Roped Squares – Baker’s Orange Grove Bitters
15 November 2011 (R•020714 Copper Puce Example) (R•030714 – Labeled example added) (R•031215 Black Example)
Though not quite as ornate as the similar National Tonic Bitters or Russian Imperial Tonic Bitters, the Baker’s Orange Grove Bitters is a favorite with bitters collectors simply because of the name, strength of bottle design, mold variations and glass color variety. You will not find the stunning color range in the two (2) tonic bitters previously reviewed. There are also labeled examples which, if I am not mistaken, are not known in the two tonic bitters either.
The Carlyn Ring and W.C. Ham listing in Bitters Bottles is as follows:
B 9 BAKER’S ORANGE GROVE BITTERS, Circa 1865 – 1875
BAKER’S / ORANGE GROVE // f // BITTERS // f //
C. & J. F. Baker & Co. 107 Commercial St. Boston, Mass.
9 1/2 x 3 x (7)
Square, Amber, yellow and puce, LTC, Applied mouth, Roped corners, Common.
Many molds were made for this popular brand, including plated ones.
Label, Front: This is a pleasant tonic, the ingredients are recommended by physicians in their every day practice. Its combination stands ahead of the world as a bitters.
Reverse: Statement that this brand has been analogized and is “free from deleterious substances” by S. Dane Hays, State Assayer, Mass. dated February 15, 1869.
Boston Directory, Business Directory etc: Indicates John and James were merchants in 1810. By 1840 their firm included Joseph. Cyrus joined Joseph 9 years later. They were mentioned as grocers and provisioners. They are listed as C. & J. Baker & Co., Grocers until 1895 when they were called ship chandlers.
Baker’s Orange Grove Bitters in Golden Yellow – Meyer Collection
Baker’s Orange Grove Bitters in Puce – Meyer Collection
Baker’s Orange Grove Bitters in Citron – Meyer Collection
Baker’s Orange Grove Bitters in a copper puce varying to lighter tones in the shoulders, fantastic crudity throughout and sparkling clean in attic condition. – North American Glass Auction (now Meyer Collection)
Baker’s Orange Grove Bitters (color variations) – Meyer Collection
“BAKER’S / ORANGE GROVE – BITTERS”, (Ring/Ham, B-9), Massachusetts, ca. 1865 – 1875, black amethyst, 9 1/2”h, smooth base, applied tapered collar mouth. Fine example having crude wavy glass, and a very crooked applied mouth. For those of you who are putting together a color run of Baker’s, here’s a chance to add one in an unrecorded color. – Glass Works Auctions
Baker’s Orange Grove Bitters – Anonymous Collection
Labeled Baker’s Orange Grove Bitters – ebay
Top foil embossing on above labeled Baker’s Orange Grove Bitters – ebay
Read: Roped Squares – National Tonic Bitters
Read: Roped Squares – Russian Imperial Tonic 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
Great Bitters, the BAKER’S ORANGE GROVE. Many color variations, ornate, good availability and one doesn’t need to spend 5-figures…well maybe on the green one!