The Triangular O.H.P. Rose’s Peruvian King Bitters

Taylor McBurney from South Kingstown, Rhode Island posted on the Bottle Collectors Facebook Page: Dug a neat farm dump today. Someone had hit it before me, but I found a nice pharmacy bottle they missed. A lot of criers there, including an OHP Rose triangular bitters, a St. Drake’s cabin bitters, and an Udolfo Wolfes.

Dana Charlton-Zarro (New York City) followed up with the question “What is an OHP Rose?”

What a perfect time to start a new series on triangular bitters. This particular example of an O.H.P. Rose (pictured below) that I possess was purchased from Jim Scharnagel (Gainesville, Georgia) at the Baltimore Antique Bottle Show in March 2010. He had it sitting under his table for me. His table is usually right behind mine. Thanks Jim!

Though not embossed with the word ‘bitters’, the OHP Rose’s is a great form and an exciting bottle! A little research and a prompt from Taylor led me to the really well done The Little Rhody Bottle Club web site and an extraordinary example of an O.H.P. Roses Bitters with striations. David Gates, noted on Facebook, “That’s the one. How often do you see striations like that”. That gem came out of a dump that he found first. Unfortunately he wasn’t the one who found the treasure according to David.

David further writes on the Peachridge Facebook link for the Roses: Ferd, Thank you for providing that great information on the O.H.P. Rose. Steven James Anderson aka “Scratcher” is the owner of that little gem with the wild striations. He and I will be attending the Little Rhody Bottle Show on January 8th. He often tells the story of the unearthing of that little gem. I look forward to hearing it again. Enjoy!

Hmmm….really need more info and would like to see that baby! (see pictures of striated Rose’s below)

O.H.P. Rose's Peruvian King Bitters - Meyer Collection

O. H. P. ROSE’S PERUVIAN KING BITTERS, Circa 1870’s
L…O.H.P. Rose’s Great Peruvian King Bitters
// s // O.H.P. ROSE / E.G.R.I // O.H.P. ROSE // PAT’D JUNE 21 ‘70 // variant // s // f // PAT-D JUNE 21 ’76 // O.H.P. ROSE //
10 1/2 x 3 3/4 x 3 1/4 (7 1/4) 1/2
Triangular, Amber, LTC, Applied mouth

Label: These Bitters are put in just enough west India Rum to preserve them in all climates. Contents: Dandelion, Narrow Dock Root, Gentian, Peruvian Bark, Wild Cherry, Wintergreen, Clove Buds, Anise Seed, Coriander,Cascarilla Bark, Caraway, Cinchona, Orange, Jesuit Powder Cinchona, Snake Root, Lavender Flowers, Sarsaparilla. Design patent applied for June 21, 1870 by Oliver H.P. Rose of East Greenwich in the County of Kent and the State of Rhode Island.

Antique Bottles of Rhode Island - The Little Rhody Bottle Club

OHP Rose Amber Example - Antique Bottles of Rhode Island

OHP Rose Swirled Example - Antique Bottles of Rhode Island

OHP Rose's Peruvian King Bitters - Antique Bottles of Rhode Island

O.H.P. Rose's Bitters - Shoulder Detail - Meyer Collection

O.H.P. Rose's Bitters - Panel Detail - Meyer Collection

O.H.P. Rose's Bitters - Shoulder Detail - Meyer Collection

About Ferdinand Meyer V

Ferdinand Meyer V, FOHBC Second Vice President, is a native of Baltimore, Maryland and has a BFA in Fine Art and Graphic Design from the Kansas City Art Institute and School of Design. Ferdinand is now a Principal of FMG Design, which is nationally recognized design consultation firm. Ferdinand is a passionate collector of American Historical Glass specializing in Bitters bottles, color runs and related classic figural bottles. Ferdinand is married to Elizabeth Jane Meyer and lives in Houston, Texas with their daughter and three wonderful grandchildren. The Meyer’s are also very involved in Quarter Horses, Antiques and early United States Postage Stamps.
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2 Responses to The Triangular O.H.P. Rose’s Peruvian King Bitters

  1. Froggy says:

    The Rose is a great looking mold! Who owns the striated yellow example?

  2. Jeff…it is noted in the post above.

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