Rare Flask Stolen at Shupp’s Grove

Posted on 29 July 2013 by Ferdinand Meyer V

GII-126 | Double Eagle with Wreath

Ferd,

This past weekend at Shupp’s Grove, I had this flask stolen (GII-126 – Double Eagle with Wreath) off my table. The bottle was bought from Norm Heckler in 2006 after I was under bidder on it (Auction 81).

It was returned by the high bidder and I was able to buy it. In the 40 years I have been in bottles, this is the first time I have had a bottle stolen from me. The common thief clearly is not that smart as first being a thief is a terrible way to live. Second they stole a bottle that is rare and only about six know to be around. This bottle is different than all of those because it has a lip chip and cooling stress marks on one side. If offered for sale or shown to anyone it will be easy to spot. So hopefully they will realize how dumb a move they have made and send it back.

I am starting to spread the word and plan on doing so until most everyone in the hobby can watch out for the bottle. The photos I am forwarding were take at the show by Rick (Meech Burchfield) from antiquebottlehunter.com. I will also send you the photo that Norm used in the auction which shows the chip. They sent it to me today. Please post this on your site and the FOHBC site.

Thanks

Jim Bender
PO BOX 162
Sprakers, NY 12166

Flask from Heckler Auction 81

Posted in Bottle Shows, Collectors & Collections, Flasks, Historical Flasks, News | Tagged GII-126, Jim Bender, Shupp's Grove, stolen, theft | Leave a comment

Gerald and his labeled Missisquoi Bottle

Posted on 29 July 2013 by Ferdinand Meyer V

Gerald Dexter proudly holds his labeled Missiquoi Mineral Water bottle

When I get back after a big bottle show like the 2013 Manchester National, I have to sift through my mind and Iphone pictures as so many folks stop by my table with bottles they are excited about. Many want to share the bottle (possibly put up on Peachridge) or get more information. In this case I am honestly not so sure. I have posted some of my pictures from Gerald Dexter below which prompted an online search for Missisquoi Springs from Sheldon, Vermont. I want to be a little more educated as I have seen some of these embossed bottles in auctions.

Detail of fully labeled Missiquoi Mineral Water bottle – Gerald Dexter

There is also a bit of a coincidence here as I wrote earlier in the day on the Constitution Bitters that is in the form of a Gazebo. If you look at the label on Gerald’s bottle there is a Gazebo. Little things that fire you up.

People ask me about Peachridge all the time and thank me for the work. I tell them, even if there was no audience, I would still do this for myself. I know so little but learn a little more each day in a hobby I so dearly love.

Fully labeled Missiquoi Mineral Water bottle – Gerald Dexter

A neat old photograph of a photograph of Missisquoi Spring in Sheldon, Vermont – Gerald Dexter

A photograph of a photograph of shorter, labeled Missisquoi Spring bottles – Gerald Dexter

? What I found ?

First I wanted to find out what Missisquoi means and about Sheldon, Vermont. Wow, now we have Colonel Elisha Sheldon.

Sheldon, Vermont

“This is a good township of land, productive of wool, grain and other northern commodities. The River Missisco passes through the town, and Black Creek, a branch of that river, gives Sheldon ample water power. The village is a thriving place, both in its manufactures and trade . . . The settlement of Sheldon was commenced about the year 1790 by Colonel Elisha Sheldon, and Samuel B. Sheldon, emigrants from Salisbury, Connecticut. The settlement advanced with considerable rapidity, and the town was soon organized.”

Gazetteer of Vermont, Hayward, 1840.

Missisquoi

The Missisquoi derives its name from the Indian words Missi meaning much, and Kiscoo waterfowl, from the great number of cranes, herons and ducks, that frequented, and still frequent, this stream and its branches every season.

Mineral Springs

In Sheldon, the following are the principal mineral springs: “The Missisquoi,” 8 or 10 different springs within an area of half an acre; proprietor, C. Bainbridge SMITH, Esq., New York City. “The Sheldon;” proprietors, Sheldon Spring Co., S. S. F. CARLISLE, agent. “The Central;” proprietors, Green & Co. “The Vermont;” proprietors, SAXE & Co.

The analysis of the Missisquoi A spring, ( he only one much used) is given, so far as published already.

The ingredients are combined in the water forming: Sulphate of Potash, Carbonate of Magnesia, Chloride of Sodium, Carbonate of Lime, Sulphate of Soda, Carbonate of Ammonia, Silicate of Soda, Protoxide of Iron, Crenate of Soda, Silicic Acid, Carbonate of Soda, Crenic Acid, &c.

Of the “Central” analyzed by F. F. MAYER, a prominent chemist of New York City, the following is the statement of the properties contained as a bi-carbonate: sulphate of lime, carbonate of lime, carbonate of magnesia, carbonate of iron, carbonate of soda, carbonate of potassa; chloride of calcium, sillicic acid, allumnis and phosphoric acid, organic matter, carbonic acid, fluorine, manganese, baryta.

Of the “Vermont,” analyzed by Henry KRAFT, a distinguished chemist of New York, the properties so far as discovered, are: Chloride of sodium, chloride of calcium, carbonate of soda, carbonate of magnesia, carbonate of iron, carbonate of manganese, phosphoric acid, silicate of alumina, sulphate of lime, carbonic acid, organic matter. In the sediment of the spring are found: Silica, alumina, calcium, magnesia, manganese, peroxide of iron, protoxide of iron, chlorine, fluoric acid, sulphuric acid, hydrochloric acid. The phosphoric acid, present in the “Vermont” and also in the “Central” is claimed to be an element of special medicinal value.

Of these different springs, only the “Vermont” is new. This was discovered in 1867. The others have been known and used, more or less, for 50 years.

They are located, with the exception of the “Central” quite near the banks of the “Missisquoi river, and are included within a distance of about 3 miles. They lie mainly to the north of the village; the farthest being about 2 1/2 miles distant from it. The “Central” is in the village. In connection with the “Sheldon” there is an elegantly furnished bathing-house.

There are a number of other Mineral springs in different parts of the town, and in fact there is quite a strong impregnation of iron in very many of the springs and wells, in common family use, but none have been used medicinally, to any extent, except the above named. The water from each of these is bottled and sent to all parts of the country.

The shipments of the “Missisquoi” particularly, have been very large-amounting, in 1868, to 14,792 boxes of 24 qt. bottles each.

Of the “Vermont” during the months of August, September, October and November, 1888, there were 1650 cases of 24 quart bottles each.

The specialty claimed for the waters of these springs is as a remedy for cancer, scrofula and other diseases of the blood, and many of the cases of benefit are very remarkable.

In consequence of the celebrity which these springs have reached within the few years past, SHELDON has acquired considerable importance as a summer resort.

From History of the Town of Sheldon by Dr. H. B. WHITNEY.

Great advertising for Missisquoi Spring Water showing the Missiquoi Springs Hotel in Franklin County, Vermont

Very quickly I was led to a comprehensive article on Vermont Mineral Water bottles by Don Fritschel. This brought me up to speed pretty quickly. Read: Mineral Waters of the Green Mountain State. There was even a Missisquoi Springs Hotel.

A little more history at A Walking History of Middlebury by Glenn M. Andres

Missisquoi A Springs bottle from a past Heckler Auction.

Next I found a picture of a Missisquoi A Springs from a past Heckler auction. That’s it. This is where I have seen the big “A” on a bottle before, actually quite a few times at auctions and shows. I just never stopped and thought about it.

This was still in the top fill dirt, or ash I should say. An olive green quart MISSISQUOI MINERAL water. Man I was pumped! The ash was loaded with whole perfect large bottles, just stacked like pancakes. I couldn’t believe how many bottles were just crammed in on top of eachother without being damaged. – PrivyMaster.org

Next a Missisquoi A Springs that was dug pictured on PrivyMaster.org. Now I am reminded of a cool web site that I had forgotten about.

So now, the next time I see Gerald, I can at least carry on a decent conversation. I learn something new each day about our bottles.

Posted in Advice, Article Publications, Bottle Shows, Collectors & Collections, FOHBC News, History, Mineral Water, Questions, Water | Tagged Colonel Elisha Sheldon, Gerald Dexter, Missisco, Missisquoi, Missisquoi Spring, Samuel B. Sheldon, Sheldon, Vermont | Leave a comment

Bitters Spotting (and more) at Manchester

Posted on 29 July 2013 by Ferdinand Meyer V

Bitters Spotting at Manchester

FOHBC 2013 National Antique Bottle Show | Manchester, NH

29 July 2013

Whew, been cramming for the past 3 or so days trying to get the September | October issue of Bottles and Extras ready for the editorial board and then the printer. Tight deadline. You see, photo sorting, design layout, reviews, proofing, printing, more proofs and then the postal service all take time. Especially Uncle Sam.

I noted a few days ago that I would report on bitters bottles at Manchester. Though I could only see about 75% of the tables (that is another story), here are a few of the standouts. This will be a growing post as I filter through the news.

Carle Mampe Bitters from the Wicker Collection

First on the Bitters lineup was my pre-Manchester trip to see Frank Wicker in Indiana. I was in Fort Wayne for business and met Elizabeth in Cleveland. From there we flew to Manchester on Thursday, 25 July 2013. The highlight at Frank’s was looking at all his great Carl Mampe bottles. Read: Wicker Visit – Austin Healey’s and Elephants

Citron green figural Fish Bitters at Dealer set-up and Early Buyer. – Taylor Collection

My first breathtaker at the show occurred on Saturday, 26 July. The culprit was a citron Fish Bitters that Bill Taylor (Oregon) pulled out of his hat. He said he just picked it up as a person was delivering it to him. My quick Iphone pics do not do this justice. You know most citron colors seem more yellow. This is Citron Green. Killer and with the most pronounced embossing that I have seen in some time. Congratulations Bill.

I have a bottle that I would like to sell. It is the bitters with the words “Constitution”, “PUT UP BY B. M. & EAW & Co. NEW YORK. It is clear and like the one that is on your website that has a gazebo shape. Any ideas of it’s value?

Original Constitution Bitters email text I received on 11 September 2012

Ferdinand Meyer V holding the Constitution Bitters

Yours truly was finally able to bring home the extremely rare, aqua, Constitution Bitters. Read: Constitution Bitters – The oldest Figural Bitters? This example, the third known, was found in East Texas last year. Read: “I Heard it Through the Grapevine”. This could be the oldest figural bitters.

I was contacted early on about the bottle and inadvertently pushed the finder to American Bottle Auctions. Jeff sold the bottle during the evening of the Baltimore Antique Bottle show at some ungodly hour when the auction closed. I was zipped and missed the auction. Michael George, Manchester co-chair, snagged the bottle and well, now I have it. Kind of a full circle thing. The other two examples are in the collections of Sandor Fuss in Colorado and Dick Watson in New Jersey.

Jeff Burkhardt and I are having a healthy debate on whether this is a figural. He feels it is not as it is not a queen, pig, corn, or a cabin. He said a Gazebo is not an object I believe. He may have had me until he said cabin in his figural list. If a Drakes cabin is a figural, I feel a stylized gazebo should be too. Does it really matter? Probably not.

Moxie Bitters square that was sitting in the fantastic Moxie Bottle display by Dave Waris

Next on the line-up is the Moxie Bitters that was sitting in the fantastic Moxie Bottle display by Dave Waris. Read: Moxie Bitters – So What is Moxie? So simple but oh so extremely rare. It seems like there would be more of these squares.

Walters & Co. / Baltimore. This excellent photograph was taken at the Roberge table by Scott Selenak,

As you may have read, there were two Walters & Co. / Baltimore at the show. Clark and Evelyn Roberge had their stellar example and I had brought mine. It was fun to compare as these are extremely rare. I suspect this is a bitters bottle but that has not been proven. Read: William T. Walters and his Museum Bottle

Jack Hewitt was kind enough to stop by my table, stoop down and carefully unwrap his newest addition. The cobalt blue Duffy’s Crescent Saloon figural pig is extremely rare in this color with two known examples, the other being in the collection of Ralph Van Brocklin. This piece was fun to handle and sit on my table for a moment before he returned back to the sty. This was snagged on ebay recently by his brother. Read: Figural Pig Series | Duffy Crescent Saloon Figural Pig Bottle

Calamity with a Queen: A good friend of mine told me a story of a ‘mean ole dealer’ that embarrassed and shamed her for accidentally clinking a bottle on a crowded table. Let’s face it, it happens to all us on both sides of the table. She had gone in search of an Indian Queen as a gift to a friend. She apologized profusely only to have the dealer make a scene and insist she pay for the bottle. After no damage could be found by anyone, including a prominent auctioneer, the situation only diffused when she walked away. Shameful behavior.

Hopefully, those at the show saw these two beautiful Pineapple figural bitters from the Mitchell collection. One was handled while the second one had an expanded mouth. They both were entered in the Bottle Battle. I saw these examples outside Tampa once at their home. Read: Handled Pineapples Enjoyed in Sunny Florida.

T O B E C O N T I N U E D

BITTERS GALLEY

Posted in Bitters, Bottle Shows, Collectors & Collections, Figural Bottles, FOHBC News, News | Tagged Bill Taylor, Carle Mampe, Constitution Bitters, Duffy’s Crescent Saloon, Ferdinand Meyer V, Fish Bitters, Frank Wicker, Manchester, Moxie Bitters, Walters & Co. | 1 Comment

Moxie Bitters – So What is Moxie?

Posted on 26 July 2013 by Ferdinand Meyer V

Moxie Bitters – So What is Moxie?

I was pleasantly surprised to see an extremely rare, Moxie Bitters within the Moxie Bottles display by Dave Waris at the FOHBC 2013 National Antique Bottle Show in Manchester, New Hampshire this past weekend. A real treat for this bitters collector. The bottle stuck out like a sore thumb to me. So what is Moxie?

So what is Moxie?

The word moxie has become a slang term that means “courage, daring, or spirit.”

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

M 156 MOXIE BITTERS

MOXIE / BITTERS // f // f // f //
9 1/2 x 2 1/2 (6 1/2)
Square, Amber, LTC, Applied mouth, Extremely rare

What is Moxie?

Moxie is a carbonated beverage that was an early example of mass-produced soft drinks in the United States. It continues to be regionally popular today. Moxie’s flavor is unique, as it is not as sweet as most modern soft drinks and is described by some as “bitter.” Moxie is flavored with gentian root extract, an extremely bitter substance which was reputed to possess medicinal properties. Moxie is closely associated with the state of Maine and was designated the official soft drink of Maine on May 10, 2005. Its creator, Dr. Augustin Thompson, was born in Union, Maine, but Moxie was invented and first produced in Lowell, Massachusetts.

Moxie History

Moxie originated as a patent medicine called “Moxie Nerve Food,” which was created around 1876 by Dr. Augustin Thompson in Lowell, Massachusetts. Thompson claimed that it contained an extract from a rare, unnamed South American plant, which had supposedly been discovered by a friend of his, Lieutenant Moxie, who had used it as a panacea. Moxie, he claimed, was especially effective against “paralysis, softening of the brain, nervousness, and insomnia.”

After a few years, Thompson added soda water to the formula and changed the product’s name to “Beverage Moxie Nerve Food.” By 1884 he was selling Moxie both in bottles and in bulk as a soda fountain syrup. He marketed it as “a delicious blend of bitter and sweet, a drink to satisfy everyone’s taste.”

A lawsuit was filed in 1907 by the Moxie Nerve Food Company of New England against the Modox Company and others, alleging that they had copied the ingredients of Moxie and were using the name “Modox,” which closely resembled “Moxie,” and were infringing upon patents and trademarks. The suit was dismissed by the judge, who said the court could not protect the legitimate part of the plaintiff’s business in this case. In a later case in New York, the Moxie Nerve Food Company won a lawsuit against Modox, which subsequently went out of business.

President Calvin Coolidge was known to favor the drink, and Boston Red Sox slugger Ted Williams endorsed it on radio and in print. The company also marketed a beverage called “Ted’s Root Beer” in the early sixties. Author E. B. White once claimed that “Moxie contains gentian root, which is the path to the good life.” Currently, one of the ingredients of Moxie is “Gentian Root Extractives” which may contribute to the drink’s unique flavor.

Moxie Bottle at Pine Island Park in Manchester, NH (Source: box vox)

The brand suffered a significant decline in sales during the 1930s, which is thought to have been caused by the company’s decision to expand its sugar reserves at the expense of its popular advertising campaign.

The Catawissa Bottling Company in Catawissa, Pennsylvania, is one of six bottlers in the United States that produce Moxie. Catawissa has produced it since 1945. Polar Beverages also bottles Moxie in Worcester, Massachusetts. [Wikipedia]

William T. Walters and his Museum Bottle

Posted on 25 July 2013 by Ferdinand Meyer V

Walters & Co. Baltimore bottle – Roberge Collection (photo by Scott Selenak at the FOHBC 2013 National Antique Bottle Show)

William T. Walters and his Museum Bottle

WALTERS & Co. BALTIMORE

25 July 2013 (R•081018) (R•081418)

I have this great, 6-sided bottle I picked up from Michael George back in 2010 at the Baltimore Bottle Show embossed with “BALTIMORE” and “WALTERS & CO.” It doesn’t have the word “BITTERS” on it but I have a feeling it might have been? The bottle is oddly shaped and reminds me of my similar Wheeler’s Berlin Bitters that is pictured below. This bottle also has the word “Baltimore” embossed on a panel. Maybe the Walters and Wheelers were both produced at the Baltimore Glass Works? All we need to do now is find a labeled example.

Anyway, an example of the Walters showed up at the FOHBC 2013 National Antique Bottle Show in Manchester, New Hampshire this past weekend on the sales table of Evelyn and Clark Roberge. I also had my example with me. It was fun to compare both bottles and to do a little research on the name. I had heard that the name “Walters” was associated with the The Walters Art Museum in Baltimore. How can that be?

My thanks goes to Evelyn for allowing me to use their bottle pictures and the illustration image of the Walters & Co. building.

William T. Walters in 1883 by French artist Léon Bonnat.

William Thompson Walters

William Thompson Walters was born on 23 May 1819 in the small mining town of Liverpool, Pennsylvania. The first of eight children, William was brought up with little education and little chance at commercial success. In search of a better life, William, at 21 years of age, moved to the economically booming center of Baltimore in 1841. He was educated as a civil engineer, worked as a grain merchant and in 1847 established himself in Baltimore as a liquor wholesaler. He eventually became interested in the coal and iron industry, and while in charge of a smelting establishment in Pennsylvania produced the first iron manufactured from mineral coal in the United States. His primary wealth came through investments in East Coast railroads. At age 26, he married Ellen Harper; together the couple had three children: William, Jr., who died in early childhood; Henry, born in 1848; and Jennie, born in 1853.

He was educated as a civil engineer, worked as a grain merchant and in 1847 established himself in Baltimore as a liquor wholesaler.

Stereoview card depicting the Baltimore County country home of William T. Walters and family

he and his wife started acquiring European works of art

Following the lead of other prosperous Baltimoreans, William moved his wife and children from the crowded downtown area to the fashionable, park-like setting of 65 Mount Vernon Place (now 5 West Mount Vernon Place). At the dawn of the Civil War, William, who had mixed loyalties, thought it best to take his family away from the United States. They arrived in Paris in the summer of 1861. During this time, he and his wife started acquiring European works of art. From artists, dealers and exhibitions throughout France, Switzerland, Italy and England, William and Ellen began building the collection that would become the Walters Art Gallery.

William and Henry Walters, the Reticent Collectors – By William R. Johnston

Sadly, tragedy struck the Walters family shortly after they arrived in Europe. While on a trip to London in November 1862, Ellen contracted pneumonia and died quickly, at the age of 40. William, perhaps to console himself, turned to collecting with even more vigor. At the end of the war, in 1865, he returned to Baltimore with his children. In the spring of 1874, in his first attempt to bring art to the public, William opened his house to visitors every Wednesday in April and May, charging a 50-cent admission fee, which he donated to the Baltimore Association for the Improvement in the Condition of the Poor. These openings became an annual event in 1878 and were eagerly anticipated by Baltimore’s residents.

Exterior and interior Walters Art Museum (formerly Walters Art Gallery) – Baltimore, Maryland

Henry Walters

When William died in 1894, he bequeathed his collection to his son. Henry Walters would not only follow in his father’s footsteps in business – investing and managing railroads – but would carry on the family interest in art as well. He greatly expanded the scope of acquisitions, including his astounding purchase of the contents of a palace in Rome that contained over 1,700 pieces. This acquisition added Roman and Etruscan antiquities, early Italian paintings, and Renaissance and Baroque works of art to his holdings. Although he spent little time in his native city, Henry continued the work his father had begun by opening his collection to the public. In 1900, he bought three houses on Charles Street adjoining a property he already owned. Henry had the site transformed into a palazzo-like building, which opened to the public in 1909. He died in 1931, bequeathing the building and its contents to the mayor and city council of Baltimore “for the benefit of the public. The Walters Art Gallery, now the Walters Art Museum, opened its doors for the first time as a public institution on November 3, 1934.

Reference and Read: The History of the Walters Art Museum

William T. Walters & Edwin Walters

Edwin Walters was born in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania in 1834 and was the son of Henry Walters. He received his education at schools in Harrisburg and came to Baltimore in 1848, where his brother William T. Walters had preceded him in the liquor business under the name Walters & Harvey.

In Baltimore, Edwin first was employed at the sugar-importing firm of Samuel Hurlburt on Bowly’s Wharf. In 1857 or so, Edwin Walters became a partner with his brother and the firm was now called W.T. Walters & Company (William T. Walters, Edwin Walters, Joshua P. McCay).

W. T. Walters & Co. Importers & Dealers in Liquors advertisement – Baltimore City Directory 1855/1856.

When the Civil War broke out, Edwin Walters went abroad due to his firm having been fiscal agents for the State of South Carolina. All three principals were under threat of arrest.

During the early part of 1864, Edwin Walters withdrew from the firm and purchased the Orient Distillery in Canton which is a neighborhood along Baltimore’s outer harbor in the southeastern section of the city, roughly two miles east of Baltimore’s downtown district. Canton being next to or near the neighborhoods of Patterson Park, Fells Point, Highlandtown, and Greektown.

Edwin Walters then purchased his brothers shares of W.T. Walters & Co. and continued business as Edwin Walters & Company. Mr. Walters died on 19 April 1897 in his apartment at Hotel Rennert.

The firm of Broderick & McRae, wholesale liquor dealers purchased the stock, good will, trade-marks and another appurtenances of Edwin Walters & Co. upon Mr. Walters death. They both had been previous employees of Walters & Co.

Lithograph stone used to produce labels for one of the E. Walters & Co. whiskey brands, Old Virginia Glades – Submitted by Chris Rowell

The Bottle

Walters & Co. Baltimore – Roberge Collection

The bottle specifications are as follows:

L…WALTERS & Co // sp // BALTIMORE // sp //
9 1/2 x 2 1/2 x 3 1/2 (6 1/2) 3 1/2
Two Short Panels and Two Large Panels
DLTC, Applied mouth, pontil mark, Extremely rare,
Olive green
Lettering reads reversed and shoulder to base

Meyer Example

Walters & Co. Baltimore bottle – Meyer Collection

Note Mike George received: Mike, I am not sure if the bottle was dug. I found this bottle in a little out of the way shop, about 1/2 mile off the main road in Franklin County, Virginia, known as the Moon Shine Capitol of the World. I went to see the lady about buying some old country store items she had told me about. When I got there she had not had time to get the items out of storage due to her mother getting sick that week. She did have an assortment of bottles set out and I went thru them and pick out what I thought were some interesting bottles.

I would have sold the Baltimore bottle for about $25 dollars the next day if someone had of asked me. It turned out to be my dumb luck on me buying the bottles, because if she had the items I went there to buy, I would not have looked at the bottles. Of the hundred or so bottles that were out, most of them were plain soda or unmarked bottles.

I also got about 1/2 dozen emails after the bottle was sold telling me that I had just sold a $10,000 dollar bottle. That may be so but that’s the way this business works, I was happy with what I got and I am sure that you are happy. The lady that sold me the bottle was the unlucky one. However I plan to go back and see her again. I intend to spend a good portion of the funds with her, so she will get some of it back. Thanks, Cecil

Embossed Walters & Co. Baltimore, 3-piece mold cylinder in a beautiful yellow amber – Thomas Johnson

Posted in Art & Architecture, Bitters, Bottle Shows, Collectors & Collections, History, Liquor Merchant, Museums, Spirits, Whiskey | Tagged Baltimore, Broderick & McRae, Canton, Clark, Edwin Walters, Evelyn, Henry Walters, Michael George, Orient Distillery, Roberge, Thomas Johnson, Walters, Walters & Co., Walters Art Gallery, Walters Art Museum, Wheeler's, William T. Walters, William Thompson Walters | Leave a comment

Spotted on the floor at the Manchester National

Posted on 24 July 2013 by Ferdinand Meyer V

Spotted on the floor at the Manchester National

I was walking my dogs from my studio today which is a block from Minute Maid Stadium where the Houston Astros play. They were having an afternoon game and trying hard to maintain their pace for another 100+ loss season. When I walked along the outfield concourse windows of the retractable roof stadium, as it is 100 degrees, I could hear them in a commercial break doing the “faces in the crowd” thing that is so fun to watch. You know, you always hope to see yourself or your kids on the big screen. Well, that was the idea behind this post. Standout glass and people at the FOHBC 2013 National Antique Bottle Show in Manchester, New Hampshire this past weekend.

I could hear them in a commercial break doing the “faces in the crowd” thing that is so fun to watch

All of these shots are vertical. The people have been converted to black and white images to create some harmony with all of the beautiful glass. These outstanding pictures were taken by Scott Selenak, FOHBC photographer.

F A C E S

David Landry, Andrew Vuono, Janine Burkhardt, Vince Martonis, Bob Currens, Val Berry, James Campiglia, Chuck Wingate, Maureen Crawford, Dennis Huey, Eric Correia, Bill Ham, A Eagle shirt (unknown), Ian Simmonds, John Pastor, Jon Vander Schouw, Nicholas Wrobleski, Jack Stecher

Posted in Bottle Shows, Club News, Collectors & Collections, FOHBC News, News, Photography | Tagged Andrew Vuono, Astros, Bill Ham, Bob Currens, Chuck Wingate, crowd, David Landry, Dennis Huey, Eric Correia, faces, fohbc, Houston, Ian Simmonds, Jack Stecher, James Campiglia, Janine Burkhardt, John Pastor, Jon Vander Schouw, Manchester, Maureen Crawford, Nicholas Wrobleski, photography, Scot Selenak, Val Berry, Vince Martonis | Leave a comment

What is it with that guy running?

Posted on 24 July 2013 by Ferdinand Meyer V

What is it with that guy running?

CLICK

Remember that guy running when the doors opened for the FOHBC 2012 Reno Expo? You can see him on the cover of the September | October 2012 issue of Bottles and Extras in the lower left corner. Well if you do not know, that is Alan Blakeman from the United Kingdom. Alan won the most prestigious FOHBC Hall of Fame award this year at the FOHBC 2013 National Antique Bottle Show in Manchester, New Hampshire. Last year, many of us wondered where and why Alan was running?

Was it excitement? Too much coffee? Did he leave his wallet on his sales table? Actually the reason is held in his hand.

Well guess what? The time lapse pictures are in from FOHBC photographer Scott Selenak and Alan is at it again. This time he is wearing an orange shirt, as if the cameras might miss him. I’ve posted a few pictures below…

Alan Blakeman

When Alan is not running, he his collecting and dealing bottles, running British Bottle Review magazine, BBR Auctions and rock climbing. I can not say enough nice things about this fellow.

See if you can spot three pictures of Alan at the FOHBC Manchester Banquet.

Posted in Bottle Shows, Bottles and Extras, FOHBC News, Humor - Lighter Side | Tagged Alan Blakeman, Expo, fohbc, Manchester, Reno, Running | 2 Comments

Manchester National Glass Gallery 2

Posted on 24 July 2013 by Ferdinand Meyer V

Amazing to see an empty show room floor prior to a show fill up with gorgeous glass. Notice the natural light window banks on the right.

FOHBC 2013 National Antique Bottle Show

Manchester, New Hampshire

24 July 2013

Scott Selenak (Los Angeles) is the official FOHBC photographer. We first were fortunate enough to have Scott photo-document the 2012 Reno Expo. Scott is wonderful to work with. He is creative, energetic and very personable. Each day Scott would download his files on my laptop so I could review.

We asked Scott to roam the show floor periodically and take pictures of glass that caught his eye. Not the most expensive, just a nice variety. These shots were his choice. I edited them down for the galleries. What amazes me is the variety. Something for everyone. From what I have heard so far, sales were strong and many people left with new additions for their collections.

Manchester National Glass Gallery 2

Visit Glass Gallery 1

Posted in Bottle Shows, Club News, Display, FOHBC News, News, Photography | Tagged Manchester, photography, Scott Selenak | Leave a comment

Manchester National Glass Gallery 1

Posted on 23 July 2013 by Ferdinand Meyer V

Scott Selenak (FOHBC Photographer) & Ferdinand Meyer V (FOHBC President)

FOHBC 2013 National Antique Bottle Show

Manchester, New Hampshire

23 July 2013

Manchester National Glass Gallery 1

Visit Glass Gallery 2

Posted in Club News, FOHBC News, News, Photography | Tagged Ferdinand Meyer V, fohbc, Manchester, national, New Hampshire, photography, Scott Selenak, show | Leave a comment

Manchester Display Photo Gallery

Posted on 23 July 2013 by Ferdinand Meyer V

More pictures from the FOHBC 2013 National Antique Bottle Show in Manchester, New Hampshire. Display awards were announced this past Sunday afternoon near the conclusion of the show.

Congratulations are in order to Michael George and his Stoddard Glass Factory exhibit which won the “People’s Favorite Award”. This fantastic display anchored one of the three rooms used for the exhibitors and their material.

The second award was won by Ken Previtali and his incredible, jaw dropping, Ginger Ale Display. This exhibit won the prestigous “Most Educational Award”.

Look for more coverage of the other wonderful displays, an article in Bottles and Extras and videos of the displayers and their displays by Alan DeMaison.