Now Two Tally-Ho Bitters

Posted on 22 June 2017 by Ferdinand Meyer V

Now Two Tally-ho Bitters

Dr. Dimock’s Tally-Ho Bitters (Buffalo, New York) & Tally-Ho Bitters by John Caracopulo (Natchez, Mississippi)

22 June 2017

While searching some old Mississippi newspapers for evidence of the Mississippi Valley Bitters I came across a Tally-Ho Bitters from Natchez that is apparently unlisted. Bill Ham might want to pick this up and provide a designation for Bitters Bottles Supplement 2.

The phrase tally-ho is a largely a British phrase, which originated from the activity of foxhunting, and other forms of hunting with hounds, shouted when a rider or follower sees the fox. Today the term has evolved to have other meanings, most of which relate to ‘pointing out’ or ‘spotting’ a ‘target’. For example, it is sometimes used as slang in air traffic control to verify a radar contact has been visually confirmed. [Wikipedia]

I am aware of the rare Dr. Dimock’s Tally-Ho Bitters and actually have one in my collection from the John Feldmann Collection. It has a sticker for Cincinnati, Ohio, August 7th, 1999 on the base and is probably from the FOHBC National auction that year. It is listed as:

D 76  DR. DIMOCK’S // TALLY-HO / BITTERS // BUFFALO, N.Y. // f //
8 1/2 x 2 1/2 (6 3/8)
Square, Amber, NSC, Applied mouth, Rare

Dr. Dimock’s Tally-Ho Bitters, Buffalo, New York – Meyer Collection

Dr. Dimock’s Tally-Ho Bitters, Buffalo, New York – Meyer Collection

The New York Dr. Dimock’s Tally-Ho bitters was put out by Dr. Henry Solomon Dimock. An 1867 directory listing noted him as an eclectic physician and proprietor of patent medicines.

He also put out Dr. Dimock’s Compound Tamarac Bitters. This example above is from Greg Price.

D 75.5 f // DR. DIMOCK’S // COMPOUND / TAMARAC BITTERS // BUFFALO, N.Y. //
8 1/2 x 2 1/2 (6 3/8)
Rectangular, Amber, LTC, Extremely Rare

Here is some interesting copy published in The New York Times on January 7, 1886.

Elmira, NY, Jan 6. – Dr. Henry S. Dimock, for several years a physician at Grove Springs, a fashionable Summer resort on Keuka Lake, who for some time has been the medical adviser at Crystal Springs, and who will be remembered by many people of New-York, as well as those of Western cities, has become violently insane, and this evening was taken to Willard Asylum. On the 20th of last month he lost all his books and instruments by the burning of the hotel at Crystal Springs, and the loss so preyed on his mind that last Sunday night he stole a horse and carriage from Benson Smith, of Crystal Springs, and drove the animal to Penn Yan. He told the people that he was a Pinkerton detective and was after the man who set the hotel on fire. He insisted on making a clothier open his store and sell him a suit of clothes, and after putting them on refused to pay for them or take them off. He was persuaded to disrobe, however, and then ran through the streets. He is 53 years old, and has a wife. His condition is thought to be beyond recovery.

This new Tally-Ho Bitters is apparently from John Caracopulo in Natchez, Mississippi. The bitters was represented by the primary agent P. Caporal at 89 & 90 Old Levee in New Orleans, Louisiana. His bitters were marketed as “The Genuine Grecian” and a “Wide-Awake Cock-Tail”. I can only find reference in newspaper listings in 1859 in The Times Picayune.

The new listing for the forthcoming Bitters Bottles Supplement 2:

Newspaper advertisement
T 3.3 TALLY-HO BITTERS, John Caracopulo, Natchez, Mississippi, Bitters marketed as “The Genuine Grecian” and a “Wide-Awake Cock-Tail”
The Times Picayune, Tuesday, July 17, 1855

Tally-Ho Bitters advertisement – The Times Picayune, Tuesday, July 17, 1855

Tally-Ho Bitters advertisement – The Times Picayune, Tuesday, July 17, 1855

Select Listings:

1832: Henry S. Dimock Birth: 1832, Death: 1889
1860: J B Caracopulo, Coffee House, Age: 47, Birth Year: abt 1813, Birth Place: Portugal, Home in 1860: New Orleans Ward 11, Orleans, Louisiana – 1860 United States Federal Census
1861: John Caracopulo, c.h. Jackson c Rousseau – New Orleans, Louisiana City Directory 
1867: Henry S. Dimock, eclectic physician and proprietor of patent medicines – Gazetteer and Business Directory of Ontario County, NY, 1867-68
1871: Dr. H.S. Dimock consulting hours – Buffalo Evening Post, Wednesday, December 6, 1871

1874: Dr. H.S. Dimock, physician and surgeon, over 131 East Main, residence 88 East Avenue – Lockport NY City Directory
1876: Henry S. Dimock, M.D., firm of McMichael & Dimock, 86 Niagara – Buffalo NY City Directory
1878: Henry S. Dimock, M.D., 63 Niagara, h 125 Franklin – Buffalo NY City Directory
1878: Drs. Brown & Dimock – The Buffalo Commercial, Thursday, July 18, 1878

1880: Henry S. Dimock, M.D. (Brown & Dimock), 162 Pearl – Buffalo NY City Directory
1880: Dissolution of Brown & Dimock – The Buffalo Commercial, Thursday, July 29, 1880

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

Mississippi Valley Bitters or Yazoo Valley Bitters?

Posted on 17 June 2017 by Ferdinand Meyer V

Mississippi Valley Bitters or Yazoo Valley Bitters?

17 June 2017 (R•042419)

I found this bright yellow, 1867 St. Louis City Directory advertisement above listing a Mississippi Valley Bitters, Fish Bitters, Hostetter’s Bitters and Drake’s Bitters. I certainly know about the last three listings. The Mississippi Valley Bitters is new to me.

Could it be related to the Yazoo Valley Bitters that was made in Vicksburg, Mississippi by Fulton M. McRae?

Read: Some Extremely Rare Mississippi Bitters

Hardaway’s Mississippi Valley Bitters – Newton County Weekly Ledger, Thusday, March 4, 1875

A quick search tells us that this is not a St. Louis brand but a Vicksburg, Mississippi bottle after all. Ah-ha. There must be a connection though this ad refers the bitters as Hardaway’s Mississippi Valley Bitters and not Fulton M. McRae’s Yazoo Valley Bitters.

The new listing for the forthcoming Bitters Bottles Supplement 2:

Newspaper advertisement
H 27.5 HARDAWAY’S MISSISSIPPI VALLEY BITTERS, Hardaway & Co., Wholesale Druggists, Vicksburg, Mississippi
Newton Weekly Ledger (Newton, Mississippi), Thursday, March 4, 1875

Yazoo Valley Bitters, Fulton M. McCrae – Meyer Collection

Yazoo, Mississippi

Yazoo City was named after the Yazoo River, which, in turn was named by the French explorer Robert La Salle in 1682 as “Rivière des Yazous” in reference to the Yazoo tribe living near the river’s mouth. The community now known as Yazoo City was founded in 1824 with the name Hannan’s Bluff. It was later renamed Manchester, then changed to Yazoo City in 1841. Yazoo City became the county seat in 1849.

Yazoo City, Mississippi – Old Main Street

A little history from Wikipedia says that a yellow fever epidemic struck Yazoo City in 1853. During the American Civil War, a makeshift shipyard was established on the Yazoo River at Yazoo City after the Confederate loss of New Orleans. The shipyard was destroyed by Union forces in 1863, but the Confederates soon recovered Yazoo City. Union forces returned the following year and this time burned down almost the entire town.

Child laborer and manager in Yazoo City, Mississippi

Yazoo City was rebuilt, but yellow fever struck again and took more victims in 1878. On May 25, 1904, a fire destroyed much of central Yazoo City. According to a local legend, the fire was caused by a witch avenging her death. In reality, a boy playing with matches accidentally set a house ablaze. The fire quickly spread, and three-fourths of the town was destroyed, including most of the homes. It was stopped by a canal, which saved the new courthouse (built in 1872 to replace the one burned by the Union forces) and 10 antebellum homes nearby. The town took almost two years to recover.

Yazoo City juke joint

Benjamin. J. Hardaway

Benjamin J. Hardaway was born on 29 December 1824 in Virginia. He moved to Vicksburg, Mississippi and ran a successful drug business in Vicksburg from about 1846 to 1880 or so. Most of his local ads read Hardaway & White. In the late 1840s he was partnered as Hardaway & Johnston, Druggists. He switched to White as a partner in late 1848.

Hardaway & Johnston, Wholesale and Retail Dealers – Vicksburg Daily Whig, Thursday, June 17, 1847

Hardaway & Johnston – Vicksburg Weekly Sentinel, Wed, May 26, 1847

Hardaway & Johnston now Hardaway & White – Vicksburg Daily Whig, Saturday September 16, 1848

Hardaway & White advertisement – Vicksburg Tri Weekly Sentinel, Tuesday, October 16, 1849

Mortimer’s Bitter Cordial, Hardaway & White – Vicksburg Tri Weekly Sentinel, Tuesday, February 5, 1850

Hardaway & White, Chemists and Druggists, Vicksburg – Vicksburg Daily Whig, Thursday, April 19, 1860

Fulton M. McCrae

Fulton McRae was born in Vicksburg, Mississippi on January 6, 1850. His father and mother were from Virginia ad relocated their family south. Soon after the Civil War, he began his career as a clerk with the Hardaway Drug Company. Benjamin Hardaway put out the Mississippi Valley Bitters. In 1877 or so, McCrae left Hardaway’s and went into partnership with John Miles and occupied a drug store on Washington Street.

In 1878, the McCrae’s lived in Vicksburg when the yellow fever epidemic struck. On April 26, 1882, Fulton he married Nita Limerick in Rodney, Mississippi. This couple had one son, Fulton Limerick McRae. In 1882, McCrae bought out his parter Miles interests and then ran a successful drug store until 1893. During this period, he put out the Yazoo Valley Bitters which he most likely purchased the brand from Hardaway or simply competed, as so many did in those days without worry of copywrite infringement. After this, McCrae headed to New York City to work at a prominent drug house of A. H. Jones. He would later return to Vicksburg where he died in on 16 August 1906.

STOP THIEF! – Fulton M. McCrae – The Vicksburg Herald, Thursday, May 28, 1885.

Fulton M. McCrae death – The Vicksburg American, Friday, August 17, 1906

Select Listings:

1824: Benjamin J. Hardaway, Birth: Dec. 29, 1824, Death: Mar. 27, 1892
1850: Benj Hardaway, Druggist, Age: 27, Birth Year: abt 1823, Birthplace: Virginia, Home in 1850: Vicksburg, Warren, Mississippi – 1850 United States Federal Census
1850: Fulton M. McRae, Jan. 6, 1850 – Aug. 16, 1906 – Vicksburg, Mississippi tombstone database.
1860: Ben Hardaway, Druggist, Age: 36, Birth Year: abt 1824, Birth Place: Virginia, Home in 1860: Vicksburg, Warren, Mississippi, Ben Hardaway 36, Emily Hardaway 28 – 1860 United States Federal Census
1870: Fulton M. McRae, Clerk (father listed as a druggist), Age in 1870: 20, Birth Year abt 1850, Birthplace: Mississippi, Home in 1870: Vicksburg Ward 3, Warren, Mississippi, Household Members: I H McRae 50, John McCae 23, C S McRae 21, F M McRae 20 – 1870 United States Federal Census
1870: Benjamin Hardaway, Druggist, Age in 1870: 45, Birth Year: abt 1825, Birthplace: Virginia, Home in 1870: Vicksburg Ward 7, Warren, Mississippi, Household Members: B Hardway 45, E C Hardway 40 – 1870 United States Federal Census
1880: Ben Hardaway, Druggist, Age: 55, Birth Year: abt 1825, Birthplace: Virginia, Home in 1880: Vicksburg, Warren, Mississippi, Married, Spouse’s Name: Emily Hardaway (50), Father’s Birthplace: Virginia, Mother’s Birthplace: Virginia – 1880 United States Federal Census
1880: Fulton McRae, Druggist, Age: 26, Birth Year: abt 1854, Birthplace: Mississippi, Home in 1880: Vicksburg, Warren, Mississippi, Relation to Head of House: Son, Marital Status: Single, Father’s Birthplace: Virginia, Mother’s name: I. H. McRae, Mother’s Birthplace: Virginia, Household Members: I. H. McRae 60, John McRae 30, Collin McRae 29, Fulton Mcrae 26, Lucy Mcrae 24 – 1880 United States Federal Census
Posted in Advertising, Bitters, Druggist & Drugstore, History, Medicines & Cures | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Dr. Brunon’s Bitters – To Hotel Keepers, Restaurants, Druggists, Grocers and the Public

Posted on 15 June 2017 by Ferdinand Meyer V

Dr. Brunon’s Bitters

To Hotel Keepers, Restaurants, Druggists, Grocers and the Public

15 June 2017 (R•100919)

Dr. Brunon’s Bitters advertisement – The Ottawa Free Trader, Saturday, April 30, 1859

A simple post here for an 1859 bitters advertisement I found the other day in The Ottawa Free Trader. Dr. Brunon’s Bitters would cure just about anything out there. The bitters sold for 50 cents per bottle, $5 per dozen, $2.50 per gallon and you could get extra Bitters for bar-rooms, by the gallon or barrel at the low price of $1.25 per gallon. I wonder how they shipped the barrels?

The bitters is listed as B 239 in Bitters Bottles by Carlyn Ring and Bill Ham.

B 239 DR. BRUNON”S BITTERS K. Cruger, Sole Agent, New York City
New York Daily Times, June 15, 1858. Newspaper advertisement 1859: Eradicates all diseases of the blood, by the bottle or barrel. Newspaper advertisement 1863: One and a half columns of cures.

In Bitters Bottles Supplement 2 an advertising envelope is listed. This envelope is pictured at the top of this post and is from the Ben Swanson collection.

Advertising Envelope
B 239 DR. BRUNON’S BITTERS, K. Cruger 742 Broadway Sole Agent For New York, 1851 Washington three cent stamp canceled New York, date illegible.
See B 239 in Bitters Bottles

Dr. Felix Brunon, from Warsaw, Poland, was a physician, graduating from the University of Pennsylvania. He practiced in the Callowhill District of Philadelphia which has kind of gone away as it was bisected by I-95. His office was at Old York Road and Callowhill Street. Read: Hidden Philadelphia

Philadelphia Circus, 10th and Callowhill Streets. Somewhat nearby to Dr. Brunon but long forgotten too.

Here is a string of ads all centered around 1859 which was the year the bitters first appeared. Brunon’s remedies purportedly cured Dyspepsia, Debility, Biliousness, Liver Complaints, Diarrhea, Heartburn, Jaundice, Blood Diseases, Fever & Ague, Cholera and Summer Complaints, whatever that was.

His goop also cured “Secret Diseases” for Women and Irregularities of Menstruation. Other assertions stated that his bitters cured Syphilis, Gonorrhea, Gleet, Strictures, Affection of the Kidneys and Bladder etc. I find it rather amazing that it could not make a headache go away. I suppose you could chase it with Headache Bitters.

Dr. Brunon even says in some advertisements that he cured over 11,000 patients in 3 years! His bitters was represented by K. Cruger, who was the sole agent the United States. Cruger addressed at 742 Broadway in New York City.

I am not aware of any bottles in collections. Could have been a labeled bitters on an aqua bottle or embossed aqua is my guess. Where are they all?

Dr. Brunon – Treatment without Charge! Secret Diseases! – Public Ledger, Monday, February 2, 1857

Secret Diseases – Dr. Brunon – Public Ledger, Saturday, February 28, 1857

Dr. Brunon’s Bitters – The Portage Sentinel, Thursday, December 9, 1858

Dr.Brunon’s Bitters advertisement – 1859 Albany NY City Directory

Dr. Brunon’s Bitters – The Tennessean, Sunday, February 13, 1859

An Earnest Word to Young Men and Ladies advertisement – The Louisville Daily Courier, Tuesday, May 31, 1859

Dr. Brunon’s Bitters – The Louisville Daily Courier, Friday, July 8, 1859

Dr. Brunon’s Concentrated Remedies for Delicate Diseases advertisement – The Louisville Daily Courier, Friday, May 18, 1860

Select Listings:

1861-64: Felix Brunon, MD., 409 Callowhill (physician), 401 York ave, h 910 Randolph – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania City Directory

1865: Brunon, Felix, University of Pennsylvania Graduates, Saturday, March 11, 1865, Residence Warsaw, Poland

1866: Physicians, Felix Brunon,  401 N 12h – Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaCity Directory

1867-70: Felix Brunon, Physician, 107 Vine – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania City Directory

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

Barnett & Lion’s Southern Grey Jacket Stomach Bitters

Posted on 8 June 2017 by Ferdinand Meyer V

Barnett & Lion’s Southern Grey Jacket Stomach Bitters

08 June 2017 (R•022219)

Dale Mlasko recently posted pictures of a whittled and mint, red amber, Barnett & Lion’s (sometimes spelled incorrectly as Lyon) “Grey Jacket Bitters” bottle from a collection that was boxed up and unknown for decades. This labeled (not embossed) Southern stomach bitters, from New Orleans, was first produced in 1865. The bottle has a really cool embossed confederate soldier, hence you would assume, the name. The label probably had a color illustration of Johnny Reb. The bottle is extremely rare with probably only a handful secreted away in Southern collections. This bottle is very desirable and has so much going for it.

The advertisement below breaks away from Johnny Reb and says. “From the recipe of a well-known and celebrated GREY JACKET CHIEF.” Interesting. We know that there were at least three different Red Jacket Bitters out there named after Red Jacket (c. 1750–January 20, 1830). Red Jacket was a Seneca orator and chief of the Wolf clan, based in western New York.

Read: Red Jacket Bitters – Another Chicago ‘Indian’

Read: He had a new variety of bitters known as Red Jacket Bitters

Read: Lewis’ Red Jacket Bitters – New Haven, Connecticut

Barnett & Lion’s Southern Gray Jacket Stomach Bitters advertisement. – The Daily Clarion, Tuesday, Feb 27, 1866

There was even a Blue Jacket Bitters with marketing using a Union soldier. And to complicate things, there was even a Chief Blue Jacket or Weyapiersenwah (c. 1743 – 1810) who was a war chief of the Shawnee people, known for his militant defense of Shawnee lands in the Ohio Country.

Read: Kaufman’s Celebrated Blue Jacket Bitters – Indianapolis

Actually in New Orleans, there is another reference to Grey Jacket. The New Orleans Greys were a Military volunteer unit of two militia companies that totaled about 120 men that had formed in the city of that name for service in the Texas War of Independence. Their name came from the grey military fatigues they wore. Heck, I even found record of a schooner named Grey Jacket that sailed into New Orleans during the same time period. Lots of Grey Jacket references.

At the end of the day, it is probably a double entendre referring to Chief Gray Jacket for medicinal purposes and to the Confederate soldier who were the primary audience for the concoction. The problem here is that I do not know who Chief Grey Jacket was?

Now, let’s look at Dale’s pictures and say what we know. We are talking here about Manuel (Michael) Barnett and Hermann (also Herman) Lion who were from London and Hamburg, Germany respectively. They made their way to America and settled in New Orleans, Louisiana. Both were listed as Importers and Dealers in Foreign and Domestic Liquors, Wines, etc. at Nos. 81 & 83 Gravier Street. The bottle, advertising and directory listings are centered around 1866, one year after the conclusion of the American Civil War. Obviously this sparked their business model.

Some of their advertising states that they provided “BEAUTIFUL FRAMED CARDS FOR BAR-ROOMS, SALOONS, ETC.” with their product delivery. Easy bet that it was loaded with alcohol even though they said lots of veggies and herbs. Wouldn’t it be great to find a surviving card?

Unfortunately Barnett & Lion were sued by Udolpho Wolfe of Schnapps fame and their product didn’t last too long. Michael Barnett would also die in 1870 which has a tendency to halt a relationship. The following was recorded:

Received January 30th, 1867, and on the 31st day of the same month and year, served copy of the within writ of injunction personally on Michael Barnett of the firm of Barnett and Lion, who told me that although in said writ he was called Manuel Barnett, he accepted service of the same, because he knew he was the party intended to be served. Returned same day.–Sheriffs fees $1.00.

You are hereby enjoined and restrained, in the name of the State of Louisiana, and of the Fourth District of New Orleans. from preparing and selling, or offering to sell, any imitation of plaintiff’s (Udolpho Wolfe) gin, or any article with or under the name or title of “Wolfe’s Aromatic Schiedam Schnapps,” or “Aromatic Shiedam Schnapps,” or “Schiedam Schnapps,” or from using any imitation of said name, or making or selling any liquor bearing said trade-mark, or any imitation of said name on the label, the envelope, the bottle, or the box; and you are so enjoined until the further orders of this Court.

What is interesting here is that Michael Barnett’s wife was named Sophia Adelaide Wolfe. She was born in Richmond, Virginia, in 1831, and her father, Michael B. Wolfe, was born in the same city in 1809. Michael B. Wolfe settled at Yazoo City, Mississippi, in 1829, buying land there and developing an extensive plantation. I need to run this down.

Two vertical advertisements from The New Orleans Crescent. The left-most ad is dated 15 February 1866 and the right most is dated 25 February 1866. Note the spelling difference with Lyon and Lion. The bottles is embossed Lion’s. Odd that the street addresses are different unless they moved in that 10-day period.

Bitters to the Manor Born advertisement. – The New Orleans Crescent, Saturday September 1, 1866.

“BARNETT & LION’S” – (motif of a standing French soldier or possibly a Pirate) – “NEW ORLEANS, LA.”, (Ring/Ham, B-26L), Louisiana, ca. 1865 – 1875, dark amber, 9 1/2”h, smooth base, applied tapered collar mouth. A 1” wide by 3/4” deep ‘V’ shaped chip out of the lip has been repaired. Crude highly whittled glass with plenty of bubbles. Extremely rare, possibly less than five known examples! Acquired from Van Herbert in 1980. Sidney Genius Collection. – Glass Works Auctions | Auction #128

Left: Comparing the Dale Mlasko whittled and mint red amber Barnett & Lion’s labeled Gray Jacket Bitters and an Old Continental Whiskey in light yellow amber on the right. Both have embossed military figures.

Udolpho Wolfe vs. Barnett & Lion (cover). Filed in January 1869. – Earl Long Library, University of New Orleans

Udolpho Wolfe vs. Barnett & Lion (Page 4) – Earl Long Library, University of New Orleans

[from the History of New Orleans, Volume 3] Michael Barnett. Jr., was born in London in 1819. and in 1837 came to America. and at that time first established the family name in New Orleans. He left this city in 1850 and went out to California, being several months in the overland trip to San Francisco. He was in the coast metropolis about three years, and while there established the Great Western Distillery. When he came east he was accompanied by his wife and two children, and they made the journey down the coast by vessel to the Isthmus, crossed Panama on burros and thence by boat back to New Orleans, where Michael Barnett formed a partnership with Herman Lion and engaged in the wholesale liquor business for many years.

During the war between the states he was a member of the Home Guards. His death occurred in 1870.

The wife of this old time New Orleans merchant was Sophia Adelaide Wolfe. She was born in Richmond, Virginia, in 1831, and her father, Michael B. Wolfe, was born in the same city in 1809. Michael B. Wolfe settled at Yazoo City, Mississippi, in 1829, buying land there and developing an extensive plantation. When the war broke out he freed his slaves, and he died on the plantation in 1865. Michael Wolfe married Hettie Levy, who was born at Richmond in 1812 and died at New Orleans in 1882.

Select Listings:

1819: Michael Barnett. Jr., was born in London. – History of New Orleans
1824: Birth of Hermann Lion on Sep. 4, 1824 in Hamburg, Germany
1837: Michael Barnett came to America and first established the family name in New Orleans. – History of New Orleans
1850: Michael Barnett left New Orleans in 1850 and went out to California, being several months in the overland trip to San Francisco. He was in the coast metropolis about three years, and while there established the Great Western Distillery. – History of New Orleans
1860: Hermann Lion, 35, Jeweler, Birth Year: abt 1825, Birth Place: Hamburg, Home in 1860: New Orleans Ward 1, Orleans, Louisiana, Post Office: New Orleans, Household Members: Hermann Lion 35, Serena Lion 28, Flora Lion 6, Arthur Lion 5, Clarence Lion 3 – United States Federal Census
1866: BARNETT & LION (Manuel Barnett, Hermann Lion), Importers and Dealers in Foreign and Domestic Liquors, Wines, & c, Nos. 81 & 83 Gravier Street. – Gardner’s New Orleans Directory for 1866 – Including Jefferson City, Gretna, Carrollton, Algiers and McDonogh
1866: Barnett, Manuel (Barnett & Lion), 81 & 83 Gravier, d 229 Terpsichore Barnett Morris sr. d 124 Prytania Barnett Morris jr. d 122* Prytania Barnett Nathaniel (Kail & Barnett), 48 Chartres – Gardner’s New Orleans Directory for 1866 – Including Jefferson City, Gretna, Carrollton, Algiers and McDonogh
1869: Advertisement for Gray Jacket Bitters – The New Orleans Crescent, Saturday, March 13, 1869

1870: Herman Lion, 45, Liquor Merchant, Birth Year: abt 1825, Birthplace: Hamburg, Home in 1870: New Orleans Ward 1, Orleans, Louisiana, Post Office: NewOrleans. Household Members: Herman Lion 45, Sevena Lion 37, Arthur Lion 14, Clarence Lion 13, Fanny Lion 9, Emile Lion 4, Rosey Lion 2, Kate Whitehead 17, Cady Sabena 36 – United States Federal Census
1870: Death of Michael Barnett.
1887: Death of Herman Lion on Nov. 5, 1887 in New Orleans (see marker below)

Herman Lion tombstone.

Posted in Advertising, Bitters, Civil War, History, Liquor Merchant, Medicines & Cures, Spirits | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Daily Dose | April • June 2 0 1 7

Posted on 5 April 2017 by Ferdinand Meyer V

April • June  |  2 0 1 7

28 June 2017

Dingen’s Napolean Cocktail Bitters from Buffalo, New York. Figural banjo. Pretty darn cool. Working on thirty-six (36) rotational photos taken by Alan DeMaison when we both worked in Houston recently doing 3-D imaging for the FOHBC Virtual Museum project. The bitters gallery is planned to open first, followed by historical flasks. Read: Dingen’s Napolean Cocktail Bitters in a Lilac Amethystine

27 June 2017

Drool. National Bitters C.C. Jerome & Co. Detroit, A.C.-S.W. 1865 in rich amethyst from the Sandor P. Fuss collection. Unique, in spectacular condition and a coffin shape form. Working on thirty-six (36) rotational photos by Alan DeMaison taken by Alan when we both were in Denver recently doing 3-D imaging for the FOHBC Virtual Museum project. The bitters gallery is planned to open first, followed by historical flasks.

26 June 2017

Considered a Western bitters, a super cool and minty Lacour’s Sarsapariphere Bitters figural lighthouse. Working on thirty-six (36) rotational photos taken by Alan DeMaison when we both worked in Houston recently doing 3-D imaging for the FOHBC Virtual Museum project. The bitters gallery is planned to open first, followed by historical flasks. Read More: Lacour’s Bitters – “Heartbreakers” & “Tearjerkers”

25 June 2017

A nice McKeever’s Army Bitters with stacked cannon balls and drum in a nice amber coloration. Working on thirty-six (36) rotational photos taken by Alan DeMaison when we both worked in Houston recently doing 3-D imaging for the FOHBC Virtual Museum project. The bitters gallery is planned to open first, followed by historical flasks. Read: Cannon’s and McKeever’s Bitters – The Royal American Couple

Galvanic Bitters – The Weekly Mississippian, Friday, October 10, 1851

Reference to an unlisted Galvanic Bitters in The Weekly Mississippian, Friday, October 10, 1851. Reference to electrical current I suppose. Can not find much more information. This was in a Jackson, Mississippi paper. C.A. Moore represented the bitters. The new listing for the forthcoming Bitters Bottles Supplement 2:

Newspaper advertisement
G 3.3 GALVANIC BITTERS, C. A. Moore & Co. Druggists represented the bitters.
The Weekly Mississippian (Jackson, Mississippi), Friday, October 10, 1851

C.A. Moore & Co. – The Weekly Mississippian, Friday, August 12, 1853

24 June 2017

Barto’s Great Gun Bitters, Reading, PA. in a beautiful shaded apricot coloration from the Sandor P. Fuss collection. In spectacular condition and a unique form and color for this bitters bottle. Working on thirty-six (36) rotational photos by Alan DeMaison taken by Alan when we both were in Denver recently doing 3-D imaging for the FOHBC Virtual Museum project. The bitters gallery is planned to open first, followed by historical flasks.

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

23 June 2017

The incredible Old Homestead Wild Cherry Bitters in cobalt blue from the Sandor P. Fuss collection. Only example known in this color. Working on thirty-six (36) rotational photos by Alan DeMaison taken by Alan when we both were in Denver recently doing 3-D imaging for the FOHBC Virtual Museum project. The bitters gallery is planned to open first, followed by historical flasks.

Read: Log Cabin Series – Old Homestead Wild Cherry Bitters

22 June 2017

A deliciously wicked Wheeler’s Berlin Bitters Baltimore in yellow olive. Working on thirty-six (36) rotational photos taken by Alan DeMaison when we both worked in Houston recently doing 3-D imaging for the FOHBC Virtual Museum project. The bitters gallery is planned to open first, followed by historical flasks. Read More: Wheeler’s Berlin Bitters – Baltimore

21 June 2017

A remarkable Plow’s Sherry Bitters (figural grapes) in some super amber color variation. Working on thirty-six (36) rotational photos taken by Alan DeMaison when we both worked in Houston recently doing 3-D imaging for the FOHBC Virtual Museum project. The bitters gallery is planned to open first, followed by historical flasks.

20 June 2017

Evidence of an unlisted Tonic Wine Bitters by O. O. Woodman in Vicksburg, Mississippi from 1844. I always thought there might be this bitters out there. Never seen the bottle though. Could have been labeled. See updated post. Oliver O. Woodman’s Sarsaparilla – Vicksburg, Mississippi

The new listing for the forthcoming Bitters Bottles Supplement 2:

Newspaper advertisement
T 43.6 TONIC WINE BITTERS, Prepared and sold by O. O. Woodman (Oliver O. Woodman), Druggist, Vicksburg.
The Constitutionalist (Vicksburg, Mississippi), Saturday, July 13, 1844

The really cool Ta Tsing Bitters (aka The Chinaman) from Clarksburg, West Virginia. Working on thirty-six (36) rotational photos by Alan DeMaison taken by Alan when we both worked in Houston recently doing 3-D imaging for the FOHBC Virtual Museum project. The bitters gallery is planned to open first, followed by historical flasks. Read more about the The Great Chinese Remedy.

Read: Ta Tsing Bitters – The Great Chinese Remedy

19 June 2017

Ferdinand,

New photos of the Hutchinson’s Tonic Bitters.

#85 is just the colored ones with strong backlight. From left to right, yellow amber from recent AGG auction #18, amber, olive amber from AGG auction #13, pure olive green. #119 is the whole bunch.

Same colored ones flanked by a smooth base aqua on the left and an iron pontiled aqua one on the right.

Note different tops

Here is the story to go along with the yellow amber one. I have a bottle book from 1971 titled “1250 Bitters Bottles” by Ed Bartholomew. I am 99% certain that the yellow amber Tonic Bitters is the one pictured on page 182 as part of the author’s collection. It was a dug bottle, and in a black and white photo, but the top is unmistakable, since the “colored” ones almost always have a long tapered collar with no ring underneath. The only other colored example with a non-standard top has one of the bottom corners of the bottle missing. Also, the photo in the book shows a ring of glass under the lip that has a distinct up and down pattern to it visible on the “J.W. Hutchinson” panel. This is how I know this is the same bottle from the 1971 book.

I found and called Ed Bartholomew about 15 years ago. He was an elderly man, and he no longer remembered much or seemed to care what happened to his bottles. He had no idea where or when he sold the Hutchinson Tonic Bitters. That was the end of the search until I saw the auction photo. I immediately dug out the old book to verify my hunch.

Just another of one of those that I “had” to have.

Thanks,
Rod Vining

Read: J. W. Hutchinson’s Tonic Bitters – Mobile, Alabama

18 June 2017

Ferdinand, Coleman’s Antidyspeptic and Tonic Bitters in emerald green, olive green-black glass, and aqua. Emerald ones are iron and open pontiled, aqua is iron pontiled, black is smooth, probably had the pontil fire polished off. Thanks, Rod Vining

Read: Dr. A. W. Coleman’s Anti-Dyspeptic and Tonic Bitters

17 June 2017

Ferd here is a Bitters I have been seeking for 45 years. It finally has come home to this old Buckeye. Sheldon Baugh thinks there may only be two known. I would love to hear from others if they have one. As you can see this one is pristine condition. STAR ANCHOR BITTERS – PORTSMOUTH OHIO – W. L. B. JACK. Hope you can put it on face book. Best Regards, Gary Beatty

Read: Cap’n Jacks’ Star Anchor Bitters – Portsmouth, Ohio

16 June 2017

Travellers (sic) Bitters. Considered to be embossed with Robert E. Lee. Working on thirty-six (36) rotational photos by Alan DeMaison taken by Alan when we both worked in Houston recently doing 3-D imaging for the FOHBC Virtual Museum project. The bitters gallery is planned to open first, followed by historical flasks. Read: Travellers Bitters Travels from Baltimore to Carmel

14 June 2017

An extremely rare, and possibly unique in color Woodgate’s Plantation Bitters from the Sandor P. Fuss collection. Working on thirty-six (36) rotational photos by Alan DeMaison taken by Alan when we both were in Denver recently doing 3-D imaging for the FOHBC Virtual Museum project. The bitters gallery is planned to open first, followed by historical flasks. Read: The Mystery surrounding the Woodgate’s Plantation Bitters

Looks to be another unlisted bitters called Mississippi Valley Bitters. Will research this later today I hope. Put out by a guy named Hardaway in Mississippi. Read New Post.

13 June 2017

Looks to be an advertisement for an unlisted bitters. Marcus’ German Root Bitters, The McHenry Plaindealer, Wed, Nov. 30, 1881. Not the same as Dr. Marcus’ Universal Bitters from Philadelphia. The new listing for the forthcoming Bitters Bottles Supplement 2:

Newspaper advertisement
M 34.5  Marcus’ German Root Bitters, Manufactured by F. Marcus, Patentee, Woodstock, Illinois. Put up in Pint and Quart bottles.
The McHenry Plaindealer (McHenry, Illinois), Wednesday, November 30, 1881

12 June 2017

Harvey’s Prairie Bitters from Chicago. Bottle once thought tone from Indiana. Shades beautifully from deep old amber color base, shoulder and neck areas to a considerably lighter center and even lighter corners. Very crude with a number of seed bubbles and a pronounced body twist. Ex: Judge Blaske and Dr. Burton Spiller Collections. Pictured in ‘The Encyclopediaof collectibles’ page 141. Working on thirty-six (36) rotational photos by Alan DeMaison taken by Alan when we both worked in Houston recently doing 3-D imaging for the FOHBC Virtual Museum project. The bitters gallery is planned to open first, followed by historical flasks. Read more about the Harvey’s product. Not Brown – Old Amber “Harvey’s Prairie Bitters”

11 June 2017

A lady’s leg figural Bryant’s Stomach Bitters. Working on thirty-six (36) rotational photos by Alan DeMaison taken by Alan when we both worked in Houston recently doing 3-D imaging for the FOHBC Virtual Museum project. The bitters gallery is planned to open first, followed by historical flasks. Read more about the Bryant’s product.

10 June 2017

With only two known examples, Carey’s Grecian Bend Bitters from the Sandor P. Fuss collection. Basically the same mold as the Rohrer’s Expectoral Wild Cherry Tonic bitters. Working on thirty-six (36) rotational photos by Alan DeMaison taken by Alan when we both were in Denver recently doing 3-D imaging for the FOHBC Virtual Museum project. The bitters gallery is planned to open first, followed by historical flasks. Read: The Grecian Bend and Carey’s Grecian Bend Bitters

09 June 2017

With embossed cannons, cannon balls, crossed swords and a fort & flag, one of my favorite bitters, C 33 “CANNON’S DYSPEPTIC BITTERS”, Circa 1853 – 1880, Cannon’s Non-Alcoholic Bitters, The Great Dyspepsia Remedy, W. M. Cannon & Co., 925 LA. Ave. N.W. Washington D.C. Prepared only by the W. M. Cannon, Proprietary Medicine Company. Working on thirty-six (36) rotational photos by Alan DeMaison taken by Alan when we both worked in Houston recently doing 3-D imaging for the FOHBC Virtual Museum project. The bitters gallery is planned to open first, followed by historical flasks.

08 June 2017

One of the greenest Brown’s Celebrated Indian Herb Bitters out there (aka figural Indian Queen). Mouth roughness done during manufacture. Partial rolled lip. ex-Judge MacKenzie and Doy McCall bottle. Working on thirty-six (36) rotational photos by Alan DeMaison taken by Alan when we both worked in Houston recently doing 3-D imaging for the FOHBC Virtual Museum project. The bitters gallery is planned to open first, followed by historical flasks. Read More: Looking closer at the Brown’s Celebrated Indian Herb Bitters

07 June 2017

The incredible Old Homestead Wild Cherry Bitters in emerald green with threaded stopper from the Sandor P. Fuss collection. Working on thirty-six (36) rotational photos by Alan DeMaison taken by Alan when we both were in Denver recently doing 3-D imaging for the FOHBC Virtual Museum project. The bitters gallery is planned to open first, followed by historical flasks. Read: Log Cabin Series – Old Homestead Wild Cherry Bitters

06 June 2017

Left: Comparing the Dale Mlasko whittled and mint red amber Barnett & Lions (labeled Gray Jacket Bitters – New Orleans) (from a collection boxed up and unknown for decades) and an Old Continental Whiskey in light yellow amber on the right. Both have embossed military figures. Read: Old Continental Whiskey – One Spectacular Bottle

05 June 2017

Oh my, pizza pie. Look at this Killer color run of Sarracenia Life Bitters from Mobile, Alabama. From the Rod Vining collection. More: Sarracenia Life Bitters and the Triskelions

04 June 2017

One of my favorite bitters. Bakers Orange Grove Bitters from Boston, Massachusetts in an odd apricot color. Lots of character. Working on thirty-six (36) rotational photos by Alan DeMaison taken by Alan when we both worked in Houston recently doing 3-D imaging for the FOHBC Virtual Museum project. The bitters gallery is planned to open first, followed by historical flasks. Read: Roped Squares – Baker’s Orange Grove Bitters

01 June 2017

Dr. Bell’s Golden Tonic Bitters in great condition and a unique form for a bitters bottle. Ex Greer and Ham. Working on thirty-six (36) rotational photos by Alan DeMaison taken by Alan when we both worked in Houston recently doing 3-D imaging for the FOHBC Virtual Museum project. The bitters gallery is planned to open first, followed by historical flasks.

31 May 2017

Let’s close out the month with the spectacular Capital Bitters. Embossed “Capital Bitters Company, Washington, D.C.” in a dark amber from the Sandor P. Fuss collection. In super condition and a unique form for a bitters bottle. Working on thirty-six (36) rotational photos by Alan DeMaison taken by Alan when we both were in Denver recently doing 3-D imaging for the FOHBC Virtual Museum project. The bitters gallery is planned to open first, followed by historical flasks.

30 May 2017

Extraordinary Chickahominy Bitters in a dark puce from the Sandor P. Fuss collection. One of two examples that I am aware of, this being in spectacular condition. Working on thirty-six (36) rotational photos by Alan DeMaison taken by Alan when we both were in Denver a few weeks ago doing 3-D imaging for the FOHBC Virtual Museum project. The bitters gallery is planned to open first, followed by historical flasks.

29 May 2017

The popular and somewhat humorous figural Big Bill Best Bitters. Working on thirty-six (36) rotational photos by Alan DeMaison taken by Alan when he recently visited Houston doing 3-D imaging for the FOHBC Virtual Museum project. The bitters gallery will open first. Read: Big Bill Best Bitters

28 May 2017

60 years ago today. Time sure does fly when you’re having fun! Super nice and pretty darn rare St. Nicholas Stomach Bitters – Gentry & Otis – New, York from my collection. They come in two sizes. Working on thirty-six (36) rotational photos by Alan DeMaison taken by Alan when he visited Houston three or so weeks ago doing 3-D imaging for the FOHBC Virtual Museum project. The bitters gallery will be first. Read: St. Nicholas Stomach Bitters – Gentry & Otis – New, York

27 May 2017

Super nice and extremely rare Andrus & Palmer Sole Proprietors & Manufactures – Palmer’s Tonic Bitters in emerald green from the Sandor P. Fuss collection. One of three examples that I am aware of, this being in spectacular condition. Working on thirty-six (36) rotational photos by Alan DeMaison taken by Alan when we both were in Denver a few weeks ago doing 3-D imaging for the FOHBC Virtual Museum project.

26 May 2017

An extremely rare color of an American Life Bitters in yellow amber. Peter E. Iler manufacturer from Tiffin, Ohio. Working on thirty-six (36) rotational photos by Alan DeMaison taken by Alan when we both were in Denver a few weeks ago doing 3-D imaging for the FOHBC Virtual Museum project. Example from the Sandor P. Fuss collection. Read: Log Cabin Series – American Life Bitters

25 May 2017

Good morning, Ferd, The attached trade card is my latest acquisition. I see that you have written a very entertaining post on these unlisted bitters. Perhaps you would like to add this image to it? The name La Ree has special meaning to me. It is my wife Edith’s middle name. She is indeed “A beautiful woman that is loved by all”

Have a great day………….Joe (Gourd)

Read: Goodwin’s Laree Bitters – Baltimore

Zee famous blue fish bitters. Working on some image shadow clean-up. Thirty-six (36) rotational photos by Alan DeMaison when he was in Denver a few weeks ago doing 3-D imaging for the FOHBC Virtual Museum. Example from the Sandor P. Fuss collection.

24 May 2017

A beautiful amber Simon’s Centennial Bitters (figural bust of George Washington). Working on some image shadow clean-up. Very nice coloration. Thirty-six (36) rotational photos by Alan DeMaison when he was in Houston a few weeks ago doing 3-D imaging for the FOHBC Virtual Museum project. Read: Simon’s Centennial Bitters and the 4th of July

23 May 2017

Working on some image shadow clean-up on this really nice figural Horse Shoe Bitters (Horse Shoe Medicine Co.) from Collinsville, Illinois. Ex: Grapentine. Very nice coloration. Photos by Alan DeMaison when he was in Houston a few weeks ago doing 3-D imaging for the FOHBC Virtual Museum. Read: The wonderful Horse Shoe Bitters from Collinsville, Illinois

22 May 2017

Working on some image shadow clean-up on this super-fine W & C NY Pineapple Bitters from the Sandor P. Fuss collection. Only example in this color that I am aware of. Photo (1 of 36 rotations) by Alan DeMaison when we were out in Denver a few weeks ago doing 3-D imaging for the FOHBC Virtual Museum project. Read: Pineapple Bitters – The Different Variants

17 May 2017

Just luvs this extremely rare Dr. Cavalry’s Ague Bitters from Ottawa, Illinois that was recently dug., Was on eBay. Look at that small “s” they squeezed in for “Bitters”. Thanks to Bill Ham for the tip-off. Selling for $4,200.

Help Please: I am trying to find a bottle for a person that says, “Catawba Wine” on it. Does not have to say Bitters. If you have one call or email Gary Beatty  941.276.1546 or tropicalbreezes@verizon.net.

05 May 2017

Received these Lash’s Bitters images (fully labeled and with original contents) from a fellow up north. Found them when cleaning out an estate. Was wondering about rarity and value. Said the Smithsonian’s Natural Museum of American History had an example on their web site. Anyway, I told him it was a very late 1920s bottle that was more interesting than valuable. He was going to have his lab analyze the contents. Usually alcohol 18% (drug active ingredients).

Read: Lash’s Bitters | San Francisco – Chicago – New York

04 May 2017

Ferd – I just had someone send me a bunch of bottles and in them were these master inks. I guess they spent a lot of time making their product as visually inviting as possible. The Carter’s cathedral shaped inks we all see and collect is a good indicator of that. Anyway, I thought I would send you a picture as it dawned on me that the idea of collecting labeled master inks isn’t the worst thing a person could go after.

Best Regards,
Jeff (Wichmann)

19 April 2017

Cool ad posted by Lou Holis for Peckham’s Calisaya Tonic Bitters (formally Pendleton’s Tonic). I don’t believe there is a surviving bottle out there?

The new listing for the forthcoming Bitters Bottles Supplement 2:

Advertisement
P 35.3 PECKHAM’S CALISAYA TONIC BITTERS, Illustration Trade Mark bitters bottle rising from the sea. Established 1845, G. F. Peckham, Importer of Cognac Brandies, Wine, Gin, Etc. Agents for Choice Old Bourbon, Rye and Monongahela Whiskies, Sole Proprietors of Peckham’s Calisaya Tonic Bitters, Formerly Pendleton’s Tonic. Price per Case of One Dozen Bottles, $8.00, 412 Market Street, Between 4th and Broadway, St. Louis, Missouri.

17 April 2017

King B Bitters advertisement – August 1884

Looks to be reference to an unlisted “King B Bitters” put out by the Hall Brothers in San Francisco. Certainly am aware of those guys. The new listing for the forthcoming Bitters Bottles Supplement 2:

Newspaper Advertisement
K. 46.5  KING B. BITTERS, Hall Brothers (Successors to Hall, Drew & Co.), Proprietors, Laboratory, 324 Clay St, San Francisco
San Francisco Chronicle, Thursday, November 12 1885

King B Bitters advertisement – San Francisco Chronicle, Thu, Nov 12 1885

King B Bitters advertisement – San Francisco Chronicle, Thursday, Nov 19 1885.jpg

16 April 2017

Brad Seigler submits this image for Dr. Russell’s Pepsin Calisaya Bitters. Read: Augauer Bitters and the Gauer Family – Chicago

15 April 2017

Someone got a great deal on this one. Went to your Yerba Buena Bitters – A San Francisco Strap Flask page on your site. The picture was not there representing an aqua one. This was on the American Bottle Auctions For Sale page last year. – Lou Holis

All: There is a super yellow/green tone example on eBay now. Superb Colored Western Bitters- Yerba Buena

14 April 2017

Love this framed advertising piece for Dr. Miller’s Celebrated Root Bitters. W. D. Miller, Saint Paul, Minn. Posted by Steve Ketcham. The new listing for the forthcoming Bitters Bottles Supplement 2:

Framed Color Advertisement
M 88.5  DR. MILLER’s CELEBRATED ROOT BITTERS, Manufactured by W. D. Miller & Co., Number 10 Fourth Street, Saint Paul, Minn.

13 April 2017

Today a very nice Dr. Gregory’s Scotch Bitters advertising trade card submitted by Joe Gourd. I was able to pick up an example bottle at the recent Baltimore Antique Bottle Show this past March.

Read: Gregory’s Scotch Bitters – Minneapolis

12 April 2017

FRESHLY DUG BITTERS!

Ferdinand, I hope all is well with you.

Thought you might like to see the attached photos…dug this yesterday in Texas and have never seen this variation of the Home Bitters bottles (St. Louis, Missouri) before…dug plenty of (broken) examples of the amber squares but not this one. Haven’t washed it up yet. Not a very exciting bottle but pretty early…was digging a barrel privy (which was sadly empty) and this showed up in a small trash pit along one outside wall of the privy.

Best Regards, Brandon DeWolfe, P.E.
Houston, Texas

[PRG] Brandon, this is H 160 in Bitters Bottles. There are two sizes.

Read More: The Home Bitters – St. Louis

Read More: An unlisted Home Bitters?

Read More: Home Bitters Company | Prepared Black Berry Brandy

Read More: Another Home Bitters Variant

11 April 2017

Ferd,

Here are some more bitters dug in the same privy in North Dakota as The Mikado
Tonic. The “DOCTOR GREGORY SCOTCH BITTERS ” is G 113 in Bitters Bottles by Ring & Ham and is extremely rare. The “BERLINER MAGEN BITTERS” is B 86
rated scarce from Duluth MN. The N.W. Med. Co. Bitters (NORTH WEST MEDICINE
CO.) is from St. Paul MN. Listed as N 1-L, extremely rare. It would seem
this home owner in South Dakota traveled to Minnesota. I wonder if the Dr. Gregory
Bitters is from Minnesota? Best Regards,

Gary (Beatty)

Read: Gregory’s Scotch Bitters – Minneapolis

10 April 2017

Ferd,

Can you use these photos for Daily Dose or FaceBook? “THE MICADO TONIC”
is embossed on back side “JAPANESE REMEDY” it is definitely an American
bottle. It Is olive yellow. The name MICADO in Japanese is “Emperor or
Honorable Gate.” It was dug in N. Dakota and I cleaned it. I think it is
like other bitters with exotic names trying to capture the thought something
better. The Millville fruit jar I found in a junk shop. The clamp & rubber
look original to me.

Best Regards, Gary (Beatty)

05 April 2017

Crazy Recent Digging Finds. Look for an article in an upcoming issue of Bottles and Extras:

Sorry it has been so long since I have written a bottle digging article. We have been digging almost every weekend.

We have a three person Tri-State digging crew, since we have one person from Ohio, one from West Virginia, and I’m here in Pennsylvania. We have been hitting it hard the last year or so, with many cool and historic finds… Recently, we have dug some pretty great bottles and thought it may make a nice additional to the New Finds column.

In about a 30-day period (31 to be exact), we dug a Rough and Ready Zachary Taylor Quart flask, then followed that up with a colored pint Louisville double eagle, then a couple weeks ago we dug a quart green scroll flask… all in excellent condition! I can’t believe that the quart flasks were not damaged, as all these flasks were at the bottom of 8 to 10 footers. 

Lots of bad holes in between and seems like most of the holes we dig (when there is a good bottle) only have one good bottle… but we will take it! Hard work and perseverance pays off for sure!

I’ve attached pictures of these finds… I’ll make sure to follow up soon with some bottle digging articles! 

Thanks,
Jeff Mihalik

04 April 2017

The May June 2017 issue of BOTTLES and EXTRAS is at the printer! Looks who has the feature article space “On the Cover of the Rolling Stone”!

Inside this issue.. Bottles and Extras, Vol. 28 No. 3 | May – June 2017 | No. 231 (Coming Soon!)

Features: Historical Look at Springfield Jim Bender 14 Maddox Park: Diggers’ Delight Down in Dixie Bill Baab 22 He dug in the park for 51 weekends Dave Swetmon 25 Jack Ryan, His Flask, and “The Wild Bunch” Jack Sullivan 29 Warner’s Safe Cure “No City” Michael Seeliger 34 Collecting Club Bottles: Glimpses into the Past of Our Great Hobby Bill Baab 38 My Visit to the Philadelphia Museum of Art to see its cross-swirled Pitkin Dana Charlton-Zarro 52

Vignettes: Shards of Wisdom 4 History’s Corner 5 Lost & Found 61 Member Photo Gallery 64

Departments: FOHBC Officer Listing 2014-2016 2 President’s Message 3 FOHBC News, From and For Our Members 6 Classified Ads & Ad Rate Info 66 Membership Directory 67 FOHBC Show-Biz, Show Calendar Listings 68 Membership Application 72

Posted in Advice, Bitters, Daily Dose | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Best Pit ever dug in Mississippi

Posted on 4 March 2017 by Ferdinand Meyer V

Best Pit ever dug in Mississippi

04 March 2017

Hi Ferdinand!

Just checking in to say hello and to send you some pics from the best pit of Hutch sodas ever dug in Mississippi.

We found a brick lined cistern in Gulfport and when we got into it, it was full of hutch sodas! The list of sodas were amazing. Double Biloxi Barq’s, Gulfport Barq’s, CH Hudson Scranton Miss, F Frank Smith Gulfport, Hattiesburg Bottling Works, just to name a few.

There were over 300 hutch sodas in this four-foot deep cistern. I’ve dug many cisterns and never have I found one like this. It has to be some kind of record. It was a great day and all of us were elated. We will be bringing some of the sodas that we haven’t sold yet to the Daphne Bottle Show on the 25th.

Hope you enjoy the pics! Your Friend,

Mike Burkett——–
Long Beach, Mississippi

Read More: Oliver O. Woodman’s Sarsaparilla – Vicksburg, Mississippi

Read More: An Unlisted German Bitters dug in Vicksburg, Mississippi

Read More: Some Extremely Rare Mississippi Bitters

Posted in Bottle Shows, Digging and Finding, Hutches, News, Soda Bottles | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

A labeled Gordon’s Dry Gin, Gordon’s Pale Orange Bitters and a Tanqueray Fine Gin bottle

Posted on 6 February 2017 by Ferdinand Meyer V

A labeled Gordon’s Dry Gin, Gordon’s Pale Orange Bitters and a Tanqueray Fine Gin bottle

06 February 2017

I really like to see complete packages when it comes to antique bottles. This means a great looking original label attached to old glass with character. In this case, we will look at a labeled Gordon’s Dry Gin, Gordon’s Pale Orange Bitters and a Tanqueray Gin bottle. All were bottled in New York and are London, England products.

Gordon’s is a world-famous brand of London dry gin that was first produced in 1769. The product was developed by Alexander Gordon, a Londoner of Scots descent. He opened a distillery in the Southwark area in 1769, later moving in 1786 to Clerkenwell. The Special London Dry Gin he developed proved successful, and its recipe remains unchanged to this day. Its popularity with the Royal Navy saw bottles of the product distributed all over the world. In 1898, Gordon & Co. amalgamated with Charles Tanqueray & Co. to form Tanqueray Gordon & Co. All production moved to the Gordon’s Goswell Road site. In 1899, Charles Gordon died, ending the family association with the company.

In 1904, the distinctive square-faced, green bottle for the home market was introduced.

The incoming email with attached images came from Robert Biro. Love the base embossed boar’s head.

Ferdinand…. Some photo’s of some cool labeled bottles that I have collected over the years. All bottles were made by the same company and are from the turn of the century. I thought you would like to see that Bitters even through it is not american.

Robert Biro

Gordon’s Dry Gin | London, England – The Gordon’s Dry Gin Co. Ltd. – New York

Gordon’s Pale Orange Bitters – London, England – Gordon & Co.

Tanqueray Fine Gin – Charlers Tanqueray & Co. – London, England

Posted in Bitters, Gin, liquor, Liquor Merchant, Spirits | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

X-Rare Backwards ‘N’ Peruvian Bark Bitters

Posted on 14 January 2017 by Ferdinand Meyer V

X-Rare Backwards ‘N’ Peruvian Bark Bitters

14 January 2017

Some nice incoming information and material on a bottle that seems to be the only unbroken example out there. Pretty darn exciting! Let’s look at the material. Make sure you track back to the original post that is noted below.

I came across your article, “Could this be the same Dr. M. Perl from New Orleans?” while trying to find info on my Dr. M. Perl bitters which I acquired in New Orleans about 20 years ago. Mine is similar to the one in the referenced article, center image with indented panels. Mine is clear (light aqua) and the interesting thing about my bottle is that the “N” in PERUVIAN is backwards/reversed. The few references I have found do not show a backwards “N”. Is this anomaly unusual or rare?

I am a long-time (old) digger and collector who lived in Algiers Point across the river from New Orleans city and have a number of bottles with embossed “Algiers” (instead of New Orleans). I would be pleased if you could shed any light on my DR PERL with reversed “N”- – can provide a photo if necessary.

Thanks,

Steve Hickman

Read: Could this be the same Dr. M. Perl from New Orleans?

[PRG] Sounds like this might be the P 70.2 example which will be newly listed in the upcoming Bitters Bottles Supplement 2. You seem to possess the only known completely intact example. Yes, please send pics!

P 70.2  PERUVIAN BARK / BITTERS // NEW ORLEANS LA // f // DR M. PEARL
Square Aqua, top missing, 3 sp, Extremely rare
N is PERUVIAN is backwards
Neck broken off at shoulder on example that was dug in New Orleans. Complete example exists.

[Steve Hickman follow-up]

Ferdinand – Thanks for your response.  Attached are several images for the subject bitters bottle, including my Collection Record page (see below) I note that I left out the “LA” after “NEW ORLEANS” on the record.

The record page was done back in the early 1990s and the “lip chip” was hard for me to find today. No one in the NOLA Bottle Club had seen one at that time. The bottle was obviously dug (not by me) and has never been cleaned.

I lived in Algiers (across the river from New Orleans) and did lots of digging (mostly post Civil War brick liners) with my friend Bobby. Made a return trip last year at age 73 and we dug a mint THEO J. LALA  jug (unlisted ? no references) and a few other good ones. If the Record page doesn’t show well I can resend it.  Thanks for your interest and will look forward to any new information.

Regards,

Steve Hickman

Bottle Collection Record page – Steve Hickman Collection

P 70.2 PERUVIAN BARK / BITTERS // NEW ORLEANS LA // f // DR M. PEARL – Steve Hickman Collection

Posted in Bitters, Digging and Finding, Questions | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Peachridge Glass: 2017 Select Mailbox Letters

Posted on 13 January 2017 by Ferdinand Meyer V

www.studiomathewes.com

Apple-Touch-IconAPlease feel free to send any antique bottle or glass questions to ferdinand@peachridgeglass.com. The information will be posted if relevant or of interest to the readers. I will try to answer or wait for another reader to respond. Quality images are very important. Thanks! If you want to see previous questions,go to “Mailbox Letters” in “Categories” on the right column of each page.

Mailbox Letters | 2017

Natural Brand Orange bottle

Good afternoon Ferdinand, once again I come to you with somewhat of a mystery. I have had this bottle for roughly four years, and STILL cannot find any information about it other than what’s embossed on the bottle.

It is made in the art deco style and resembles the antique Schweppes beaker shaped ginger ale bottles. To my knowledge, there isn’t another one out there. Supposedly, a person who saw this on eBay, (I previously had this listed for sale) claimed to have owned a few, but was unable to provide any photos to substantiate his claim. I unearthed this unique bottle in a dump I have been digging in for the past four years and have not come across another, whole or broken. This is embossed with the words “Natural Brand” on the front and back with what seems to be a cluster of oranges embossed on each side where the seam runs up along the bottle. I’m not looking to sell this either way, but have been offered a substantial amount of money for it which leads me to believe it is quite scarce. Any information on the history and rarity of this would be greatly appreciated.

Respectfully ,
Edward DeBlock

[PRG] Edward, pretty cool bottle. I have not seen before. I will put the images out there and maybe we can get a strike!

Posted in Advice, Mailbox Letters, Questions | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Daily Dose | January • March 2 0 1 7

Posted on 11 January 2017 by Ferdinand Meyer V

January • March  |  2 0 1 7

20 March 2017

Cool “Ardon” Bitters wallet picked up by Robert Cohen. “I got this exceptionally rare Antique Leather Bitters Advertising Wallet, from Saint Louis.”

Joe Gourd followed up with the paper piece below.

The new listing for the forthcoming Bitters Bottles Supplement 2:

Coin Purse
A 82 “ARDON” BITTERS IS FINE, H. Gehner Dist’g Co.
Trade Card
A 82 “ARDON” BITTERS For Fevers and Stomach, A Household Remedy

19 March 2017

Wicked Old Sachems Bitters and Wigwam Tonic figural barrel picked up by Jerry Forbes at the at the San Luis Obispo Bottle Society’s 49th Annual Antique Bottle Show and Sale this weekend in Morro Bay, California. Check out that pontil!

Read More: Barrel Series – Old Sachem Bitters and Wigwam Tonic

18 March 2017

Picked up this cool framed Old Homestead Wild Cherry Bitters advertising piece at the San Luis Obispo Bottle Society’s 49th Annual Antique Bottle Show and Sale yesterday in Morro Bay, California.

Read: Log Cabin Series – Old Homestead Wild Cherry Bitters

17 March 2017

Sitting in a house in the mountains in California near Monterey. Big change weather-wise from Baltimore. Working up some energy for a run thru the hills. Everything is so green with all the rain. Speaking of green, arranging some of Gerald Forbes bottles now as I enjoy my coffee. Off to the Morro Bay Show in a few hours.

16 March 2017

Pretty interesting Dr. Rattinger’s Root and Herb Bitters label on a repurposed Hostetter’s Stomach Bitters bottle submitted by Tim and Angie Ebarb up Arkansas way. Corked with contents.

Read: Dr. Rattinger’s Herb & Root Bitters – St. Louis

14 March 2017

Hunkered down in my hotel room on the 25th floor of the inner harbor Baltimore Marriott Waterside. Really cool view. Messy day. Dodged a bullet here but most everyone stayed home downtown. City desolate with a couple inches of snow and ice. Flight to San Francisco tomorrow AM. Connection to San Luis Obispo to meet Jerry Forbes. Looking forward to more agreeable weather, great bottles and fun!

Ben Swanson showed me a pic of this cool Stoudt’s Dandelion Bitters marker. Am holding some images of matches for the same brand. I believe from the Joe Gourd collection. Those two are the best in bitters paper in my mind. Irwin S. Stoudt from Reading, PA.

06 March 2017

New Orleans Open pontil pits ** Hey Ferdinand. I’m digging in New Orleans and hitting open pontil bottles today. Here’s some pics. – Michael Burkett

Reads More: Stock up with Dr. Blake’s Aromatic Bitters

18 February 2017

Hi Ferd, I have an example of the Mishler’s in the same apricot / topaz color as the one in your collection. I know very little about eastern bitters and was hoping you could shed some light on the rarity and value of a Mishler’s in this color. Thanks! – Dale M.

Wow, that sure is a beauty. Tough to find color. Looks lighter than mine but hard to tell. Super character. I would not sell for anything less than $xx.

Read: Mishler’s Herb Bitters and The Mishler Family

15 February 2017

In from Reggie Shoeman: Ferd, ran across this ad for Cutter’s Bourbon Bitters in the Amador Dispatch, Jackson, California paper, dated December 23, 1865. Ad appears to have first appeared on July 15, 1865 as that date appears at the bottom of ad…..That date is missing from the collection of Dispatch paper. Was made with W. T. Cutter Jr. “Fine Old Bourbon Whiskey” and “other ingredients”. Have no other info on this bottle…any background on the product is appreciated.

Thanks, Reg & James

[FM5] Reggie: Here is a picture of the bottle and label that appeared in a recent BOTTLES and EXTRAS article. Cutter’s Bourbon Bitters is listed as C 263 L in Bitters Bottles Supplement 2.

C 263 L … Cutter’s Bourbon Bitters, Prepared for Medicinal and General Use Under the Direction of Dr. J. B. Cutter, of Newark, N. J. For sale by John M. Carter, 174 Washington St. N. Y. and by Wm. T. Cutter Sr., 111 California St. S. F.
11 ½
Round, Amber, LTCR
Newspaper advertisement: Wm. T. Cutter Jr. Fine Old Bourbon Whisky, Cutter’s Bourbon Bitters – Amador Dispatch, (Jackson, California), December 23, 1865.

 

In response to my “I don’t have a red bitters” comment below on Valentines Day, ginger authority Ken Previtali sent me the following image for Cupid Club Ginger Ale which I posted on the Facebooks site with lots off likes. Pretty cool! Thanks Ken!

14 February 2017

Valentines day. I don’t have any red bitters. Posted some of my green Drakes on Facebook yesterday. Very kind responses.

09 February 2017

As a color run specialist, I have quite a few “Trade Mark Lightning” fruit jars. They come in great Life Saver candy colors. The picture above is a pint with matching original glass lid and original metal clamp assembly. It is in the current North American Glass auction. Described as whittly and sparkling glass throughout with a strong embossing, base embossed “PUTNAM 11”. Rare pint in this outstanding color.

06 February 2017

Ferdinand…. Some photo’s of some cool labeled bottles that I have collected over the years. All bottles were made by the same company and are from the turn of the century. I thought you would like to see that Bitters even through it is not american.

Robert Biro

Read: A labeled Gordon’s Dry Gin, Gordon’s Pale Orange Bitters and a Tanqueray Fine Gin bottle

04 February 2017

Some of my OS barrels see the light of day, albeit misty, post epic floods. [Old Sachem Bitters and Wigwam Tonic figural barrels]

03 February 2017

A very nice labeled Shasta Bitters on eBay. See Listing. Shasta Bitters Company was located in Sacramento, California. Listed as S 95.5 in Bitters Bottles. The second picture I found online from a previous Bonham Auction. A much later bitters product. Mount Shasta is a potentially active volcano at the southern end of the Cascade Range in Siskiyou County, California.

01 February 2017

Cool shipping crate I picked up on eBay yesterday for Union Bitters. F.S. Amidon, in Hartford, Connecticut, eventually took over the rather well-known Hopkins Union Stomach Bitters from Dr. A.S. Hopkins. The other side of the crate was used to promote Amidon’s Union Ginger Brandy.

The U 9.5 and U 10 listings probably want to be cleaned up within the forthcoming Bitters Bottles Supplement 2. This is an Amidon product. There is also a shot glass reading Amidon’s Union Bitters.

The new listing for the forthcoming Bitters Bottles Supplement 2:

Wooden Box
U 9.3 UNION BITTERS BLOOD PURIFIER, Reg. U.S. Pat. Off. F. S. Amidon, Sole Manfr. & Prop. 138 Windsor Ave., Hartford, Conn. U.S.A.
F.S. Amidon, in Hartford, Connecticut, eventually took over the rather well-known Hopkins Union Stomach Bitters from Dr. A. S. Hopkins. The other side of the crate was used to promote Amidon’s Union Ginger Brandy.

Read: Fully labeled Dr. A. S. Hopkins Union Stomach Bitters

Also on eBay now is this cool risqué ‘peeping-tom’ advertising trade card promoting both of Amidon’s products. See listing.

31 January 2017

Hi Ferdinand, Jack Klotz here in Missouri. I happened upon your article about the Augauer Bitters company yesterday and the trade token caught my eye. I have never found any other reference to the “Vital Drops” after I dug this example about 5 years ago in a dump. I have dug what I believe to be a later label only varient as it is identical in shape and size. They are both 6 3/4″ tall and 1 7/8″ square. They also sport fluted neck with petals at the shoulder, both numbering 14 each. The embossed one has the unusual embossing reading to the right as opposed to the more common reading to the left.

Read: Augauer Bitters and the Gauer Family – Chicago

Also, “Augauer” is embossed on the shoulder of the rear or label side. I have so far only seen one other unembossed example like mine and no other embossed ones. The lip sides appear chipped at first glance, but I believe due to their glassy and smooth texture, it was made that way. I originally believed it was done to accept a shaker top, thinking “drops” as in Angostura drops for flavoring. Oddly, the unembossed example doesn’t have these modifications(?) to the lip sides, which tends to thwart my original thought on why this is. If I had not dug it myself, I would have thought it was a poor job of someone trying to buff out some chips. Wondering if you may have seen another example or an advertisement with an illustration showing the top? Also, since Augauer seem to be solely in the bitters business, would this be considered a bitters even though not embossed as such in your opinion? Thanks for any info or thoughts on this one. It has bugged me for awhile now.

Jack

Morning Jack: No, I have not seen this bottle before. Cute fellow. I like the typography. Reminds me of the Loew’s bottles with the swirled neck. Will put it out there and add to post. Not a bitters though.

F

30 January 2017

Hi Ferd, I am still going through my friends 50 year collection of labeled bottles and came across this one. I saw you did an article on this bitters. 

Read: Chief Two Moon Meridas and his Bitter Oil

As you can imagine, I found a dozen or so labels that were obviously applied to the bottle in the last couple of decades but found hundreds that are no doubt original to the bottle. I also had a few with original labels on them but the label had been reproduced so it would be hard to convince someone it was original to the bottle. Anyway, this one looks like it has been on the bottle a long time but so hard to tell. Thought I would send you a picture for kicks.  

Mark Newton

14 January 2017

Working with the 2018 Cleveland National team headed up by Matt Lacy & Louis Fifer (Co-Chairs) to develop an early show flyer to pass out at the upcoming Baltimore Antique Bottle Show in March. Here are two draft layouts. The logo was approved last year. The top layout seems to be preferred.

13 January 2017

Hi Ferdinand, Sharing a picture of a unlisted variant of a lady’s leg Schroeder’s Bitters bottle. It’s a Ring & Ham S 67. The book lists sizes from 5 1/4 – 8 1/2 – 9 1/8 in height. The one I have is topping out at 11 1/2 inch’s in height. The smaller Schroeder’s is a 9 inch S-65 for comparison. Have a great day.

Frank (Wicker)

[PRG] Frank, It has been picked up in Bitters Bottles Supplement 2. Thanks for sharing.

Read More: Thrilled to pick up a light amber Schroeder’s Bitters

12 January 2017

I came across your article, “Could this be the same Dr. M. Perl from New Orleans?” while trying to find info on my Dr. M. Perl bitters which I acquired in New Orleans about 20 years ago. Mine is similar to the one in the referenced article, center image with indented panels. Mine is clear (light aqua) and the interesting thing about my bottle is that the “N” in PERUVIAN is backwards/reversed. The few references I have found do not show a backwards “N”. Is this anomaly unusual or rare?I am a long-time (old) digger and collector who lived in Algiers Point across the river from New Orleans city and have a number of bottles with embossed “Algiers” (instead of New Orleans). I would be pleased if you could shed any light on my DR PERL with reversed “N”- – can provide a photo if necessary. Thanks, Steve Hickman

[PRG] Steve, Putting your question up on PRG. Did you ever send the bottle pic? Sounds like this might be the P 70.2 example which will be newly listed in the upcoming Bitters Bottles Supplement 2.

Read More: X-Rare Backwards ‘N’ Peruvian Bark Bitters

P 70.2 PERUVIAN BARK / BITTERS // NEW ORLEANS LA // f // DR M. PEARL
Square Aqua, top missing, 3 sp, Extremely rare
N is PERUVIAN is backwards
Neck broken off at shoulder on example that was dug in New Orleans

10 January 2017

The great People’s Favorite Bitters from the equally great Bob Ferraro Collection, Session III (Glass Works Auctions) which closed on Monday evening, 09 January. Read: Barrel Series – Favorite Bitters & Peoples Favorite Bitters

03 January 2017

Congratulations to Eric McGuire for his Edward Roome – Tobacconist article making the cover of the upcoming BOTTLES and EXTRAS for March April 2017.

02 January 2017

Hi Ferd. Got this out of a 50 year collection of labeled bottles but have never seen or heard of this Bitters . Wonder if you can help me . Thanks – Mark Newton

[PRG] Congratulations. A spectacular example! R 4 in Bitters Bottles. Could be the example found near Peru, New York. Update: Well, it seems like I was fooled again by this dazzling beauty of a label which apparently was printed in mass and applied to different bitters shaped bottles. Seen this puppy before in Reno in 2012 (see pic below).

 

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