, History, Liquor Merchant, Medicines & Cures, Spirits, Tonics, Trade Cards, Wine & Champagne | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment