Why do we call the bottles the ‘Indian Queen?’

Posted on 24 September 2012 by Ferdinand Meyer V

THE INDIAN PRINCESS or LA BELLE SAUVAGE

“Even before the first Englishman set foot on Virginia soil, America was represented in the iconography of 16th century European art as an Indian woman. She was depicted as variously savage and seductive.”

Why do we call the bottles the ‘Indian Queen?’

24 September 2012

Apple-Touch-IconAI have always wondered why we call the figural Brown’s Celebrated Indian Herb Bitters and other similar bottles an ‘Indian Queen’ and in some cases ‘Indian Princess’. This prompted a search to look at some of the historical information and art that probably influenced the brand, bottle design and I suppose advertising (if I can ever find any). We will obviously be looking at Pocahontas and her lore.

de soto and the Indian Queen

Read More: Looking closer at the Brown’s Celebrated Indian Herb Bitters

Read more: Amethyst Indian Queen Found in Seattle

Read More: H. Pharazyn Indian Queen – Philadelphia

Read More: Mohawk Whiskey Pure Rye Indian Queen

Read More: E. Longs Indian Herb Bitters

Read More: The Indian Herb Bitters Prepared by Drs Dickerson & Stark

Read More: The Rubenesque Queens

Read More: Barrel series – Original Pocahontas Bitters

“The Discovery of America” (left), painted in 1575 by Jan Van Der Straet, depicting a naked Indian princess welcoming Christopher Columbus as she reclines on a hammock.
Even before the first Englishman set foot on Virginia soil, America was represented in the iconography of 16th century European art as an Indian woman. She was depicted as variously savage and seductive. Speculation as to the pre-civilized culture of the virgin continent fuelled the fascination with this Indian Princess, as the icon was called. When reports of Pocahontas’ valiant intervention on behalf of John Smith reached European ears, there must have been a slight shock of recognition. The legend of the savage, yet noble, Indian Princess already existed in an embryonic form before anyone had ever heard of Pocahontas. She essentially stepped into a ready-made iconic role.

A painting showing several warriors grabbing John Smith, and forcing him to stretch out on two large, flat stones. They stood over him with clubs, as though ready to beat him to death if ordered. Suddenly, in rushed the chief’s daughter, little Pocahontas, and took Smith’s head in her arms to save him from death. Pocahontas then pulled him to his feet and the chief declared that they were now friends. He then adopted Smith as his son, or a subordinate chief.

Pocahontas (1595?- 1617) – The daughter of a powerful Powhatan Indian Chief in Virginia, she was born in the Tidewater region of Virginia around 1595 and was called Matoaka. However, at an early age she took on the nickname of Pocahontas, meaning “Little-wanton,” for her playful and frolicsome nature, and was considered an “Indian Princess” in pop culture.

A ‘cultured’ Pocahontas with symbolic peace pipe and no sword.

The Indian Princess was later used by the early republic to represent itself. President Washington , in 1790, ordered one of four early congressional medals to bear the image of the Indian woman. Thomas Jefferson was instrumental in bringing this work, now known as “The Diplomatic Medal” (see below), to fruition. He saw to it that a French engraver of some renown execute the medal, which bears the inscription “To peace and Commerce,” and depicts the United States as an Indian Princess holding a cornucopia filled with fruit. She is welcoming Mercury, symbolizing commerce, to her shores and seems to be calling his attention to bundles of merchandise ready for export displayed at her feet.

Augustin Dupré (1748–1833). Diplomatic Medal. Bronze original, 1791 The obverse of a diplomatic medal given out twice in 1792 to a pair of former French ambassadors to the United States, then discontinued. It was actually ordered in 1790 but not finished until early 1792. The medal was done by Augustin Dupré, a leading engraver in Paris at the time. Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson suggested the basic design in his initial letter; Dupré chose to use it. The design is described as: TO PEACE AND COMMERCE. To the left, America, personified as an Indian queen, seated, facing the right, and holding in her left hand the cornucopia of abundance (Peace), welcomes Mercury (Commerce) to her shores, and with her right calls his attention to her products, packed ready for transportation. In the background, to the right, the sea, and a ship under full sail. Exergue: IV JUL. MDCCLXXVI.- Princeton University Library

From The Project Gutenberg Book of The Indian Princess, by James Nelson Barker: Pocahontas then becomes inextricably linked to powerful image of the Indian Princess and its identification with the very essence of our nation. The 19th century, especially, saw a tremendous concern with Pocahontas as the United States sought to fashion a history for itself appropriate to its emerging identity.

Title page to the 1808 Edition of The Indian Princess

I have selected his play, “The Indian Princess,”as an example of the numberless dramas that grew up around the character of Pocahontas. The reader will find it particularly of interest to contrast with this piece G. W. P. Custis’s “Pocahontas; or, The Settlers of Virginia” (1830), and John Brougham’s burlesque, “Po-ca-hon-tas; or, The Gentle Savage.”

The Indian Drama, in America, is a subject well worth careful attention. There are numberless plays mentioned by Laurence Hutton in his “Curiosities of the American Stage” which, though interesting as titles, have not been located as far as manuscripts are concerned.

Barker’s “The Indian Princess” is one of the earliest that deal with the character of Pocahontas. The subject has been interestingly treated in an article by Mr. E. J. Streubel (The Colonnade, New York University, September, 1915).

Barker had originally intended his play, “The Indian Princess,” to be a legitimate drama, instead of which, when it was first produced, it formed the libretto for the music by a man named John Bray, of the New Theatre. In his letter to Dunlap, he says:

“‘The Indian Princess,” in three acts … begun some time before, was taken up in 1808, at the request of Bray, and worked up into an opera, the music to which he composed. It was first performed for his benefit on the 6th of April, 1808, to a crowded house; but Webster, particularly obnoxious, at that period, to a large party, having a part in it, a tremendous tumult took place, and it was scarcely heard. I was on the stage, and directed the curtain to be dropped. It has since been frequently acted in, I believe, all the theatres of the United States. A few years since, I observed, in an English magazine, a critique on a drama called ‘Pocahontas; or, the Indian Princess,’ produced at Drury Lane. From the sketch given, this piece differs essentially from mine in the plan and arrangement; and yet, according to the critic, they were indebted for this very stupid production ‘to America, where it is a great favourite, and is to be found in all the printed collections of stock plays.’ The copyright of the ‘Indian Princess’ was also given to Blake, and transferred to Longworth. It was printed in 1808 or 1809. George Washington Custis, of Arlington, has, I am told, written a drama on the same subject.”

An account of the riot is to be found in Durang’s “History of the Philadelphia Stage,” and the reader, in order to gain some knowledge of the popularity of “The Indian Princess,” may likewise obtain interesting material in Manager Wood’s “Diary,” the manuscript of which is now in possession of the University of Pennsylvania. When the play was given in Philadelphia, the advertisement announced, “The principal materials forming this dramatic trifle are extracted from the General History of Virginia, written by Captain Smith, and printed London, folio, 1624; and as close an adherence to historic truth has been preserved as dramatic rules would allow of.”

It was given its first New York production at the Park Theatre on June 14, 1808.

The ‘Indian Queen’ bottles are full of iconography, symbology and allegorical representations including a necklace, feathers, sword, shield and a crown. Here are some art pieces that may have influenced the two primary molds.

Gold 3$ Indian Princess coin (1888) 1854-1889

Vintage Buffalo Bill Wild West Poster, Indian Princess HE-NU-KAW print, Jack Rennert, Printed In America

John J. Barralet. “America Guided by Wisdom: An Allegorical representation of the United States, denoting their Independence and Prosperity.” Philadelphia, ca. 1815. The War of 1812 has often been called the “Second War of Independence,” especially at the time. Following a series of naval victories and battles at Baltimore and New Orleans, Americans were infused with a new optimism based on a peace treaty that arranged for them to be left alone to develop their new country. This print uses symbols of republican virtues to express pride in the new country. Six lines of descriptive text explain that the focus is on Minerva, Goddess of Wisdom, who points to an escutcheon of the United States with the motto “Union and Independence,” emblazoned on a shield held by America. Thrown down at their feet and behind them is a spear and shield with the visage of Medusa. To the right of this vignette is an equestrian statue of Washington at the entrance of a grand temple. To the left the god Mercury, representing commerce, points to proudly sailing ships to indicate his approval to the goddess Ceres, who holds wheat (a symbol of agriculture), while to her back are symbols of American industry: spinning, beekeeping, and plowing. This is a rich allegory to describe America. We date this print at 1815 because that year marked the end of the War of 1812, and the message is appropriate for that time. Also, in that year Benjamin Tanner (1775-1848) entered a partnership with Vallance, Kearney & Company whose names are added to a later state of this print as described by David M. Stauffer. So the imprint, as well as the wonderfully strong lines, suggests that this printing is a first state. This print is after a drawing by John James Barralet (ca. 1747-1815), an Irish artist who came to Philadelphia about 1795. He had established a reputation as a landscape and historical artist in Dublin and London. When Barralet first arrived in Philadelphia he was hired as an engraver by Alexander Lawson and soon took up painting landscapes in and around Philadelphia. Among American engravers, Barralet is credited with inventing a ruling machine for work on bank notes.

958 Indian Tribe History 1564 Drawing Chief Saturiba Queen Le Moyne Press Photo – eBay

Ah-Weh-Eyu (Pretty Flower), Seneca Indian girl, 1908

Sarah Winnemucca, whose Paiute Indian name was Thocmetony (Shell Flower), was famous for being a Native American educator, lecturer, tribal leader, and writer best known for her book Life Among the Piutes: Their Wrongs and Claims. This book is an autobiographical account of her people during their first forty years of contact with explorers and settlers. Sarah was a person of two worlds. At the time of her birth her people had only very limited contact with Euro-Americans; however she spent much of her adult life in white society. During the Snake and Bannock War Sarah served as an interpreter and negotiator between her people and the U.S. Army. Despite her influence, the Paiutes were moved to the Yakima Reservation in Washington. As a spokesperson for her people, she gave over 300 speeches to win support for them. In order to attract crowds, Winnemucca even dressed as an Indian princess. In this piece I decided to paint Winnemucca against Shell Flowers because she said, ” I am a shell flower, who could be as strong or as beautiful as me.” – Fine Art Silk Studio

Posted in Art & Architecture, Bitters, Figural Bottles, History, Questions | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

H. Pharazyn Indian Queen – Philadelphia

Posted on 24 September 2012 by Ferdinand Meyer V

The H. PHARAZYN Queen

H. Pharazyn Indian Queen – Philadelphia

24 September 2012 (R•090516)

Apple-Touch-IconAAfter looking at the well known Brown’s Celebrated Indian Herb Bitters (figural Indian Queen) yesterday we will move next to the oddly named H. PHARAZYN Queen which is a different mold than the Brown’s ‘Indian Queen’ and very similar to the Mohawk Whiskey Pure Rye Queen. This bottle always comes in shades of amber which is a major difference from the broad range of colors associated with the Brown’s Queen. Because the bottle is also embossed ‘PHILA RIGHT SECURED’ this allowed me to search the Pharazyn name online in Philadelphia as not much information is available other than past auction sales of the bottle.

High Shield Mold – PHARAZYN Queen

Figure 1: The H. PHARAZYN Queen varies from the BROWN’S Queen in that the right arm is well below the waist and is holding a sword. The left arm is bent and holding a shield to the body. The shield for the PHARAZYN Queen is unembossed and the area usually used for the patent date has ‘H. PHARAZYN PHILA RIGHT SECURED’.

Low Shield Mold – BROWN’S Queen

Figure 2: The BROWN’S Queen varies from the PHARAZYN Queen in that the arms are not holding the shield (embossed with the product name) and sword.

Arm Placement

The H. PHARAZYN Queen (Figure 1 above) varies from the BROWN’S Queen (Figure 2 above) in that the right arm is well below the waist and is holding a sword. The left arm is bent and holding a shield to the body. The shield for the PHARAZYN Queen is unembossed and the area usually used for the patent date has ‘H. PHARAZYN PHILA RIGHT SECURED’.

The Pharazyn Name

The meaning of Pharazyn come may come from a trade, such as the name “Carpenter” which was given to woodworkers. A lot of these craft-based family names can be a profession in another language. For this reason it is useful to research the country of origin of a name, and the languages spoken by it’s family members. Many western names like Pharazyn originate from religious texts such as the Quran, the Bhagavadgītā, the Bible, and other related texts. Often these family names are shortened versions of a religious sentiment such as “Favored of God”. (AncientFaces)

Probable Match

The most probable match for our Queen bottle is Henry Pharazyn in Philadelphia. I have a hunch that he tried to knock off the famous Brown’s Celebrated Indian Herb Bitters which he certainly must have been aware of as both products are related to the same city, Philadelphia. Henry had many professions and seemed to move around but he did work in a saloon and he did sell herbs.

“Trotting Cracks of Philadelphia Returning From The Race at Point Breeze Park, Having A Brush Past Turner’s Hotel, Rope Ferry Road, Philadelphia, 1870. – Colored lithograph, published by Henry Pharazyn, 1870.

Henry Pharazyn 

(b 1822 – December 1902)

Henry Pharazyn, born ca. 1822 in England, brother of colorist and lithograph publisher Alfred Pharazyn, worked as an artist, jeweler, frame dealer, colorist, and lithograph publisher in Philadelphia during the mid nineteenth century. Known lithographs issued by Pharazyn include “Trotting Cracks of Philadelphia Returning from the Race at Point Breeze Park,…” (1870) published at his frame establishment at 1725 Lombard Street.
During the 1840s city directories listed Pharazyn as a “military artist” at 13 Dugan Street (Center City), while in the 1850s he was listed as a jeweler at 199 1/2 (i.e., 500 block) South Street. The 1860 and 1870 censuses record him as an artist (resident of Ward 3) and colorist (resident of Ward 7), respectively, whose personal estate had increased from $100 to $1000. According to the 1870 city directory, he also worked at a saloon. During the 1870s, he was employed as a carpenter, and later a herbs dealer (529 South Seventh Street), the latter which he continued as an occupation into the 1880s. Pharazyn died a pauper and known as an eccentric in December 1902; his body found in January 1903, days after his death in his cellar residence at 303 South Seventh Street.
Pharazyn was married to Ann (b. ca. 1825) with whom he had a son Alfred (b. ca. 1852), reported as mentally and physically challenged. Ann, described as deaf in the 1870 census, died in the 1880s and son Alfred resided in Pennsylvania Hospital at the time of his father’s death.

Read More: Looking closer at the Brown’s Celebrated Indian Herb Bitters

Read more: Amethyst Indian Queen Found in Seattle

Read More: Mohawk Whiskey Pure Rye Indian Queen

Read More: E. Longs Indian Herb Bitters

Read More: The Indian Herb Bitters Prepared by Drs Dickerson & Stark

Read More: Why do we call the bottles the ‘Indian Queen?’

Read More: The Rubenesque Queens

Read More: Barrel series – Original Pocahontas Bitters

The Gallery

H. PHARAZYN PHILA RIGHT SECURED. Rolled lip. A fine overall example, these were made as early as 1860. – American Bottle Auctions

Amber “H. Pharazyn Phila Right Secured” Indian Queen Figural Bottle, Philadelphia, late 19th century, with sheared lip, embossed lettering below garment on reverse, ht. 12 1/4 in. – Skinner

“H. Pharazyn / Phila / Right Secured” Figural Whiskey Bottle, America, 1860-1880. In the form an Indian maiden with a shield, yellow amber, inward rolled mouth – smooth base, ht. 12 1/8 inches; (bruise on the inner portion of the shield with three 1/2 inch radiating lines). H#1173 Beautiful color, strong embossing, handsome, rare, early whiskey bottle. Displays well. – Heckler

H. Pharazyn / Phila / Right Secured” Figural Whiskey Bottle, ex: Roger Long – Meyer Collection

012-1

Carved Wooden Paint Decorated Figural Whiskey Bottle Prototype, America, 1860-1870. Indian maiden form, green, gold and red painted wood, ht. 12 inches; (minor blemishes). This form is similar to both the “H.P. Pharazyn” and the “Mohawk Whiskey Pure Rye” figural whiskey bottles. Extremely rare. Generally fine condition. – Heckler Auction 141

Posted in Figural Bottles, Whiskey | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Looking closer at the Brown’s Celebrated Indian Herb Bitters

Posted on 23 September 2012 by Ferdinand Meyer V

Looking closer at the Brown’s Celebrated Indian Herb Bitters

23 September 2012 (R•051814) (R•052714) (R•091018)

John Feldmann ‘Indian Queen’ color run

aka ‘INDIAN QUEEN’

Apple-Touch-IconAI am presently working on a feature article on John Feldmann for the November/December issue of Bottles and Extras. During the development of possible imagery for the magazine, I prepared the above clip path art on the famous Feldmann ‘Indian Queen’ color run. I also wanted to look closer at the typographic variations on the Queens which I have below.

BROWN’S CELEBRATED INDIAN HERB BITTERS

Whitney Brothers Glass Works | Circa 1867 – 1870

B 222     B 223     B 224    B 225     B 226

Indian Queens (2007) on an early spring morning – Meyer collection

B 224 – AntiqueBottles.com

According to the write up in Bitters Bottles by Carlyn Ring and W.C. Ham, there is no discernible variations between the five different Queens other than their datelines.

Collectors seem not to notice which date line their Queen has so ranking their relative rarity is impossible. Many of the ground mouth finish Queens have been found with traces of paint in the crevasses of robe folds and between feathers of apron or necklace details. It could easily be mistaken for accumulated dust or soil but as so many of these paint traces we tend to believe that some, if not all, were painted originally. Today’s collectors seem to look for a sparkling mint specimen so the traces of paint are often removed.

Four other Queen molds are known. One quite varied with right arm well below waist and sword in hand. The left arm is bent and holding a shield to the body. Lettering on the shield is Mohawk Whiskey Pure Rye. At shawl fringe, Patented Feb. 11, 1868. Another of te same mold has unlettered shield. Area normally having patent date reads: H. Pharazyn Philadelphia Right Secured. Both of these queens have sheared mouths. The remaining queen molds are altogether different. See: E. Long’s Indian Herb Bitters and Indian Herb Bitters Dickerson & Stark.

Not much is known about the proprietor, Neal N. Brown (also spelled Neall and Neill in historical documents) other than he lived and operated in Philadelphia and took out a couple of patents for his famous figural bottle in 1867 and 1868. I suspect he was an Irishman. We first see him as an innkeeper and tavern owner in 1863 and 1864. In 1866 he has some legal problems as he is charged by the United States government for transporting unsealed whiskey. Next Brown is into Patent Medicines and puts out his Indian Queen bitters. In the mid 1870s, he is listed as a liquor dealer. He must have been a good customer with Whitney Glass Works in South Jersey as he ordered a lot of bottles. It really is surprising that we do not see more period advertising.

Read More: Amethyst Indian Queen Found in Seattle

Read More: H. Pharazyn Indian Queen – Philadelphia

Read More: Mohawk Whiskey Pure Rye Indian Queen

Read More: E. Longs Indian Herb Bitters

Read More: The Indian Herb Bitters Prepared by Drs Dickerson & Stark

Read More: Why do we call the bottles the ‘Indian Queen?’

Read More: The Rubenesque Queens

Read More: Barrel series – Original Pocahontas Bitters

Read More: Not Brown – A “chocolate” Brown’s Celebrated Indian Herb Bitters

Read More: Iron Maiden

Neall N. Brown Patent for a Bottle 2950 – 11 Feb 1868 – image Bitters Bottles

B 222 

PATENTED FEB. 11. 1868 (Celebrated has no R)

Embossed on shield and banner: BROWN’S CELEBATED INDIAN HERB BITTERS,  PATENTED FEB. 11 1868, 12″ h, amber Indian Queen (No R in CELEBRATED) – WeLoveOldBottles.com

B 222  BROWN’S / CELEBATED / INDIAN HERB BITTERS // PATENTED / FEB. 11, 1868
12 1/8 x 3 1/4
Indian Queen, Amber and Green, Rolled mouth, Extremely rare
Celebrated as no R
Note: There was a reproduction of this bottle made for the 1957 Jamestown Virginia 350 year celebration that is very similar except that the bottle ends at the headdress and has a stopper. The base has a fancy monogram. Thee bottle is heavy weighing about 1 1/2 lbs.

B 223

PATENTED 1867

B 223 BROWN’S CELEBRATED INDIAN HERB BITTERS, PATENTED 1867 – Meyer Collection

B 223  BROWN’S / CELEBRATED / INDIAN HERB BITTERS // PATENTED / 1867
Neal N. Brown   Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
12 1/4 x 3 1/4
Indian Queen, Amber, Rolled mouth, Common
B223Brown'sclearRH

B 223 BROWN’S CELEBRATED INDIAN HERB BITTERS, PATENTED 1867 (Clear) – Bitters Bottles Supplement

B223Brown'sIndianaqua

B 223 BROWN’S CELEBRATED INDIAN HERB BITTERS, PATENTED 1867 (Aqua) – Bitters Bottles Supplement

B223_BrownsIndianQueenPainted

B 223 Partially Painted BROWN’S CELEBRATED INDIAN HERB BITTERS, PATENTED 1867 – Bitters Bottles Supplement

B 224

PATENTED FEB 11. / 1867

B 224 BROWN’S CELEBRATED INDIAN HERB BITTERS, PATENTED FEB. 11 1867 – American Bottle Auctions

B 224  BROWN’S / CELEBRATED / INDIAN HERB BITTERS // PATENTED / FEB. 11 / 1867
12 1/4 x 3 1/4
Indian Queen, Amber, Sheared or ground lip, Common
There are several examples with original multicolor paint which are Extremely rare

B 225

PATENTED 1868

B 225 BROWN’S CELEBRATED INDIAN HERB BITTERS, PATENTED 1868 – GreatAntiqueBottles.com

B 225  BROWN’S / CELEBRATED / INDIAN HERB BITTERS // PATENTED 1868
12 1/4 x 3 1/4
Indian Queen, Amber Common; Yellow green tone, Shear or Ground lip – Rare

B 226

PATENTED FEB. 11 1868

B 226 BROWN’S CELEBRATED INDIAN HERB BITTERS, PATENTED FEB. 11 1868 – GreatAntiqueBottles.com

B 226  BROWN’S / CELEBRATED / INDIAN HERB BITTERS // PATENTED /
FEB. 11 / 1868 //
12 1/4 x 3 1/4″
Indian Queen, Clear and Aqua – Extremely rare ; Amber – Common
Sheared or ground Lip

BROWN’S ‘INDIAN QUEEN’ GALLERY

Brown’s Indian Queen Hotel, Washington City, North side of Pennsylvania Avenue about midway between the Capitol and the President’s House, a few doors east of the Centre Market. The Indian Queen became Washington’s most prestigious hotel when it opened in 1820. – Library of Congress

B 223 BROWN’S CELEBRATED INDIAN HERB BITTERS, PATENTED 1867 in a pale yellow – image Skinner’s

B 222 BROWN’S CELEBATED INDIAN HERB BITTERS, PATENTED FEB. 11, 1868 in a dark amber – WeLoveOldBottles.com

Beautiful green Indian Queen – Jeff Burkhardt

BROWN’S CELEBRATED INDIAN HERB BITTERS in clear glass. 12 ¼”. B 226. – American Bottle Auctions

B 226 BROWN’S CELEBRATED INDIAN HERB BITTERS PATENTED FEB. 11 1868 in yellow with a greenish tone – American Bottle Auctions

Note: This is only the second one of these solid-glass Queens GW has ever heard of. (The other example was sold in Glass Works Auctions sale #22).In 1992 Glass Works Auction sold the bitters bottle collection of the late Dan Murphy of Utica, New York. At the time when GW picked up the collection, this rare item sat on a coffee table in the center of the Murphy’s bottle room. As of now only two exist, we believe they were possibly made for Neil Brown, the proprietor of Brown’s Indian Herb Bitters, possibly for his personal use as a paperweight or house ornament. Ex. Dan Murphy – Meyer Collection

B 225 BROWN’S CELEBRATED INDIAN HERB BITTERS PATENTED 1868 in a dark chocolate. ex: Grapentine – Meyer Collection

B 225 BROWN’S CELEBRATED INDIAN HERB BITTERS PATENTED 1868 in citron green. ex: Judge MacKenzie, Doy McCall collections – Meyer Collection

Cast iron indian queen casting that looks very similar to the Brown’s Celebrated Indian Herb Bitters figural bottle. Inscribed on the bottom is ‘Neal N. Brown, 1867, Philadelphia, PA’ – Joe Wood

Heckler 141 – Carved Wooden Paint Decorated Figural Whiskey Bottle Prototype, America, 1860-1870. Indian maiden form, green, gold and red painted wood, ht. 12 inches; (minor blemishes). This form is similar to both the “H.P. Pharazyn” and the “Mohawk Whiskey Pure Rye” figural whiskey bottles. Extremely rare. Generally fine condition. – Meyer Collection

Select Listings:

1863: Neal Brown, innkeeper, Philadelphia, Ward 8 – Philadelphia Septennial Census
1864: Neill Brown, tavern, S.E. 24th & Locust – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania City Directory
1864: Neill Brown arrested for transporting whiskey notice (below): The Evening Telegraph, Wednesday, October 24, 1866

1866: Legal problems (below), United States vs. Neal Brown – The Philadelphia Inquirer, Saturday, November 24, 1866

1867: Patented 1867 on B 223 and B 224 (see above)
1868: Neall N. Brown Design for a Bottle Patent Drawing 2950, Feb. 11 1868 (see above)
1868: Neil N. Brown, Patent Medicines, 217 Callowhill – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania City Directory
1871: Advertisement (below) – The Star and Enterprise, Thursday, June, 15 1871

1874: Neal Brown, liquors, 2379 Tulip – Boyd’s Philadelphia Directory
1875-1876: Neal Brown, liquors, 2379 Tulip – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania City Directory
Posted in Bitters, Collectors & Collections, Color Runs, Figural Bottles, History, Liquor Merchant, Medicines & Cures | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Keeping up with the Insulator Collectors on Facebook

Posted on 22 September 2012 by Ferdinand Meyer V

PRG FB LogoI just wanted to take a moment to post some neat insulators shots I found trolling through the insulator facebook pages. It is fun to watch the incoming images from these folks. See more pictures these groups and others… Telegraph & Telephone Poles carrying some Beautiful Glass or Insulator Hunters

Insulator Hunters

Glass Insulators – Buy/Sell/Trade

Insulator Collectors

Collecting Insulators

Just a old power line, but here in 2012 insulators are still used, i just wish they still used glass! – Jimmy Zagorski – Insulator Collectors

Half a glass block, 1850’s, a nice conversation piece – John Lyles – Glass Insulators

The light was hitting the shelves just right … had to take this picture before the light was gone! – Collecting Insulators

Yellow Olive Green CD 101 Brookfield. This is in the sun, but obviously is darker when not. – Larry Baumann – Insulator Collectors

My CD 128 Hemingray experimental Insulator came today! For my Non Hemingray collectors its the 4 dots on the bottom that make this special. Hard one to get! [045] (F-Skirt) HEMINGRAY/[Numbers and dots] (R-Skirt) C.S.A. {Base has four indentations; experimental piece} – Shaun Kotlarsky

I also got my U-648 in Dark blue today! Needs a good bath but is a sexy piece. – Shaun Kotlarsky

An Insulator Book for the Advanced Collector, 1970 – Antique Bottles – Insulator Collectors

I have a nice Hemi No 40 that is green/blue mix with nice ambering. – Chris McClelland – Glass Insulators

My only Patent Dec 19 1871 piece, I think it’s ice green? Part of my shelf’s diverity collection (Non-NEGM things) alas my window shelf only fits 98 pieces and I’m at 97… now what? – Roadwood Luges – Insulator Collectors

I thought everyone would like this photo – Doug Rusher – Insulator Collectors

My newest addition knowles cable in yellow green, pat June 17 1890 – Doug Rusher – Insulator Collectors

esterday I found two M-3070 limas and an original 1908 crossarm up near Stevens pass in Washington state… WOHOO the goodies are still out there folks! – Michael W Spadafora – Insulator Hunters

I collect a lot of insulators & hardwhare; displaying some of them at my deer hunting place on a old tree stump. – Jimmy Zagorski – Insulator Collectors

This is for Michael and Shaun I thought you’d get a kick out of this one. I held this in my hands(praying all the while not to drop it =p) Not sure where it is now but man is it nice. Very light Lilac – Patrick Moylan – Insulator Collectors

It’s only an H.G.Co, but still a neat picture. I left it sitting there waiting for someone else to find it 🙂 – Anthony Eiting – Insulator Hunters

The Collection is getting a little out of control! They’re everywhere! Are your insulators all neat and tidy and contained to their proper place, or are they running wild too? – Collecting Insulators

The other window – Collecting Insulators

Real deal from Austrailia up on a pole. – Jimmy Zagorski – Insulator Collectors

Posted in Advice, Collectors & Collections, Digging and Finding, Facebook, Insulators, News, Photography | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Professional Photographs at the LA Bottle Show

Posted on 20 September 2012 by Ferdinand Meyer V

Hi Ferdinand,

I’ll be taking photographs at the LA Bottle and Collectible Show this year. I plan on having my own booth set up with a back-drop and some lights also.

I will be doing shifts of walking around the show taking pictures for the club in exchange for my table, and manning my booth to take pictures of show attendees’ bottles under controlled, and professional lighting conditions. The photos I will be taking at my table will not be for the show, but a personal endeavor to try and market my photography to individual bottle collectors. I will be charging a small fee for collectors to place their bottle in the “spotlight” and have some professional quality photos taken for either their personal collection or for if they are trying to sell their bottle. I haven’t gotten all the details worked out, but I will have some example photos for people to see and choose their shots. I will be offering a package of 3 choice photos for $20, with each additional photo for $5 each after that. The photo release form will include areas for descriptions, values, etc. that will be typed up and included with the bottle photos that will either be emailed to the collector, or posted on a photo download site with individual secure passwords.

If I have time I plan to make up a small flyer before hand for what I will be doing. The reason Pam and my dad suggested I mention this to you is in case you would be so helpful as to mention in one of your website postings that the LA Show will have a show photographer, as well as a photography booth where they can bring their best bottles to be professionally photographed. It would be great if people knew ahead of time and could prepare. I would gladly promote both Peachridge Glass and the FOHBC at my table. Let me know if you would be able to mention this for me.

See you at the Auburn show!

Scott Selenak

29 September 2012 (Saturday) Santa Ana, California – New Date & New Location – The Los Angeles Historical Bottle Club’s 46th Annual Antique Bottle, Fruit Jar, Antiques & Collectibles Show & Sale will be held at the Santa Ana Elks Lodge, 212 Elk Lane, Santa Ana, California 92701, Dealer setup: 7:00 am – 9:00 am; Early Buyers: $5.00 – 8:00 am – 2:30 pm; General Admission: $3.00 – 9:00 am – 2:30 pm. Info Contact: Don Wippert, 818.346.9833 or Email: donwippert@yahoo.com or Dick Homme 818.362.3368. See Show Ad,  www.lahbc.org FOHBC Member Club

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“I Heard it Through the Grapevine”

Posted on 19 September 2012 by Ferdinand Meyer V

This is the cover art for the single “I Heard It Through the Grapevine” by the artist Marvin Gaye.

Oh I heard it through the grapevine,
Oh and I’m just about to lose my mind.
Honey, honey yeah.

I wanted to do a little H O U S E K E E P I N G and get some stuff outta my head and outta my emails. Speaking of heads, I have a nagging head cold or allergies, who knows? Doesn’t help flying. Just arrived at my hotel in Newport News, Virginia. Be in this area and Williamsburg through Friday. I keep humming Grapevine now. Why did I do that to myself.

HECKLER | KEENE

I suppose many sights in the bottle world are on the monster Heckler | Keene Columbus Day Weekend event. You can read more at Heckler and on the FOHBC Show section. That same weekend, on the ‘Left Side’ of the country you will find the Jefferson State Antique Bottle, Insulator & Collectible Show & Sale in Oregon. If it wasn’t for the Heckler | Keene event, I would be there.

O T H E R   S H O W S

Between now and then there are a ton of other shows such as the 14th Annual Greater Buffalo Bottle Collectors Annual Show & Sale, 11th Annual Greensboro Antique Bottle & Collectibles Show & Sale, Bill McKim’s Estate Bottle Show & Sale, The Los Angeles Historical Bottle Club’s 46th Annual Antique Bottle, Fruit Jar, Antiques & Collectibles Show & Sale, New Mexico Historical Bottle Society & Enchantment Insulator Club’s 25th Annual Show & Sale, 27th Annual Memphis Antique Bottle & Advertising Show, Merrimack Valley Antique Bottle Club’s 38th Annual Show and Sale and the New Jersey Antique Bottle Club (NJABC) Annual Antique and Bottle Show and Sale.

Whew! Again visit FOHBC.org for more show information.

W.WOLF UPDATE

John Pastor will have a neat story in Antique Bottle & Glass Collector on the blue W. Wolf Pittsburgh barrel that will be in American Glass Galleries next auction. Read More: Barrel Series – W. Wolf found at Thrift Shop for $1.00.

FRUIT JAR for GREELEY’S

I have a gentleman wanting to trade a rather nice looking green GREELEY’S BOURBON WHISKEY BITTERS for a fruit jar(s) of equilavent value. Let me know if you have something or want to make contact.

Big John Feldmann

Working on a major feature article for Bottles and Extras for the November / December issue called “John Feldmann – Amityville Legend“. It’s like 14 pages long with some killer pictures. Sent the draft to the editor today. John has been telling me some pretty funny stories.

More Tippe News

The fellow selling that great clear Tippecanoe Log Cabin ink on eBay just sent me an email asking me to guess where it might end up as far as cost. Who knows? Anybody asked about the yellow line? See eBay link. Read About: Rare Circa 1840 William Henry Harrison and Tippecanoe Log Cabin Bottle! – on eBay! Oh…and according to Mount Vernon Glass Works authority, Brian Wolff, there is no supporting evidence to associate this piece to MVGW.

National or Fenton or What?

Real mystery here…Who made this Lightning Rod Ball? Read: XR Cobalt Blue Ribbed Grape Lighting Rod Ball. A couple of interesting follow-up comments, so check it out.

Diving News

From Louie Schreiner: This bottle was recovered in 45 ft of water in Far Rockaway, NY. We have been locating items for the last year now by drifting (Drift Diving) on the last 20 minutes of incoming water from the ocean into our inlet. We then continue our dive for an hour during (Slack Tide) by following the natural contours of the bottom looking in the lower slopes yet checking the higher sides for bottles sticking out. I have found many small med bottles doing this. In this picture, taken by diver Matt Friedrich during this days dive he had come across bottles dating from 1860 to 1920’s, myself included but, this bottle I couldn’t ID. It has no writing on it at all. Could you help ID this one with time period and what it might have been used for Soda or Beer? Thanks. I have others but, do not want to go nuts on your page so, I’ll ask about the one’s I really like from time to time! Thanks In Advance !

Good Grief Charlie Brown

Guess what was just found? This makes three now! Good Lord. Can you believe it. Stay tuned.

Posted in Advice, Auction News, Bitters, Bottle Shows, Bottles and Extras, Club News, Collectors & Collections, Digging and Finding, Diving, eBay, Figural Bottles, Fruit Jars, Glass Companies & Works, Inks, Lightning Rod Balls, News, Peachridge Glass | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Old Sachem Folk Art Piece

Posted on 18 September 2012 by Ferdinand Meyer V

Old Sachem Bitters and Wigwam Tonic – Wm. Goodrich, New York Geo. Hunnewell, agent, New York lithograph of Sarony, Major & Knapp, 449 Broadway, N. York.Sarony, Major & Knapp Lith., New York, Sarony, Major & Knapp, 449 Broadway, circa 1859. Print showing a Native American man, possibly a chief, full-length portrait, standing, facing right, holding a spear in left hand; in the background are the teepees of a Native village during an assault on the village – Library of Congress

Ferd,

I noticed that you posted a broadside of the Old Sachem on your website (see above). I don’t know if I shared this with you, but it is a 1880-90s painting on board made from the broadside. It came from a on old hunting camp in PA, and I have had it for a little over 10 years. It is a really cool country piece that has crossover appeal into the folk art market. Anyways, just thought you may like it!

Mike (George)

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

Posted in Advertising, Art & Architecture, Bitters, Figural Bottles, Folk Art, Tonics | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Rare Circa 1840 William Henry Harrison and Tippecanoe Log Cabin Bottle! – on eBay!

Posted on 18 September 2012 by Ferdinand Meyer V

Rare Circa 1840 William Henry Harrison and Tippecanoe Log Cabin Bottle! – on eBay!

18 September 2012

Apple-Touch-IconAI think my first prompt was an email or text from Tom Doligale alerting me to something interesting on eBay. I was in transit and looked at the post on my phone and was a bit surprised to see a clear Tippecanoe cabin. I also noticed a post developing on facebook over at Bottle Collectors on the same bottle. Lots of dialogue seemed to be occurring.

“North Bend” – “Tippecanoe” Historical Cabin Bottle, GVII-1 – Frank Brockman (photo Ferdinand Meyer V at the FOHBC 2012 Reno Expo)

It has been an interesting month with the classic North Bend Tippecanoe cabins as I was able to handle and photograph a stellar dark green example at the FOHBC Reno Expo in July (see picture above), and Heckler has another green example up for auction this October. I even developed a post on these rare bottles recently. Read: “North Bend” – “Tippecanoe” Historical Cabin Bottle in Heckler 100 Auction

Screen shot of eBay listing

eBay Listing & Description: 

Doubtless one of the rarest of all the bottles and flasks I’ve offered over the last few weeks!  Clear glass Log Cabin bottle with HARRISON embossed on obverse over door; TIPPECANOE on reverse over door. Condition is excellent with one minor chip at spout (see photo) – 4″ tall by 3″ wide with rough pontil on bottom as shown. A superb early political glass rarity! See my other auctions for a hard cider barrel inkwell commemorating this same 1840 presidential election for Wm Henry Harrison – what a great set both would make displayed together!

fala2 892 100%

Late yesterday evening I received an email from the gentleman posting the bottle on eBay.

Dear Mr. Meyer,

I read with great interest your postings regarding the rare Wm Henry Harrison log cabin bottles to be auctioned this fall by Heckler. It so happens that I have a remarkably similar bottle (although in clear glass) that I just listed on eBay. It hasn’t been up there for quite 24 hours and has received 180 hits and is up to $610.

You don’t suppose this could be from the same Mt. Vernon Glass Works in NY? I’m located in NY and acquired the bottle here. I would appreciate your opinion of this item and your estimate of value. If it is in the same vicinity as the Peachridge pair – I may have to re-evaluate whether to let the auction run its course or stop it. Attached is a link for your review to the eBay posting. I hope to hear back from you soon and thank you for your time.

(Name and contact info withheld)

I did a few quick emails and called the seller back. This has every hallmark of being legit even in the face of some of the recent eBay scams. The gentleman was very knowledgeable about the bottle who he was selling for a friend in the Political Memorabilia field. Both gents are into this type of material and collecting big time.

“sold back in the 90s… it brought $13,500. The more recent example in the Mebane sale brought around $10,000. It is an important bottle, even with the damage. The downside is that it is an ink and lacks color. There are a couple of known examples, and the Watt White example.”

I sent Mike George an email and said “Just talked to the guy who has it on eBay. Story checks out and has wings. Read your thoughts on Facebook. How many of these are out there? Could it be a later piece?” Mike responded, “sold back in the 90s… it brought $13,500. The more recent example in the Mebane sale brought around $10,000. It is an important bottle, even with the damage. The downside is that it is an ink and lacks color. There are a couple of known examples, and the Watt White example.

Brian Wolff adds: As you have contact with this individual, I would like to suggest the seller/buyers remove of the “probably Mt. Vernon” attribute from the equation. That statement is mere conjecture. Although somewhat similar in design to the GVII-1 the lip treatment on this bottle does not match up to any known finishes produced by that factory. This bottle should stand on its own merit.

Here are the eBay pictures. It will interesting to watch this one.

Rare Circa 1840 William Henry Harrison and Tippecanoe Log Cabin Bottle! – eBay!

Rare Circa 1840 William Henry Harrison and Tippecanoe Log Cabin Bottle! – eBay!

Rare Circa 1840 William Henry Harrison and Tippecanoe Log Cabin Bottle! – eBay!

Rare Circa 1840 William Henry Harrison and Tippecanoe Log Cabin Bottle! – eBay!

Rare Circa 1840 William Henry Harrison and Tippecanoe Log Cabin Bottle! – eBay!

Rare Circa 1840 William Henry Harrison and Tippecanoe Log Cabin Bottle! – eBay!

Posted in Auction News, Early American Glass, eBay, Facebook, Figural Bottles, History, Inks, News, Peachridge Glass | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

XR Cobalt Blue Ribbed Grape Lighting Rod Ball

Posted on 17 September 2012 by Ferdinand Meyer V

Look at this incredible cobalt blue example of a National Ribbed Grape Lightning Rod Ball! Incoming this AM from Ron and Ann Krupa. Thanks!

Hi:

I noticed in your lightning ball grape grouping (there was) no reference to the cobalt (example). Thought I would tantalize your senses. 18 grapes on the center row, 5 1/2″ long by 4 1/2″ wide with old copper cap remnant.

Ron and Ann (Krupa)

Read More: Lightning Rod Balls – A Few From Our Collection

PS: I really want this color. How many out there Ron? Never seen one before so there can’t be many.

* Read Jeff Burkhardt comment at bottom.

Group of National Ribbed Grape Lightning Rod Balls – Meyer Collection

Cobalt blue National Ribbed Grape Lightning Rod Ball

Cobalt blue National Ribbed Grape Lightning Rod Ball

Cobalt blue National Ribbed Grape Lightning Rod Ball

Three National Ribbed Grapes – Sullivan Collection Auction

Posted in Collectors & Collections, Color Runs, Digging and Finding, Lightning Rod Balls | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Three Concentric Ring Eagles in Heckler 100 Auction

Posted on 17 September 2012 by Ferdinand Meyer V

The Warren C. Lane, Jr., Esquire Collection of Historical Flasks and 19th Century Art Glass featuring the Dr. Gary and Arlette Johnson Collection

Three Concentric Ring Eagles in Heckler 100 Auction

17 September 2012

The Warren C. Lane, Jr., Esquire Collection of Historical Flasks

The Heckler clan has a monster auction (Visit Auction 100) starting October 7, 2012 and closing on October 17, 2012. With outstanding examples in historical flasks including “the Three Kings – Jared Spencer Flasks”, a grouping of “Lafayette’s” (GI-80 thru GI-90s), four Baltimore “Corn For The Worlds” (GVI-4) and eight or so Washington – Taylor Portrait Flasks, a North Bend Tippecanoe cabin and so much more…

Read: “North Bend” – “Tippecanoe” Historical Cabin Bottle in Heckler 100 Auction

Read: Looking at Six Gorgeous Historical Flasks in the Heckler 100 Auction

Concentric Ring Eagle

In this post I wanted to look at the three spectacular Concentric Ring Eagle Historical Flasks. What a trio! I have only seen a grouping like this once before in a prominent eastern collection. These flasks could be my personal favorite flasks, at least this month anyway. Actually the mold, in my book, is perfect in balance, harmony and form. When you add the color, you can not make something nicer, even in a dream.

The flasks are ex: Warren “Bud” Lane collection, and carry big-time provenance stickers from the George S. McKearin collection and Edgar and Bernice Garbisch collection. One specimen was previously auctioned by Heckler.

These are all wonderful images, all beautifully photographed by Heckler and destined for prominance in the FOHBC Virtual Museum.

Lot: 36 Concentric Ring Eagle – Concentric Ring Eagle Historical Flask, probably New England Glass Company, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 1820-1830. Canteen shape with concentric rings encircling the eagle on both sides, brilliant light to medium yellowish green, sheared mouth – tubular pontil scar, one pint and two ounces to the bottom of the neck; (flat 3/4 inch shallow chip on the top of the mouth). GII-76a Brilliant color, strong embossing. Fine condition, the mouth flake being extremely shallow. Ex George S. McKearin collection, ex Edgar and Bernice Garbisch collection, Warren “Bud” Lane collection.

Lot: 36 Concentric Ring Eagle – Concentric Ring Eagle Historical Flask (GII-76a)

Lot: 36 Concentric Ring Eagle – Concentric Ring Eagle Historical Flask (GII-76a)

Lot: 36 Concentric Ring Eagle – Concentric Ring Eagle Historical Flask (GII-76a)

Lot: 37 Concentric Ring Eagle – Concentric Rings Around “NG / Co.” Historical Flask, probably New England Glass Company, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 1820-1830. Canteen shape with concentric rings encircling the eagle on one side and the lettering on the other, brilliant light to medium yellow green, tooled mouth – pontil scar, one pint and two ounces to the bottom of the neck. GII-77 Extraordinary in color, mold, and condition. Warren “Bud” Lane collection.

Lot: 37 Concentric Ring Eagle – Concentric Rings Around “NG / Co.” Historical Flask (GII-77)

Lot: 37 Concentric Ring Eagle – Concentric Rings Around “NG / Co.” Historical Flask (GII-77)

Lot: 37 Concentric Ring Eagle – Concentric Rings Around “NG / Co.” Historical Flask (GII-77)

Lot: 38 Concentric Ring Eagle – Concentric Rings Around “NG / Co.” Historical Flask, probably New England Glass Company, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 1820-1830. Canteen shape with concentric rings encircling the eagle on one side and the lettering on the other, bright yellow green with an olive tone and a decidedly olive mouth and neck, tooled mouth – pontil scar, 15 ounces, one ounce less than a pint to the bottom of the neck; (some high point wear on the eagle’s breast and olive branch). GII-77a Extremely rare, probably unique. Beautiful and unusual color, fine condition. Ex Norman C. Heckler & Company auction #82, March 2007, Warren “Bud” Lane collection.

Lot: 38 Concentric Ring Eagle – Concentric Rings Around “NG / Co.” Historical Flask (GII-77a)

Lot: 38 Concentric Ring Eagle – Concentric Rings Around “NG / Co.” Historical Flask (GII-77a)

Lot: 38 Concentric Ring Eagle – Concentric Rings Around “NG / Co.” Historical Flask (GII-77a)

 

Posted in Auction News, Collectors & Collections, Early American Glass, Flasks, Historical Flasks, News | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment