Re-posted from Rick Simi’s Western Bitters News
posted by Millers Extra
California Wine Bitters - Label Detail - courtesy Western Bitters News - Millers Extra
Here is what remains of a California Wine Bitters label. This broken wine type bottle was dug a few years ago, and provides some insight on this great bitters. It is apparent that Keller bottled the California Wine Bitters in plain bottles either prior to, or subsequent to the embossed version.
Notice how the embossed bottle mirrors the label almost exactly…the “chevron” insignia is also depicted in the same place on the label as on the embossed bottle.
This is a “chicken or the egg” question as to which came first. Any thoughts?
California Wine Bitters - Embossing Detail - courtesy Western Bitters News - Millers Extra
C 24 CALIFORNIA WINE BITTERS, Circa 1863
CALIFORNIA ( cu ) / WINE BITTERS ( cu ) motif geometric design /
M. KELLER / LOS ANGELES ( cu ) // c // // s // motif MK monogram in shield // c //
L…M. Keller’s Celebrated Los Angeles Wine Bitters
12 1/4 x 3 1/2 (7 1/4)
Round, ARM, Green and Aqua, Applied mouth, Very rare
Note: Made in 1863 only.
My bottle (pictured below) originally appeared for sale in the Elmer Smith collection and was a Ray Frederick bottle. It is also Ex: Robert Frank. One dug in a old mining camp near Desert Hills, Arizona, 35 miles from Apache Junction. Four specimens were found near New Hampshire. These must have had an Eastern Agent. St. Louis Directory 1871 McGrade Thomas dealer in California wines and brandies, sole agent for M. Keller’s Celebrated Los Angeles California Wine Bitters, wines, brandies and champagnes.
California Wine Bitters - Meyer Collection
