Looking for Bottles Carried on the Steamboat Arabia

Posted on 16 November 2012 by Ferdinand Meyer V

T H E    S T E A M B O A T    A R A B I A

Looking at famed Civil War author Jim Schmidt’s interview with Andrew W. Hall and the Galveston-Houston Packet this morning made me think of the bottles stored on these and other steamboats that traveled our waterways. While looking at the Steamboat Bertrand cargo recently (see: Looking at some of the Bitters Bottles on the steamboat Bertrand – Part 1 and Looking at some of the Bitters Bottles on the steamboat Bertrand – Part 2), I was reminded of the Steamboat Arabia in Missouri. I also did a post recently where some Charles Lediard products were found on the SS Republic (see: Charles Lediard and his Liquor Products). What amazes me most is that the Arabia was found beneath 45 feet of silt and topsoil as the Missouri River had shifted 1/2 of a mile from where the Arabia was found. I suppose I always assumed great rivers shifted course over eons of time and not in 130 or so years.

Over time, the river shifted a half a mile to the east. The site of the sinking is in present-day Kansas City, Kansas.

Let’s look a little closer at the Arabia steamboat and see what bottles were recovered. I am particularly interested in seeing if Kelly’s Old Cabin Bitters, OK Plantation Bitters, Hostetter’s Stomach Bitters and any of the other famed bitters products were on board.

Steamboat Arabia Museum Postcard

[Wikipedia] The steamboat Arabia was a side wheeler steamboat which hit a snag in the Missouri River and sank near what today is Parkville, Missouri, on September 5, 1856. It was rediscovered in 1988 by a team of researchers. Today, the artifacts recovered from the site are housed in the Arabia Steamboat Museum.

The Arabia was built in 1853 on the banks of the Monongahela River in Brownsville, Pennsylvania. Its paddlewheels were 28 feet across, and its steam boilers consumed approximately thirty cords of wood per day. The boat averaged five miles an hour going upstream. The boat traveled the Ohio and Mississippi rivers before it was bought by Captain John Shaw, who operated the boat on the Missouri River. Her first trip was to carry 109 soldiers from Fort Leavenworth to Fort Pierre, which was located up river in South Dakota. The boat then traveled up the Yellowstone River, adding an additional 700 miles to the trip. In all, the trip took nearly three months to complete.

In spring of 1856, the boat was sold to Captain William Terrill and William Boyd, and it made fourteen trips up and down the Missouri during their ownership. In March, while heading up river, the boat collided with an obstacle and nearly sank. Repairs were made in nearby Portland. A few weeks later the boat blew a cylinder head and had to be repaired again. The rest of the season was uneventful for the boat until September 5.

On September 5, 1856, the Arabia set out for a routine trip. At Quindaro Bend, near the town of Parkville, Missouri, the boat hit a submerged walnut tree snag (see picture above of actual tree part found in hull). The snag ripped open the hull, which rapidly filled with water. The upper decks of the boat stayed above water, and the only casualty was a mule that was tied to sawmill equipment and forgotten. The boat sank so rapidly into the mud that by the next morning, only the smokestacks and pilot house remained visible. Within a few days, these traces of the boat were also swept away. Numerous salvage attempts failed, and eventually the boat was completely covered by water. Over time, the river shifted a half a mile to the east. The site of the sinking is in present-day Kansas City, Kansas, although, as described below, many of the remnants have been removed to a museum in Kansas City, Missouri.

In the 1860s, Elisha Sortor purchased the property where the boat lay. Over the years, legends were passed through the family that the boat was located somewhere under the land. In the surrounding town, stories were also told of the steamboat, but the exact location of the boat was lost over time.

In 1987, Bob Hawley and his sons, Greg and David, set out to find the boat. The Hawleys used old maps and a proton magnetometer to figure out the probable location, and finally discovered the Arabia half a mile from the river and under 45 feet of silt and topsoil.

The owners of the farm gave permission for excavation, with the condition that the work be completed before the spring planting. The Hawleys, along with family friends Jerry Mackey and David Luttrell, set out to excavate the boat during the winter months while the water table was at its lowest point. They performed a series of drilling tests to determine the exact location of the hull, then marked the perimeter with powdered chalk. Heavy equipment, including a 100-ton crane, was brought in by both river and road transport during the summer and fall. Twenty irrigation pumps were installed around the site to lower the water level and to keep the site from flooding. The 65-foot-deep wells removed 20,000 US gallons per minute from the ground. On November 26, 1988, the boat was exposed. Four days later, artifacts from the boat began to appear, beginning with a Goodyear rubber overshoe. On December 5, a wooden crate filled with elegant china was unearthed. The mud was such an effective preserver that the yellow packing straw was still visible. Thousands of artifacts were recovered intact, including jars of preserved food that are still edible. The artifacts that were recovered are housed in the Steamboat Arabia Museum.

I soon located what I had traveled this distance to see — bottles! Food bottles embossed ‘Well’s, Miller & Provost‘ filled several shelves, many had original lead labels and contents. Earlier ‘large size’, Dr. Hostetter’s Bitters, were in abundance, as were a number of unembossed ‘lady’s leg’  bottles, both having original contents. Peppersauce bottles with the desirable ‘Western Spice Mills‘ embossed appeared in several areas, as did a sprinkling of various pontiled cologne and scent bottles. One case exhibited several rows of medicine bottles.

Another case exhibited several rows of medicine bottles: ‘Mexican Mustang Liniment’, ‘McGuire Druggist, St. Louis’, and ‘Nerve and Bone Liniment‘, all still in their original contents. Ink bottles, still in their original packing box, and early case gins were also to be found.

To me the most rewarding display of all was a portion of one wall holding row after row of early Scroll flasks! Approximately 100 were on display, all being pint and quart size. They were displayed in alternating rows of deep aquamarine and medium yellow green and all sparkled like the day they were blown!

Treasures of The Steamboat Arabia

What a surprise. Obviously the cargo was meant for the small grocers, hardware stores, businesses and eating and drinking establishments. The Steamboat Arabia Museum is definitely a place I want to visit. What and where do you suppose all those Scroll Flasks were headed and doing on board?

A R A B I A    G A L L E R Y

Read More: Treasures of The Steamboat Arabia

Read More: Steamboat Arabia – A Historian’s Blog (great!)

Posted in Bitters, Digging and Finding, Dinnerware, Display, Flasks, History, Museums, Questions, Treasure | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

A labeled Dr. Hopkin’s Union Stomach Bitters

Posted on 15 November 2012 by Ferdinand Meyer V

A labeled Dr. Hopkin’s Union Stomach Bitters

15 November 2012 (R110614)

“It is priced at 75 cents – pretty good since it ‘cures’ pretty much EVERYTHING.”

Apple-Touch-IconAI have said this many times before, and I will say it again. “It sure is fun to get an email with bottle pictures and questions.” In this case it is from ‘Jeanne’ from somewhere in bottleland asking about her special bottle.

Hello,

I was trying to look up some information on some of my bottles. One of them is an amber bitters bottle with three sides of labels and an embossed side. Most of the three labels are intact and readable. It is priced at 75 cents – pretty good since it ‘cures’ pretty much EVERYTHING. Then again, three wine glassfuls a day would make you forget you had anything wrong with you in the first place. I guess it’s like yours except for the labels.

How does one get an appraisal or who would YOU trust if you were a collector. The definition of collector as it pertains to me is, I collected any bottle I liked since I was 20 and that was decades ago. Thanks for any help or suggestions. Sincerely,

Jeanne

I mentioned to Jeanne that I might post her pictures due to the completeness of the labels and the super character of the bottle. Pretty decent for a Dr. Hopkins. Jeanne mentioned that she might want to sell the bottle too. Let me know if you are interested and I will put you in touch with her. Look at the labels closely, as it seems that each side of the bottle advertises a different Hopkins product. Dr. Hopkins sure knew how to use the label for advertising and information. Jam packed.

DR. A. S. HOPKIN’S UNION STOMACH BITTERS (embossing)

DR. HOPKIN’S CELEBRATED UNION STOMACH BITTERS (label side)

SARSAPARILLA AND OTHER ROOTS AND BARKS (ingredients)

UNION CELEBRATED ROOT & BARK BITTERS (label side)

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

H 180

H 180  DR. A.S. HOPKINS UNION STOMACH BITTERS
DR. A. S. HOPKINS / UNION STOMACH BITTERS / HARTFORD CONN. // f // sp // f //
L…Union Celebrated Root & Bark Bitters
9 3/4 x 2 3/4 (7) 3/8
Square, Yellow, Amber and Green, LTC, Applied mouth, 3 sp, Scarce
Label: Composed of sarsaparilla and other roots and barks. Compounded so as to act in concert, and assist nature in eradicating disease, stimulating, importing tone to the stomach, and strength to the system and a most efficient tonic. Warranted a pure vegetable medicine, guaranteed to keep in any climate and improve with age. Unequaled for hotel, family or medicinal Use. Cholera morbus, asiatic or spasmatic cholera, dysentery and diarrhea. It gives immediate relief in all cases of pain, bilious and painter’s colic, cramps, spasms, convulsions, etc… Cures sudden colds, coughs, fever and ague, canker in the mouth and stomach, kidney complaints, seasickness, headache, cleanses the stomach, regulates the bowels and imparts a tone of health and vigor to the body. Continued to be advertised in 1912.

Read More: Union Bitters – Haven’t Seen this One Before

Posted in Advertising, Bitters, Medicines & Cures, Questions, Sarsaparilla | Leave a comment

Bennett & Carroll – Figural Barrel Series

Posted on 14 November 2012 by Ferdinand Meyer V

 BENNETT & CARROL(L)  PITTSBURG(H)

Earlier this year I did a comprehensive series on most of the great figural barrels. I knew I had missed a few odd ones such as the Bennett & Carrol barrel (note spelling of Carrol missing an ‘L’, and the alternate earlier spelling of ‘Pittsburg’). At the time I could not find much information and certainly could not find a good image. John Pastor with American Glass Gallery has a wonderful example in his Auction #9 that ends tonight. The description is as follows:

Lot #131: Bennett & Carrol / 120 Wood St / Pittsburg” Figural Whiskey Bottle, America, probably a Pittsburgh district glasshouse, 1855 – 1860. Brilliant yellowish golden, or light honey amber, barrel form, applied square collared mouth – iron pontil scar, ht. 9 ¼”, very near mint; (a little minor roughness along the back edge of the square collared mouth, otherwise pristine perfect). A beautiful example of this very rare whiskey barrel, bright, crisp and nicely whittled. Note; we have added an additional photo taken on a bright, slightly overcast sunny day to show the beautiful yellowish and honey tones evident in this particular example.

Note this other example of a Bennett & Carroll flattened chestnut form that was sold in Heckler 98 Auction. Very similar pieces of glass. Unfortunately I can not find any other information on Bennett & Carroll so I welcome any new information that can be provided.

Bennett & Carroll flattened chestnut (note spelling of Carroll) – Heckler 98 Auction

Bennett & Carrol figural whiskey bottle – American Glass Gallery Auction #9 (Studio illumination)

Bennett & Carrol figural whiskey bottle – American Glass Gallery Auction #9 (window illumination)

Bennett&Carrol_GW98

“BENNETT & CARROL / 120 WOOD ST. / PITTSBURG”, (Denzin, BEN-31), Pennsylvania, ca. 1855 – 1870, medium yellowish amber barrel, 9 1/2”h, smooth base, applied square collar mouth, perfect condition. A rarely offered barrel, and it’s a good one having nice glass whittle a bold impression and almost no trace of wear! A Pittsburgh classic! Ex. Robert Pattridge Collection. – Glass Works Auctions | Auction 98

Bennett & Carrol figural whiskey bottle – American Glass Gallery Auction #9 (mouth detail)

Bennett & Carrol figural whiskey bottle – American Glass Gallery Auction #9 (pontil base detail)

Read More on Figural Barrels

Barrel Series – Crow’s Celebrated Tonic Bitters

Barrel Series – Chapin & Gore – Chicago – Sour Mash

Barrel Series – Brent, Warder & Co. – Louisville

Barrel Series – Bininger Old Kentucky Bourbon

Barrel Series – Columbus in a Barrel

Barrel Series – I. Nelson’s Old Bourbon

Barrel Series – W.C. Bitters

Barrel Series – W. Wolf found at Thrift Shop for $1.00

Barrel Series – Ben Franklin Bitters

Barrel Series – Highland Bitters and Scotch Tonic

Barrel Series – Smith’s Druid Bitters

Barrel Series – Roback’s Stomach Bitters (the smaller ones)

Barrel Series – Roback’s Stomach Bitters (the big boys)

Barrel Series – Dr. Chandler’s Jamaica Ginger Root Bitters

Barrel Series – Favorite Bitters & Peoples Favorite Bitters

Barrel Series – Wormser Bros San Francisco

Barrel Series – Mist of the Morning

Barrel Series – Old Sachem Bitters and Wigwam Tonic

Barrel Series – Turner Brothers New York & San Francisco

Barrel Series – The Mysterious Blue Barrel

Barrel Series – Original Pocahontas Bitters

Figural Barrel Series – Hall’s Bitters

Greeley’s Bourbon Whiskey Bitters – aka Vertical Greeley’s

Peach colored Bourbon Whiskey Bitters added to Color Run

Greeley’s Bourbon Bitters – A Great Boston Bitters Barrel

Posted in Auction News, Chestnut, Early American Glass, Figural Bottles, Spirits, Whiskey | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Daily Dose

Posted on 14 November 2012 by Ferdinand Meyer V

M A R C H   2 0 1 3

Section dedicated to daily thoughts and interests

Saturday, 30 March 2013

Spent most of the day mowing grass on the tractor and then crashing for an hour or so. Feels good to get something done and it looks nice even though the grass really has not grown too much without rain. Just opened a bottle of  2004, La Crau de Ma Mere Chateauneuf du Pape. Very relaxed. Girls off riding horses. Just me and the dogs.

B&ECover_MayJun13

 

Earlier competed the design on the May June issue of Bottles and Extras. Will give you guys a sneak peek. Great article on TWIABA and Nevada by Eric McGuire.

Twiaba

Friday, 29 March 2013

ChocoBunnies

Working out of Peachridge today. I see this chocolate bunny graphics every year around Easter and I still chuckle each time.

Thursday, 28 March 2013

SpurgeonFruitJars

Don’t forget the North American Glass Fruit Jar auction. The Heckler auction ender last night. Only after one item. The Glass Works Auction ended Monday night.

Robacks_GW_lot96

Lovin’ that small Roback’s in green. At $12k without the juice. Read: Barrel Series – Roback’s Stomach Bitters (the smaller ones)

Absinthe Borgeois

New Absinthe Bourgeois poster submitted by Bruce Silva. A favorite of his. Visit Post

ShermansPricklyAsh_KC_TC#2

Posts in development for Dr. B. F. Prickly Ash Bitters and FOHBC Manchester 2013 National Antique Bottle Show Seminar Announcement.

MichaelGeorgeSeminar

Tuesday, 26 March 2013

Albert_Maignan_-_La_muse_verte

Always enjoy learning something about my bottles and our great hobby. I really wasn’t sure what absinthe was until the email and post – The New Orleans Absinthe Makers. I certainly had not heard the term “Green Fairy”. Love it! So many questions and so many avenues to explore. No wonder Warren F has so much fun.

Bininger_OldMonongahila

Watching some really interesting $$ numbers in the Glass Works Auction “March Madness” that closed last night. Look at the Bininger Old Monogahela now at $14k. Great bottle.

More: Bininger Gallery

Monday, 25 March 2013

IronBittersBrownsSign_C

In the thirties this morning at Peachridge. Headed to work. Nice Brown’s Iron Bitters advertisement from Dave’s Great Cards. Read: Baltimore’s Iron Bitters – Brown Chemical Company

Sunday, 24 March 2013

KenSchwartz_Pam

So how was Morro Bay? Next year for sure. Pam Selenak sent in another picture of Ken Schwartz. See Obituary (Allen & Dahl Funeral Chapel)

1857 Liberty $20_8

Hi Ferd,

Attached is a photo of the Type 1 Reverse $20 Gold Coin as depicted on the U.S. Gold Bitters. The difference is there is no “In God We Trust” inside the circle of stars above the eagle on the reverse.

Tom Phillips FOHBC Conventions Director

Read: U.S. Gold Bitters – Augusta, Maine

Looks like we passed 1/2 million visits to PRG today. Wish I could really open this up with regular writers, bloggers and posters.

Saturday, 23 March 2013

It shouldn’t have been a shocker but it was as Ken has been hanging on. What a huge loss to the bottle collecting world. One of my greatest memories was visiting with Ken and Teenie. Bill Ham was kind enough to take Elizabeth and myself up for an afternoon visit. What a man, what a wife and what a collection.KenSchwartzSq

Kenneth Schwartz, 83, of Redding died Friday at Vibra Hospital of Northern California in Redding. Arrangements are pending at Allen & Dahl Funeral Chapel in Redding (243-1525).

Published in Redding Record Searchlight on March 22, 2013

Friday, 22 March 2013 Finally back in Houston. I wish I could go to the Morro Bay show this weekend. I’m bushed though. Been emailing back and forth about the possibility of a ‘Glass in the Grass’ event here at Peachridge. Would anybody come? Kind of like a Heckler event. Had fun with the S.O. Richardson piece yesterday. Have a few updates. Hope to leave the office early today.

KeeneMasonicEagles

Three EARLY 1815-1820 KEENE NH Eagle / Masonic flasks. Lead glass, brilliant colors, fantastic early American historicals!! The center one is a new addition to my collection… very excited about the color!! – Michael George (PRG: you may recognize the flask from the latest ABA auction)

Wednesday, 20 March 2013

[In from Pam Selenak] Ferd, Could you please post this for me asap. KenLawlerDigging Remembering Ken Lawler at Morro Bay show this weekend. There will be a gathering at “Dockside” restaurant for remembrance of Ken Lawler. I have put aside an area at the restaurant that we can gather and enjoy our stories and give Ken the tribute that he so deserves. Dar has talked to me and sends her thank you to everybody. She wishes she could attend but has family with her at this time. Drinks and food are available but everyone is responsible for their own tab. Address: 1245 Embarcadero, Morro Bay, Ca. 93442, Phone# 805 772-8100, This will take place after the bar-b-que from the Morro Bay show on Friday 3/22/13 at around 630 till? Bring your camera, any pictures you would like to share and of course those memories that we will all keep close to our hearts. Pam 22 & 23 March 2013 (Friday & Saturday) Morro Bay, California – The San Luis Obispo Bottle Society’s 45th Annual Show and Sale, Friday, March 22nd, 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm and Saturday, March 23rd, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm at the Morro Bay Veterans Hall, 209 Surf Street, Morro Bay California, Free admission and no charge to early birds. Info: Richard Tartaglia, Show Chairman, Tele: 805.543.7484 or email Steve Mello dirtytiver53@gmail.com. FOHBC Member Club

Just Plain Weird

Raw: Storm Drops Hail on Cars, Roads in Brookshire. Elizabeth called me at my hotel room in the middle of the night scared to death as she huddled with our four dogs. Freak storm centered over Peachridge. I watched it on radar later and it was serious. Look at this video. Keep in mind that it broke a 100 year record being in the low 90’s on Monday.

BrookshireHail

Tuesday, 19 March 2013

Mohawk_GW97

Traveling most of the day. In Augusta, Georgia now. Look at this GREAT Mohawk Whiskey Queen in Glass Works Auction #97. Wow. Compare the gold paint with the ABA example in the PRG post which was updated. Very interesting. Factory paint job. READ: Mohawk Whiskey Pure Rye Indian Queen

Monday, 18 March 2013

Lots of bottle news coming in from all points. Heckler has announced Auction 103 that starts todays. These auctions are never ending of late? Is this good or bad? Prices seem strong in areas I am interested in.

The Original Pocahontas bitters bottle (Y. Ferguson) is a rare bitters that always appears as aqua. The one in this auction (est. 4,000-$8,000) is covered in a Benicia film and “any way you look at it, it’s a very gorgeous bottle,” said Wichmann. “We can say without any hesitation that this is the finest Benicia bottle we’ve ever offered.” It is graded a near-mint 9.9.

Updated the Barrel series – Original Pocahontas Bitters post with clarification from Bill Ham on the misspelled variant O 86.1. FYI…there is an example of an O 86.1 in the current Glass Works Auction #97. Love that video of Michael Polak digging in Hawaii. Wouldn’t that be a dream 3 week vacation. I can not seem to find three hours to take off of late!

Jug NBM

Ferdinand,

Roy Topka with the Bottle Museum in Ballston Spa here. Local collector and artisan Jim Healy (he was tickled pink by the mention of his good work in the current Bottles and Extras) created the attached Fantasy Jug for the Museum and donated it to be raffled. The theme being the 150th anniversary of the Racetrack in Saratoga. By early April the Museum website should be featuring the jug and information on the raffle, along with other media exposure that will be undertaken to promote the raffle. What I am asking, is it possible when the website is ready could the jug be pictured on your website with the link to the NBM? I understand if this is not possible, as all the clubs and the Federation are needing to raise money for their own purposes. I figure it never hurts to ask! Thank you for your consideration, if you have any questions, or if there is ever anything I can do please let me know.

Roy Topka 2013 Saratoga show chair

Saturday, 16 March 2013

Hearing that the long lost, T 17 | THELLER’S STOMACH BITTERS has been located in a long dormant collection. Could be the lone sole example. Ring & Ham say “This bottle was dug in an old pre-Revolutionary dump on a clay bank in East Greenbush, Rensselaer County, New York.”. Theller’s name pops up on other bottles such as my Theller’s Bitters lady’s leg from NY and a Red Cloud Bitters variant from NY. Read: Labeled Theller’s Bitters Lady’s Leg – New York Read: Red Cloud Bitters – One of the Chicago ‘Indians’

Merchants_Poster

“This is an old piece you don’t see too often, and great color and condition. Guess I’m in the market for a frame now. That is four large size Gargling Oils holding down the corners. This is a big piece.” – Dave Kam Read: Merchant’s Gargling Oil – “Good for Man and Beast”

Friday, 15 March 2013

Texas Antique Shop

Texas Antique Shop

Working out of Peachridge today. Great weather that is just making the bottles look their best in the windows. Prompted me to develop the latest ‘Windows‘ post. Snapped this phone picture below of my OK Plantations as I was reading on the den sofa. The sunlight was bouncing from bottle to bottle. Quite spectacular. This is a North window so sunlight was being redirected off the horse trailer windows onto the bottles.

OKSunlight

Thursday, 14 March 2013

RedJacketBittersLewisAsbwART

At my office now. About 6:30 am. My grandson and I are going to take the light-rail to the Museum District and visit the Zoo this morning. Great weather and spring break. Hopefully you took a peek at Starr Weems work. Met her online yesterday. I like when someone connects with our hobby in artistic ways. Also posted the story of Sgt. Reckless the War Horse. Nothing to do with bottles and glass. Just a great story. Thanks to my friend Paul Kaminski for sharing. Hope to put up the last of the Chicago ‘Indian’ posts this morning with Lewis’ Red Jacket Bitters. That is there advertising motif on top. Product actually from New Haven, CT. [email from Mark Warne] “Hi Ferdinand. About a year or so ago another Red Cloud Bitters sold on ebay. Dark amber. It went for $825 and you were the underbidder”. Mark

Wednesday, 13 March 2013

R 019_RedJacketBitters

Bogged down trying to distinguish the differences with what I am calling the Chicago ‘Indians’. Basically I am talking about RED CLOUD BITTERS and RED JACKET BITTERS. Very interesting to look at the differences and evolution of the brands. Also finally understanding the differences with the New Haven, Connecticut, RED JACKET STOMACH BITTERS.

Monday, 11 March 2013

[Always nice to hear from Rick Simi from Downieville, CA]

Ferd, I was pleasantly surprised by your comments in the Dr. John’s post. Take a look at a post I wrote back in 2010. Read at Western Bitters News: The Times -They Are a Changin. I enjoyed your chronicle of the Baltimore show. rs

TomArticle

We are also very pleased to know that Tom Doligale is back from his first round of 29 days of grueling cancer treatments. Tom is the best of the best as far as representing the passion and expertise that defines our hobby. He also has the greatest Udolpho Wolfes Schnapp’s collection on Earth. Tom you are an inspiration. Tom chronicled his treatment almost daily on facebook and stayed connected which is amazing. He even had some of his favorite bottles with him. Read: Tom Doligale and his Udolpho Wolfe’s Aromatic Schnapps

Saturday, 09 March 2013

Finally home from this long 10-day bottle, business and family trip. Hope to complete the Baltimore Journal today with the most important day…Sunday. Lots of cool bottle pictures. [Update to the Coca Bitters post] I also see, (with the eyes of Warren Friedrich) that this new dug example is different than the example I possess. It looks earlier with indented panel(s) and smaller embossed typography. Is the mouth also applied. I only received one picture. I will ask for more. Stay tuned.

LacoursBroken

Love this picture of Lacour’s shards. Will do a post later.

Friday, 08 March 2013

HobsonFlask

Finally headed home later today. Been about 10 days or so of hotel rooms and restaurant meals. Miss all my dogs and country runs. Incoming groovy material last night from Sandor, new bitters find from Maine and so much more. Need to unpack my bags and my mind. Need some fresh clothes. Also, just finished squeezing in a post on label under glass bottles from the last ABA auction. Inspired by Dennis Humphrey and the Richmond P. Hobson flask.

Thursday, 07 March 2013

GreenAquaOldSachemsHoly Moses! Look at this incoming picture of an  Old Sachems Bitters and Wigwam Tonic in a light green aqua. Coming from a private collection. About perfect.

Make sure you read the Looking back at Deadwood, South Dakota post. It is fun going back and reading about history and connecting pictures of historical significance to our great hobby.

Liberty

Will also be putting up a post on Collector Rights from Jimmy Bray. Please read. Need your comments.

Wednesday, 06 March 2013

us_dca_closeradar_plus_usen-2

In the tail end of this snow event in Kentucky last night and today. This storm is headed to Maryland. Glad I got out of there on time. Bottles should arrive today in Houston. Four were broken on the way up. This really upset me.

BaltimoreBrokenBottles

Really intrigued by that Deadwood Saloon shot with all the bottles. Found the source photo. Working on a post for Deadwood, South Carolina. Any of you remember that great HBO series “Deadwood”?

DeadwoodSaloon

Tuesday, 05 March 2013

Exhausted Icon

Just starting to hear who won the American Bottle Auction lots that I forgot about Sunday night. I just emailed a bottle friend and said that I was exhausted Sunday night and fell asleep. All of Jeff Wichmann’s bulk emails go into quarantine. Usually I check each day. This time I got very backed up in Baltimore with the big 4-day weekend of bottle events. Typically a Sunday night is good to end an auction for me as I usually do not fly. In this case, many people were traveling, on ground and in air. I crashed at my moms house.

WeisKnickerbockerFound2

Just did a post on Weis Brothers Knickerbocker Stomach Bitters based on an incoming find. Check it out. Also getting lots of Baltimore pictures in. Haven’t decided on a post or article. How about Sandor’s Barto’s Great Gun Bitters?

www.studiomathewes.com

March Mailbox Letters updated.

Monday, 04 March 2013

Crazy, wild weekend at the Baltimore Antique Bottle Show. Very little sleep except last night. Off to Lexington, Kentucky today. Backed-up with posts and reports. Stay tuned. Thanks

Saturday, 02 March 2013

FOHBCFaceBookArt

Very busy. First cup of coffee. Preparing for a five hour FOHBC board meeting this am prior to the Baltimore Show set-up.

BninigerOldMonongahela_GW97

Liking that XR Bininger Old Monongahela at Glass Works Auctions #97.

Friday, 01 March 2013

COPYRIGHT / USAGE

Now in Baltimore. Hope to do some fun bottle related stuff later today like go to Fells Point, the Washington Monument, the Bromo Seltzer Tower etc. My home town.

GlassWorksJTeam

Like this Photoshop update titled “Meet Glass Works Auctions “J” Team!” Came by email blast yesterday..

 

Posted in Advice, Daily Dose, News, Peachridge Glass | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

The Northwestern Bottle Club’s Gazebo at the 2012 FOHBC Reno Expo

Posted on 13 November 2012 by Ferdinand Meyer V

Richard Siri sitting ‘Watch’ over the Northwestern Bottle Club’s Gazebo at the 2012 FOHBC Reno Expo.

The centerpiece display at this years FOHBC 2012 Reno Expo this past July was, without a doubt, the famous Northwestern Bottle Club’s Gazebo that was loaned to the FOHBC and the Reno Bottle Club to showcase the creme de la crop of bottles. This concept worked as this gazebo was stocked full of some of the greatest bottles you will ever see.

This special display project was spear-headed by Hall-of-Famer Richard Siri who is shown pictured above ‘guarding’ the display. Enjoy the video that was put together by Alan DeMaison (FOHBC Business Manager) and the photographs by Scott Selenak (FOHBC Photographer).

See Gazebo Video

Posted in Bottle Shows, Club News, Display, FOHBC News, Photography | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Charles Lediard and his Liquor Products

Posted on 12 November 2012 by Ferdinand Meyer V

Lediard's Bitters

C H A R L E S   L E D I A R D 

and his Liquor Products

12 November 2012 (R•020116) (R•061318) (R•070718) (R•082819)

With my post the other day on OK PLANTATION Bitters (see: OK Plantation Bitters – the “Big Boys”), I thought I would circle back and look for information regarding Charles Lediard from New York who ‘supposedly’ represented the OK brand. To me it is quite interesting that Mr. Lediard would use so many shapes and colors for his bottles.

I thought I would find abundant information searching online but most of what I find is a series of pieces of information plus some directory listings from St. Louis listing Franklin Hastings as his St. Louis partner. I guess we need to put the puzzle together. I am specifically looking for confirmation of the brands represented by Lediard, advertising and lable examples, who his partners or representatives were on the west coast and why some some of these bottles are found so far west of the Mississippi. It would also be nice to find out where these bottles were made? Was it Lockport, Whitney or some other glass works? I find all of this interesting because I do possess the triangular OK Plantations Bitters, the square Lediard’s OK Plantation Bitters, the Lediard’s Celebrated Stomach Bitters and the Lediard’s Morning Call Bitters bottles in my collection. These bottles all come in great, drop-dead colors.

Lediard's Bitters back

Lediard & Co., advertising trade card (top of post and here) – Joe Gourd Collection

Here is a partial listing of Lediard products:

C. LEDIARD / ST. LOUIS Smith 1960:213, 1972:169; Wilson 1981:25

C. LEDIARD / ST LOUIS Wilson 1981:25

LEDIARD’S // CELEBRATED / /STOMACH BITTERS Watson 1965:154; Ring 1980:300

LEDIARD’S // MORNING CALL // STOMACH BITTERS Ring 1980:301

C. LEDIARD NEW YORK Ring 1980:301

LEDIARD’S // OK PLANTATION // BITTERS – 1840 Ring 1980:301

LEDIARD’S // OLD DOMINION // MINT JULEP (PRG added to list)

ROYAL WINDSOR BITTERS

MorningCall_The_Times_Picayune_Thu__May_19__1859_

Lediard’s Morning Call advertisement – The Times Picayune, Thursday, May 19, 1859

Morning-Call-Bitters-Helpers-Impending-Crisis-by-Sam-Wolfe-1860r

Lediard’s Choice Liqueurs advertisement – 1860

AlterativeTonic_The_Tennessean_Sat__May_19__1860_

Alterative Tonic advertisement – The Tennessean, Saturday, May 19, 1860

OK_PlantationBitters_The_Wilmington_Herald_Tue__Jun_20__1865_

Lots of Lediard brands just received on the Louisa Moore at Kelly’s Saloon – The Wilmington Herald, Tuesday, June 20, 1865

LediardsSanAntonioAdr

A number of Lediard products listed in this advertisement in The Southern Intelligencer (Austin, Texas), Vol. 2, No. 1, Ed. 1 Thursday, July 5, 1866

Hastings, Lediard & Co., St. Louis Directory – 1868

Hastings, Lediard & Co. noting a Franklin B. Hastings and Charles Lediard, St. Louis Directory – 1866

Hastings, Lediard & Co. noting a Franklin B. Hastings in St. Louis and Charles Lediard and Jacob and Charles Berlin, New York , St. Louis Directory

LediardsOKPlantation_The_Galveston_Daily_News_Wed__Sep_27__1871_

Lediard’s O.K. Plantation Bitters advertisement – The Galveston Daily News, Wed, September 27, 1871

Various Notes:

Charles Lediard was a liquor dealer in New York advertising as such In the New York Daily times in 1859-1860. (Digger Odell)

There was a LEDIARD’S // MORNING CALL // STOMACH BITTERS advertised in Mobile in 1860. (antique-bottles.net)

A labeled “Lediard’s Morning Call Bitters”, embossed C. LEDIARD NEW YORK was found in Panama. (antique-bottles.net)

Frank Hastings and Charles Lediard were listed in the 1866 St. Louis Business Directory selling Bitters. This bottle is listed as M130 in the Bitters book and looks to be the bottle I have. It is embossed MORNING CALL // BITTERS. Mine was dug in St. Louis. However, the book indicates a size of 9 1/2″ x 2 13/16″ while mine is 9 3/8″ x 2 3/4″. A six sided, double ring, applied top bottle embossed C. LEDIARD // ST. LOUIS sold at auction in 2008. (antique-bottles.net)

A fragmentary hexagonal bottle of clear greenish brown glass for bitters that bears parts of the legend, “C. LEDIARD // ST. LOUIS”. http://fishhook.cs.ndsu.nodak.edu:4445/2484/

To my knowledge the only example of the Lediard’s Stomach Bitters discovered in Sierra County I watched being broken. A Goodyears Bar digger and I were putting a test hole in the back of a cabin site when he put his shovel through a beautiful teal blue, iron pontiled example of this bottle. The cabin site, above Indian Valley and on the trail to Indian Hill, is one of several cabin sites that were discovered while walking the area. Recent extensive logging operations in the area of the trail and townsite of Indian Hill have pretty much destroyed any traces of the trail and cabin sites that were located alongside of it. Although this is not a western manufactured bottle, collectors believe it was distributed and marketed exclusively on the Pacific Coast. Western, bitters and gold rush collectors rate this bottle as rare and consider it a very desirable addition to their collection. Rick Simi – Western Bitters News

New Addition: Hello Ferdinand, enjoyed the post on the Lediard bottles. I have always been amazed at the variety of bottles produced for his products. I was lucky enough to find one of the Celebrated Stomach Bitters many years ago, it has been one of my favorite bottles. Then about six years ago I got lucky again and found a beautiful Mint Julep (pictured below), yet another Lediard product. Smooth based it looks to be the same color as the Morning Call Bitters. I also remember seeing a pair of the six sided bottles from St. Louis except they were embossed New York. One was green and the other I would say similar in color to the St. Louis one in your post. Got to wonder if there are other Lediard bottles out there. Steve Mello

Select Listings:

1811: Charles Lediard born in England. Both parents from England. 21 December 1817 baptised in England. Father John, Mother Elizabeth
1857: Charles Lediard, segars, 483 Broadway, h. 417 Broome – New York City Directory
1858: Charles Lediard Petition to become citizen of United States (see below)

LediardCitizenship

1859: Charles Lediard, 37 S. William – New York City Directory
1859: Lediard’s Morning Call advertisement (see above) – The Times Picayune, Thursday, May 19, 1859
1865-1867: Charles Lediard, liquors, 13 Dey, New York City – Trow’s New York City Directory
1866: Hastings, Lediard & Co. (1866-1871), S W Hastings & Co. (1872-1878) – St. Louis City Directory (
29-31 Washington Ave (1866), 115-117 Washington Ave (1867-1868), 514-516 N 2nd (1869-1871), this address also appears as Hastings & Berlin, 115-117 Washington Ave (1872-1874), 514-516 N 2nd (1875-1878)
1872: Lediard & Townsend (Charles Lediard and William E. Townsend), importers of wines and liquors, 52 and 54 Murray – New York City Directory
1874: Lediard & Co., warehouse and offices at No. 79 Pearl street.
Lediard & Co., Exporter of Bourbon and Rye Whiskies, Florida Water, Bay Bum, Eau de Cologne, etc., No. 79 Pearl Street.
The importance of the metropolis as the centre of the export trade in liquors and other specialties, can scarcely be over estimated, as the increasing magnitude of the annual transactions at the port of New York abundantly demonstrate. The well-known and reliable establishment of Messrs. Lediard & Co., whose spacious warehouse and offices are eligibly located at No. 79 Pearl street, was established by the present proprietor in 1874, and since its inception at that period, has obtained an extensive foreign patronage, principally in Australia and New Zealand. Lediards’ defuselized Kentucky Bourbon “Short Horn” brand has already commended itself to the trade and to physicians as the safest whiskey for use, being endorsed by Dr. W. C. Tilden, Chemist, United States Treasury Department, as altogether free from impurities, and by Dr. H. C. Bartlett, of London, as perfectly free from fusel oil. Mr. Lediard exports in large quantities, bourbon and rye whiskies, Florida water, bay rum, Eau de Cologne, Zulu water, Sarsaparilla, Bitters, Schnapps etc., and his facilities for procuring goods direct from producers and manufactures are unexcelled by those of any other house in the trade. All orders are promptly filled, and it is the endeavor of Mr. Lediard to merit, by the strictest principles of mercantile integrity, a continuance of the support he has already enjoyed. The bourbon and rye whiskies exported to Australia and New Zealand, have obtained an excellent reputation for quality and fineness at the Antipodes, and are strong competitors with the Scotch and Irish Honors. Mr. Charles Lediard, the sole proprietor of this flourishing firm, is an old resident of New York, and is greatly respected by the community.
1870: Chas Lediard, Liquor Dealer, Age in 1870: 54, Birth Year: abt 1816, Birthplace: England – United States Federal Census
1871: Lediard’s O.K. Plantation Bitters advertisement (see above) – The Galveston Daily News, Wed, September 27, 1871
1876: Charles Lediard, importer, 107 New Church – New York City Directory
1880: Chas Lediard, Exporter, Boarder, Age in 1880: 62, Birth Year: abt 1816, Birthplace: England, Father and Mothers Birthplace: England – United States Federal Census
1885: Lediard’s Morning Call Bitters advertisement (see below) – New York’s Great Industries

1889: Lediard & Company (Charles Lediard), exporters, 79 Pearl, h 744 Union, Brooklyn – New York City Directory

The Carlyn Ring and Bill Ham listings in Bitters Bottles, if appropriate, precedes each bottle:

LEDIARD’S MORNING CALL

L 61.7  LEDIARD’S MORNING CALL Bitters, Circa 1875 – 1885,
L…Lediard’s Morning Call Bitters
LEDIARD’S // MORNING CALL
8 1/4″ x 3 (6)
Round, Olive green, LTCR, Applied mouth, With and without Metallic pontil mark

The cylindrical LEDIARD’S MORNING CALL Bitters in olive green – Meyer Collection

Lediard’s Morning Call Bitters Bottle. Lediard’s Morning Call was one of the may bitters bottles shipped aboard the SS Republic bound for New Orleans. The product of New York liquor merchant Charles lediard, the tonic was advertised as an “invigorating cordial bitter.” Less than a dozen examples were excavated from the site. – Odyssey Marine Exploration

Cylinder shaped LEDIARD’S MORNING CALL in a half gallon size. According to Lou Lambert, it’s a wicked light yellow green with millions of bubbles and non pontiled. – OldWestBottles.com

LEDIARD’S CELEBRATED STOMACH BITTERS

L 60  LEDIARD’S CELEBRATED STOMACH BITTERS, Circa 1870 – 1880
LEDIARD’S // CELEBRATED // STOMACH BITTERS // f //
10 1/8 x 2 7/8 (7 1/2) 7/16
Square, Blue green and Emerald Green, LTC, Applied mouth, Without Metallic pontil mark – Very Scarce; With Metallic pontil mark – Rare
Originated by Charles Lediard, New York, N.Y.
New York City Directory: Charles Lediard originated the tri-cornered Plantation Bitters and Lediard’s Celebrated Stomach Bitters. From 1860 to 1890, Charles Lediard was listed as a liquor merchant and bitters manufacturer with several different partners.
Note: Most specimens of the bottle dug in California. Possibly a bottle made primary for West Coast distribution.

The square LEDIARD’S CELEBRATED STOMACH BITTERS in blue-green – Meyer Collection

OK PLANTATION

O 13.5   OK PLANTATION, Circa 1863 – 1875
OK / PLANTATION / 1840 // motif 7 vertical ribs // motif 7 vertical ribs // // s // PATENTED ( au ) / OCT. 13TH / 1863 // motif window // motif window //
11 1/4 x 3 (6 3/8) 3/4
Triangular, Amber and Puce, LTC, Applied mouth
OK / PLANTATION / 1840 // motif 7 vertical ribs // motif 7 vertical ribs // // s // PATENTED ( au ) / 1868 // motif window // // motif window //
11 1/4 x 3 (6 3/8) 3/4
Square, Amber, Puce, Apricot, and Olive amber, Applied mouth, LTC

The triangular OK PLANTATION Bitters – Meyer Collection

As consumers in the mid-1800s developed a fondness for alcohol-spiked herbal remedies, thousands of bitters brands inundated the market. Under the guise of medicinal tonics, many of these products made from varied ingredients, were sold with vast claims as to the number of diseases and disorders they cured. The enormous profits to be had attracted many enterprising merchants such as Charles Lediard of New York whose OK Plantation Bitters was found among the SS Republic’s assorted consignment of bitters bottles. The four bottles recovered from the wreck site were all empty of their original contents. Listed as a liquor merchant and bitters manufacturer, Lediard sold a variety of bitters brands, including his OK Plantation Bitters uniquely packaged in a tri-cornered bottle. The bottles was produced in varying shades of amber ranging from lighter to golden tones to darker purple-reds. During the 19th-century, as shelf recognition became important for sales, packaging became more distinctive, more colorful and more influential. This three-sided log cabin example is rarely seen today, suggesting it was not one of Lediard’s more successful products. Yet, its scarcity makes the OK Plantation Bitters bottle a prized specimen for modern-day collectors. – Odyssey’s Virtual Museum

LEDIARD’S OK PLANTATION BITTERS

L 62  LEDIARD’S OK PLANTATION BITTERS, Circa 1865 – 1875
LEDIARD’S // OK PLANTATION // BITTERS – 1840 // sp //
Charles Lediard   New York
10 x 2 3/4 x (6 1/2) 3/8
Square, Amber, LTC, Applied mouth, 4 sp, Extremely Rare

Pair of square LEDIARD’S OK PLANTATION BITTERS in amber and yellow. Both extremely rare. Yellow believed to be unique – Meyer Collection

C. LEDIARD   ST. LOUIS (or) NEW YORK

[Previously sold on eBay] For your viewing pleasure today, I am listing a RARE, ST. LOUIS BITTERS bottle. Embossed C. LEDIARD // ST. LOUIS on one panel. This is a six sided, double ring, applied top, unmarked “bitters” bottle from St. Louis. Charles Lediard was listed in Ham and Ring as a liquor merchant and bitters manufacturer. He produced several marked bitters; Morning Call, OK Plantation, and Celebrated Stomach. Because of the ornate shape and design of this bottle it is considered to be a early, unmarked bitters. All the marked examples of bitters in Ham and Ring date to around 1860, some display iron pontil marks, all are listed as rare or extremely rare. An unmarked “bitters” in the mold of the triangular OK Plantation bottle sold on a American Glass Auction a while back for around $3,000. This bottle has been pro tumbled and has no defects that I can find. It does have, many large bubbles throughout; 2 interior bubbles are open. It also has a small piece of glass that has dripped down and add to the side (near the base) when the lip was applied. Just adds to the crudity of the piece.While we are talking about crudity , the bottle was overblown in the mold and has a huge bulge on one of the lower panels (see picture). Reddish amber in color, to my eye, with a smooth six sided base. The embossing is bold and crisp and I would date it to before 1870. Many of these bottles come from South Dakota as this one did. Don’t sleep on this one, somebody is going to snap it up. These bottles are rare and extremely desirable. I would call this a TOP SHELFER at my house, act quick and it can be one at yours as well.

C. LEDIARD NEW YORK – Dick Watson collection (submitted by Steve Mello)

C. LEDIARD ST. LOUIS – past American Bottle Auction

LEDIARD’S OLD DOMINION MINT JULIP

Killer crude LEDIARD’S OLD DOMINION MINT JULEP – Steve Mello

C. LEDIARD NEW YORK & ST. LOUIS 

A new find, a never seen before example of a semi cabin form embossed C. LEDIARD NEW YORK & ST. LOUIS. Amber. Cleaned. – Jeff Burkhardt

LEDIARD & CO.  NEW YORK & LONDON 

LEDIARD & CO NEW YORK & LONDON Applied top. We mentioned the abundance of rare bitters in this auction and none are any more rare than this western fifth shaped Lediards. While there are a few different shaped Lediard bottles, this one in our experience and of the people we have talked to is unique. It’s interesting that it would have “London” embossed on the bottle. Although Charles Lediard himself was quite successful and no doubt became a familiar name around the world. A three-piece mold, there is a ¼” flake off the left collar with a scratch above that. It appears a shovel or some other object came in contact with the top. Not to worry, the bottle displays beautifully in a yellowish green coloration. Fairly heavy, this one has lots of whittle and areas of extreme crudity. This is a bottle you can certainly claim is the only one known, as it’s not even listed in any publication we’ve searched in. Grade: 8.7 because of the top distraction but is otherwise a unique and beautiful example of one of a number of Lediard variants. – American Bottle Auctions #65

ROYAL WINDSOR BITTERS 

The Royal Windsor Wine and Stomach Bitters or Royal Windsor Bitters is referenced in early Lediard advertising centered around 1859. I have never seen a bottle. Here is a billhead from Joe Gourd and an advertisement to support the claim. The brand is also mentioned in advertising above.

Billhead
R 118.5 ROYAL WINDSOR BITTERS, Bought of Berlin & Son, No. 87 South William Street, “Lediard Morning Call,” Royal Windsor Bitters,” “Old Dominion Mint Julep,” &c., &c. New York, December 18, 1862. Products noted are Charles Lediard brands. See L 61 in Bitters Bottles.
Newspaper Advertisement
R 118.5 ROYAL WINDSOR BITTERS, Royal Windsor Bitters! Lediard’s Morning Call. These Stomachic Bitters are the most agreeable, safe and healthful Tonics ever introduced to the Public. Charles Lediard, 37 South William street, N. Y., Brooklyn Evening Star (Brooklyn, New York) February 10, 1859.

Posted in Bitters, Collectors & Collections, Digging and Finding, Figural Bottles, History, Spirits | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

OK Plantation Bitters – the “Big Boys”

Posted on 11 November 2012 by Ferdinand Meyer V

O K    P L A N T A T I O N    B I T T E R S

the   “B I G    B O Y S”

If you remember, some time back, towards the end of last year and the beginning of this year, I did an extensive series on triangular bitters bottles. It was a fun series. I purposely withheld my favorite, the OK Plantation Bitters as I consider it in almost a separate category all by itself. Sure it is triangular, but in my book it is the king of bitters, my absolutely favorite brand and form. This says a lot to those that know me because I have major runs of queens, fish, cabins, pigs and corns.

O K    P L A N T A T I O N S

“These guys are monsters of engineering representing the pinnacle of power.”

I am also a train nut and absolutely love the early trains of yesteryear, model railroading, rail-fanning and to this day still subscribe to Model Railroader magazine. If I won the lottery, my dream would be to build a 10,000 sq ft HO model railroad based on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad in the 1940’s. With train lovers, we all have a favorite locomotive and mine is the “Big Boy”. The Big Boy was the name of the Union Pacific Railroad’s 4000-class 4-8-8-4 articulated steam locomotives, built between 1941 and 1944 by American Locomotive Company (ALCO). The 25 Big Boys were the only locomotives to have the 4-8-8-4 wheel arrangement, which combined two sets of eight driving wheels with a four-wheel leading truck for stability entering curves and a four-wheel trailing truck to support the large firebox. These guys are monsters of engineering representing the pinnacle of power.

Why am I telling you this? Well I consider the OK Plantations my “Big Boys”. They are bigger than most of my other bitters bottles, they are a Lediards (New York) product in a cabin form, triangular, have windows, ribbed, articulated to no end and as either Bob Currens or Mark Warne once said, “They are a Drakes Plantation Bitters on steroids”. These bottles haul the freight and are my 4-8-8-4’s of my bitters bottles. The OK’s actually come in two mold variants, the second being a little wider and having a shorter neck. You get my point I hope. I do want to mention that the word ‘BITTERS’ is not embossed on the bottle. This doesn’t bother me or hinder me for a moment.

Read: Charles Lediard and his Liquor Products

The Carlyn Ring and Bill Ham listing in Bitters Bottles is as follows:

O 13.5   OK PLANTATION, Circa 1863 – 1875
OK / PLANTATION / 1840 // motif 7 vertical ribs // motif 7 vertical ribs //
// s // PATENTED ( au ) / OCT. 13TH / 1863 // motif window // motif window //
11 1/4 x 3 (6 3/8) 3/4
Triangular, Amber and Puce, LTC, Applied mouth
OK / PLANTATION / 1840 // motif 7 vertical ribs // motif 7 vertical ribs //
// s // PATENTED ( au ) / 1868 // motif window // // motif window //
11 1/4 x 3 (6 3/8) 3/4
Square, Amber, Puce, Apricot, and Olive amber, Applied mouth, LTC
Note 1: a product of Charles Lediard – New York
Note 2: there is also an unembossed variant

I had a crazy week this past Monday thru Friday as I had eleven different client meetings in seven different cities in Kentucky (Paducah, Madisonville, Lexington, Corbin, Louisville, Richmond and La Grange). While chilling at a Starbucks in Louisville between meetings this past Friday morning, I saw a surprise picture with a tease question and picture (see below) posted by Tami Barber on my Peachridge Glass facebook page.

“This is what I would guess is Strawberry Puce? Guess the bottle?” – Tami Barber

Tami asked…

“This is what I would guess is Strawberry Puce? Guess the bottle?”

Wow…what a way to catch my heart girl (sorry Ed). I immediately perked up, took a much deserved bottle break and responded…

“For those that know me and my collection best, my favorite bottle…OK?”

It’s great how we can get so fired up with a simple post about the bottles and glass we love. Like proudly pulling out a picture of our children, grandchildren or pets. That is what makes our hobby so great. With facebook and instant communication, we can be with our bottles and collector friends anywhere and anytime we want. I was immediately and spiritually back with my collection in Houston and excited. I was the proud popper as my grandson Nicolas calls me. I quickly followed up with a post of my OK run in a linear layout (see below) that prompted further dialog, primarily with Jeff Noordsy. This kept the train of thought moving forward with comments like:

“Two variants. One is wider and shorter. Just soooo cool…AND TRIANGULAR!!!!” Ferdinand Meyer V

“Really? I very much like these as well. I always figured that the Drakes were your faves.” – Jeff Noordsy

“Holy $hit. That is a fantastic run. Different necks from one to the other.” – Greg Sweet

“I can’t tell you how impressive these are. MAGNIFICENT!” -Rick Ciralli

“Outstanding color group run Ferd !!!!!!” – Dale Santos

“You’re killing me! Best colors in town!” – John Panella

“Very Nice! Great run!” – Brian Shultis

“Hard to find a single one of those bottles let alone a run like that. Congratulations Ferd. I think we all know the difficulty in assembling this “run” – Mark Vuono

“Third from the left – is that the one that came out of the Ken Aldrich auctions in VT?” and “Did it originally come from Currens? I think it’s the one…” – Jeff Noordsy

“Those two guys were secreting away at Hecklers hayfield, right when I was getting in to this heavily, I was in the right place. They had one or two killer OK’s. My first time seeing one. Was hooked immediately on OK’s. Prob the same.” – Ferdinand Meyer V

“I believe it originally came from a Heckler Auction, one of his first. I underbid the piece when it was sold in White River Junction, VT. Currens was the winner. Pretty distinctive in both color and short neck. Bought a pink Johnson’s Calisaya the same day (which is actually the one you own – the piece that I referenced in an earlier post went to E.S) as well as a light pink Tebbetts. It was a good day :)” – Jeff Noordsy

“The Aldrich sales were amazing. I think it took three years to sell all of his stuff. House was full, place of business was full and TWO DOZEN tractor trailers were filled to the brim with everything from soup to nuts.” – Jeff Noordsy

“I actually had two new ones recently. Both of John Feldmanns. One was a dead ringer match in color. Sold to Bill Taylor. Kept a new color which is not represented in line-up. I missed an opportunity for an olive toned one at Balto this year (see picture below) that Jack Stecher wisely purchased.” – Ferdinand Meyer V

OK PLANTATION Bitters – Barber Collection

Tami followed up with another picture (see above) of the Barber OK Plantation Bitters and said:

“Ferd, I asked my husband about our OK Plantation we have and how we aqquired it. Was about 15 years ago from a local bottle collector here in Washington. He was digging in Port Townsend, Washington and saw this bottle and quite a few Whiskey’s in an old victorian house there. The owner, who was an Antique dealer in Virginia City, Nevada had moved to Port Townsend. Well our friend was able to buy the bitters and someone else bought all the Whiskeys. He offered it to us and we bought it. It is our best bitters that we have. Can’t see it in the photo but there are numerous seed bubbles and the bottle is attic mint Not sure if there is a real story here to share but we are quite fond of it. You have an amazing run of OK bitters. Love your blog and all the info you share . Thanks for asking. Best Regards, Ed & Tami Barber… PS: We will try to get a better photo of it and send it to you for you to see.

A big thank-you to Tami Barber for inspiring this post and making my day this past Friday! Also to Jeff Noordsy who somehow seems to know the history and story behind every great bottle.

 O K    M E Y E R    G A L L E R Y

OK PLANTATION Bitters – Meyer Collection

OK PLANTATION Bitters – Meyer Collection

OK PLANTATION Bitters – Meyer Collection

OK PLANTATION Bitters – Meyer Collection

OK PLANTATION Bitters – Meyer Collection

OK PLANTATION Bitters – Meyer Collection

OK PLANTATION Bitters – Meyer Collection

O K    G A L L E R Y

OK PLANTATION Bitters displayed at the Meyer table during the 2011 Houston Antique Bottle Show

Sexy window shot of some of my OK’s prior to them joining my collection in Houston – Mark Warne

Absolutely stunning example of an OK PLANTATION Bitters that Jack Stecher picked up at the Baltimore Antique Bottle Show this past March 2012. Bottle displayed at the famous Gazebo at the 2012 FOHBC Reno Expo this past July.

OK PLANTATION Bitters displayed at the Meyer table during the 2011 Houston Antique Bottle Show

As consumers in the mid-1800s developed a fondness for alcohol-spiked herbal remedies, thousands of bitters brands inundated the market. Under the guise of medicinal tonics, many of these products made from varied ingredients, were sold with vast claims as to the number of diseases and disorders they cured. The enormous profits to be had attracted many enterprising merchants such as Charles Lediard of New York whose OK Plantation Bitters was found among the SS Republic’s assorted consignment of bitters bottles. The four bottles recovered from the wreck site were all empty of their original contents. Listed as a liquor merchant and bitters manufacturer, Lediard sold a variety of bitters brands, including his OK Plantation Bitters uniquely packaged in a tri-cornered bottle. The bottles was produced in varying shades of amber ranging from lighter to golden tones to darker purple-reds. During the 19th-century, as shelf recognition became important for sales, packaging became more distinctive, more colorful and more influential. This three-sided log cabin example is rarely seen today, suggesting it was not one of Lediard’s more successful products. Yet, its scarcity makes the OK Plantation Bitters bottle a prized specimen for modern-day collectors. – Odyssey’s Virtual Museum

OK PLANTATION Bitters – GreatAntiqueBottles.com

Rare unembossed “O.K. / PLANTATION / BITTERS” Beautiful Copper Color! – eBay

Read Further: The beautiful and triangular S (star) C Brown’s Herb Bitters

Read Further: Sanitarium Bitters & Hi Hi Bitters – No doubt what you are getting here!

Read Further: The triangular Hagan’s Dyspepsia Bitters – Atlantic City, New Jersey

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

Read Further: The extremely rare, triangular Wahoo Chamomile Bitters

Posted in Bitters, Bottle Shows, Collectors & Collections, Color Runs, Digging and Finding, Facebook, Figural Bottles | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Looking at a few of my favorites in ABCR Auction 10

Posted on 10 November 2012 by Ferdinand Meyer V

A B C R    A U C T I O N    10

Closing Saturday November 17th, 2012 at 8:00 PM AEST

Visit Auction

Australian Bottle & Collectibles Review Jan/Feb/Mar 2012 issue Visit

Travis Dunn with ABCR Auctions announces their Auction 10: The catalogue is now available for viewing – Auction 10 Catalogue. 680 Lots covering all categories with everything from cheapies and group lots to some of the very best items available in Australia! Highlights include the stunning A. H. Pain, Sedgwick Rose Brand Pickles in a deep amethyst glass this is one of the rarest pickle bottles in the country.

These are a few of my favorite lots.

2 / Castlemaine / Brewery / (Eagle clasping a barrel) / Tired Nature’s Sweet Resort / Trade Mark / Brisbane // To close the tap / Turn hole in the handle to front / DO NOT raise the Tap on turning. // This Jar is the property of / The / Castlemaine Brewery / Brisbane. Small impressed stamp on shoulder: Pearson & Co / Whittington / Moor / Chesterfield. 1900s. Simply WOW! Regularly rated as the best Demijohn in Australia – and note this is the larger of two sizes! This Demijohn has spent almost all its life as a container in a farm shed and had a cork from a port bottle stuck firmly in the tap hole so that it would hold liquid, this has now been removed! Has the original metal carry handle. – ABCR Auction 10

J. T. Shepheard & Co / Star / Works / (Star) / Geraldton // 4. Aerated Water Torpedo, Applied top. Bright cobalt blue. 13 oz. – 1880s – ABCR Auction 10

British Registration Diamond / (Large Rearing Horse) / Registered. No base mark. (Black Horse Ale). Beer Cork Stoppered, Tall. Applied mushroom type top. Black (Dark Olive). 26 oz. 1850s-1860s – ABCR Auction 10

Sharpe / Bros. / 15,806 / Hands Across / The Sea. / (Arms making a toast with Aust. and N.Z.) / Trade Mark. / (New Zealand International Exhibition / Christchurch medallions) (Demijohn with Health / Beverages / by / Hygienic / Process) (More medallions with Awarded to Sharpe Bros, etc. Kia-Ora) / Unapproachable. / (Boat sinking – Imitation) / To close the tap / turn hole in handle to front / Do not raise the tap on turning. / Caution. This jar is the property of / Sharpe Bros. & Must not be used by / customers for any purpose whatever / or proceedings will be taken. Potters stamp: Pearson & Co / Whittington Moor / Potteries / Chesterfield. 1920s – ABCR Auction 10

“Lactogen” / Ounces / Table Spoons / Measurement lines to either side. Box printed: Nestle’s Lactogen Feeder 10 oz. Made in Australia. Bottle Only without Teat or Valve. Direction on the back. Nestle and Anglo-Swiss Condensed Milk Co. (Australasia) Ltd., 17 Foveaux Street, Sydney, N.S.W. Household Baby Feeder, Wide banana shape. Clear. Tool finished ends. 10 oz. Box is Blue/Yellow. 1910s+ – ABCR Auction 10

(Leaf pattern around bulbous shoulder) / Blogg Bros / Lemon Squash. Base: M. – Household Cordial, Wide base, waist to middle, Bulbous shoulder, rings to neck. Tool finished long collar top. Clear. 26 oz., Era: 1900s – ABCR Auction 10

King of Tonics / “Quinol”. To rear near base: Cawsey / Menck & Co Pty. Ltd. / Melbourne / Made in France / Sole / Australian / Proprietors. Base Mark: Sarreguemines / France / 3181 / 1 / 530 / V2., Household Face Jug Multicoloured advertising jug with red print. Styled on David Bruce (after a late night out). 1920s – ABCR Auction 10

AMAZING PINK ink bottle, labelled: Simpson’s / Celebrated / Scarlet / Writing Ink / This ink is a beautiful scarlet red colour. / It is not affected by steel pens, nor are the / pens in the least corroded by it. / A perfect ink for contrast writing. / Sole manufacturers / Simpsons Ink Ltd / Sydney. Original wax seal stamped: Simpson’s / Ink / Sydney. Household Ink. 1900s – ABCR Auction 10

A. H. Pain / Manufacturer of / The / Famous / Rose (Rose) Brand / Pickles / Sedgwick / This bottle is the property of / A. H. Pain Sedgwick. Base Mark: AGM intertwined logo monogram. Household Pickle, Applied top, tooled finish. Amethyst Pint, 1910s-1920s. Very rare pickle bottle from country Victoria, this is one of the finest pickles in the country! – ABCR Auction 10

Warner’s / “Safe” Cure / (Safe) / Trade / Mark / London. Base O. Medicine Cure, Oval section. Apple green. Applied blob top. Half Pint. 1890s – ABCR Auction 10

Thorley’s Food for Cattle / Sydney 1879 / Melbourne 1880 / (Pictures of Medals) / Important to every man who keeps (Picture of Livestock) / Thornhill Bridge, Caledonian Road, Kings Cross London // Directions for use on each side include recipes for: Horses; Cows & Bullocks; Pigs; Calves; Sheep and Poultry, Pheasants, Ducks, Geese, Rabbits & c. 1880s. What a great piece of ceramic advertising. – ABCR Auction 10

The Alexandra / For beautifying and preserving the Teeth & Gums / (Princess Alexandra) / Prepared by Alfred Felton Melbourne / (British Registration Diamond) / Cherry Tooth Paste. Pot Lid Tooth Paste, Domed “Queens Head” shape., Multicoloured (strong pink centre circle). 1860s-1870s – ABCR Auction 10

E. J. Rose’s / Magador Bitters / For Stomach, Kidney & Liver // Superior Tonic, Cathartic / and Blood Purifier. Smooth base. Tool finished lip. Square section. Bright Amber. 24 oz. 1900s, Original auction sticker to the side shows this was part of the Charles B. Gardner (Gardner Collection No. 2087). Really a superb bottle that it is hard to find fault with. Stunning colour and nice embossing. – ABCR Auction 10

Cosmopoliet / (Man holding bottle) / J. J. Melchers WZ / Schiedam. Star on base. Dutch Case Gin. Applied top. Green. Small size, 18 oz. approximately. 1870s – ABCR Auction 10

Posted in Auction News, Bitters, Breweriana, Cordial, Gin, Infant Feeders, Inks, Medicines & Cures, News, Pickle Jars, Pot Lids, Water | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Could we have a 2016 Mega Expo and a 2020 International Antique Glass Festival?

Posted on 9 November 2012 by Ferdinand Meyer V

Hi Ferdinand,

I went to the Springfield Insulator show last weekend and was approached by three different high end insulator people about exploring the possibility of the Federation and NIA getting together in the future to collaborate on a national show. Ray Klingensmith was one of them. Just thought I would pass this on to you for discussion.

Jamie (Houdeshell) [FOHBC Second Vice President]

Jamie:

Your question is something I think often about. This year our Federation National Show is the same weekend as the National Insulator Association (NIA) show. Go figure. I am in total agreement that better planning and larger FOHBC Expo’s (every 4 years) are needed. To do this we need to expand our thinking and unify. I have also been in communication lately with the point persons in Australia, the United Kingdom and Canada about the possibility of an International Glass Festival unifying all of our organizations and collecting interests. Can you imagine? I think this would really be great. A once in a lifetime or at least a decade experience!

Maybe some of you are aware of a ‘cousin’ of ours having a National Mega Glass Convention in 2011. The overview for this event is as follows:

The 2011 Mega Glass Convention – Overland Park, Kansas

The Mega Glass Convention was an event in 2011 where seven national glass organizations joined together to have one large National Mega Glass Convention. The organizations participating were: Early American Pattern Glass Society, National Toothpick Holder Collectors Club, Antique Glass Salt and Sugar Shaker Club, Mt. Washington Pairpoint Glass Society, National American Glass Club, Vaseline Glass Collectors, Inc, Wave Crest Collectors Club.

Would it be worthwhile or even possible to conduct an EXPO in 2016 with the Federation of Historical Bottle Collectors (FOHBC), National Insulator Association (NIA), Antique Poison Bottle Collectors Association (APBCA), Violin Bottle Collectors Association (VBCA), National Association of Milk Bottle Collectors (NAMBC), Painted Soda Bottle Collectors Association, Midwest Antique Fruit Jar Show (MAFJ&BC), Jelly Jammers, National Brewery Collectibles Club of America (BCCA), The International Perfume Bottle Association (IBPA) etc etc.? Not to mention all of the vintage advertising clubs too!

I think the immediate benefit would be that it would allow for us, financially speaking, to look at larger cites, longer events and bigger venues such as convention centers in Kansas City, Atlanta, Dallas, Phoenix, San Diego, Chicago, Boston, Washington DC  (Walter E. Washington Convention Center pictured above). etc. I guess this reminds me of my stamp collecting days when I attended the big national events. The week before last, The International Quilt Festival in Houston at the George R. Brown Convention Center had 60,000 plus visitors! We struggle to break a thousand visitors and it is usually much less! How are they successful? They bring together many sub groups and have tons of activities and events. My mother used to fly in from Baltimore each year and take classes before the events and floor activity. She loved it. There is a global audience as this event takes over our monster convention center.

The ASDA National Postage Stamp Show last year was in New York City, The National Money Show is in Dallas this year, Comic-Con 2012 (comic books) was at the San Diego Convention Center and the Antique Toy Shows are routinely in Miami, Boston, New York and Washington. These are all large events for a minimum of four days with thousands and thousands of visitors. Maybe this is all a little to ‘big time’ for us but I do not think so. We need to think bigger for Expos and consider an international event. Obviously this will take tons of planning.

The complaint I hear most about the Expo is that it is slow on Sunday. If we expand, get more visitors, get more areas of interest for visitors, we solve that problem. My problem is, I never have enough time to truly see the displays, visit every table, shop and meet people. I need some breathing room!

Please, let me hear your thoughts on this topic.

* disclaimer: the topmost advertisement for the 2010 Mega Glass event is just an idea. Do not book your hotel rooms and flights yet!

Posted in Advice, Bottle Shows, Breweriana, Club News, Early American Glass, FOHBC News, Fruit Jars, Insulators, News, Perfume, Poison Bottles, Questions, Soda Water | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

What is Puce or ‘Pooce’ as some call it?

Posted on 8 November 2012 by Ferdinand Meyer V

T H E    C O L O R    P U C E

“Puce is the French word for flea”

What is Puce or ‘Pooce’ as some call it?

08 November 2012

Puce (often misspelled as “puse”, “peuse” or “peuce”) is a color that is defined as ranging from light grayish red-violet (the version shown at left) to medium to dark purplish-brown, with the latter being the more widely accepted definition found in reputable sources. The Oxford English Dictionary dates the use of “puce” (in couleur puce) from 1787. The first recorded use of puce as a color name was in the 14th century, in the French language. (Wikipedia)

Puce is the French word for flea. The color is said to be the color of the bloodstains remaining on linen or bedsheets, even after being laundered, from a flea’s droppings or after a flea has been killed. (Wikipedia)

Bottle collecting: In the vintage-bottle-collecting hobby, “puce” is arguably the most desirable color. (Wikipedia) *I wonder how Wiki got this notion?

Puce is probably the most misunderstood color in bottle collecting. I admit, I am just as guilty as most as I like saying puce and it adds mystery, intrigue and value to a reddish or pinkish amber bottle. The problem is, most of us do not feel like we understand the singularity of the color puce so we add a color description in front of it, a color we are familiar with to create the color description. I call it “Puce Juices” because it is not uncommon to hear strawberry puce, raspberry puce, plum puce, orange puce, peach puce, apricot puce, cherry puce etc. to describe a bottle color. Crazy isn’t it? Then you have the nutty pronunciation. Many pronounce it “pooce” while another large group draws out the “u” and says “Puce” like Juice. I believe this is correct. Oh our crazy English language!

Read More: Is it finally time to tackle bottle colors?

P U C E    J U I C E S

Peach Puce – Raspberry Puce – Strawberry Puce – Plum Puce – Cranberry Puce – Orange Puce – Apricot Puce – Cherry Puce

The wide range of puce color interpretations. I call it Puce Juices.

P U C E    G L A S S    G A L L E R Y

My Dyottville Puce Eagle flask at the Original Dyottville Glass works factory in Philadelphia Pa. We visited the site on 2/17/12 – Rick Weiner – 19th Century Bottle Diggers

Orange and Cranberry colored Inks – John April

Beautifully photographed trio showing a utility jar, hat whimsey and ink what might be called a coper puce. – photo Michael George

Puce Fells Point/Sloop half-pint flask

l to r- op purple/wine type tone , pink 12 sided op, op puce ink (posted a few days back) and a smooth based lilac purple that looks like watered down welch’s grape juice.

The same Washington Taylor portrait flask in a puce coloration, looks to be different colors with studio photography vs window photography – Glass Works Auctions

Very dark puce H F & B NEW YORK – Meyer collection

xxx

Double Eagle in pink puce

Posted in Advice, Color | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments