The two embossed TEXAS Bitters

The two embossed TEXAS Bitters

17 July 2012 (R•032519)

Apple-Touch-IconASeeing pictures of these two legendary Texas embossed bitters and meeting David Cole, who may have the most complete and extensive collection of Texas embossed blobs, hutches, crown tops and related go-withs, was great this past weekend at the Houston Antique Bottle Show.

(Read more: 2012 Houston Antique Bottle Show – Rain or Shine!)

I have challenged Jim Schmidt to use his talent in finding more information such as advertising, letterheads and other ephemera.

(Read: Houston Bottle Show 2012!)

David Cole – Houston 2012 Antique Bottle Show

[From David Cole] Ferdinand, was good to meet you at the Houston show. Brad (Seigler) called me as he was traveling home and told me about his visit to your home. You and your collection had quite an impact on Brad. Looking forward to when you can come here and see my Texas collection. Will attach the pictures of the three embossed sides of the San Antonio bitters in this e-mail, and will send a separate e-mail of the Navasota bitters. This is the only Texas bitters that I have that are embossed with the word “bitters”.  I have a couple that were most likely bitters with paper labels.

Also, please pay attention to the spelling ‘disaster’ on the SIMMONS’ AMERICAN bottle. I count four mistakes! “POULWARE” should be “BOULWARE”, “HAVASOTA” should be “NAVASOTA”, “MANUFACTURIED” should be “MANUFACTURED” and “HEPATTIC” should be “HEPATIC”! At least “AMERICAN” is spelled right. This could be a record for errors on a bottle and I am not even counting misplaced dots.

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

S 106.5  SIMMONS’ AMERICAN HEPATTIC BITTERS
SIMMONS. AMERICAN / HEPATTIC BITTERS // HAVASOTA, TEXAS. // f / MANUFACTURIED / BY. W. P. POULWARE & CO //
8 1/2 x 2 1/2 (5 3/8) 3/8
Square, Amber, LTC, Applied mouth, Extremely rare
“POULWARE” may be “BOULWARE” misspelled
“HAVASOTA” may be “NAVASOTA” misspelled
Example was dug in Lynchburg, Texas, a town that settled so much it is under water.

[Wikipedia]  Lynchburg is an unincorporated area in east central Harris County, Texas, United States. The community is also known as Lynch’s Ferry. In 1822, Nathaniel Lynch built a ferry to cross the San Jacinto River just below where Buffalo Bayou flows into it. The ferry connected what would become the community of Lynchburg, on the east side of the crossing with the road to Harrisburg. At the western landing is the location of the San Jacinto Battlefield where Texan forces under Sam Houston defeated Antonio López de Santa Anna’s Mexican forces in 1836.

SIMMONS AMERICAN HEPATTIC BITTERS – Cole Collection

SIMMONS AMERICAN HEPATTIC BITTERS – Cole Collection

SIMMONS AMERICAN HEPATTIC BITTERS – Cole Collection

Cover: 1873 Logan’s Railway Business Directory, St.Louis to Galveston

Advertisement Simmons’ American Hepatic Bitters – 1873 Logan’s Railway Business Directory, St.Louis to Galveston

T 13.5   TEXAS BLOOD PURIFIER AND TONIC BITTERS
TEXAS / BLOOD PURIFIER // AND // TONIC BITTERS // R. L. SMITH / PROPRIETOR / SAN ANTONIO / TEXAS. // f //
9 7/8 x 2 3/4 (7 5/8) 3/8
Square, Amber, LTC, Extremely rare
T 14  TEXAS BLOOD PURIFIER AND TONIC BITTERS
TEXAS / BLOOD PURIFIER // AND // TONIC BITTERS // area with lettering removed showing plate mark with two round marks / SAN ANTONIO / TEXAS // f //
10 x 2 3/4 (7 1/2) 3/8
Square, Amber, LTC, Extremely rare
The A in Texas in the panel with San Antonio lacks cross bar.
This bottle was found under an old house being razed in downtown San Antonio.
T 14.5  TEXAS BLOOD PURIFIER AND TONIC BITTERS
TEXAS / BLOOD PURIFIER // AND // TONIC BITTERS // area with lettering removed showing plate mark with two round marks // R. L.  Smith /
10 1/2 x 2 3/4 (7 1/2) 3/8
Square, Amber, LTC, Extremely rare

TEXAS BLOOD PURIFIER AND TONIC BITTERS (T 13.5) – Cole Collection

TEXAS BLOOD PURIFIER AND TONIC BITTERS (T 13.5) – Cole Collection

TEXAS BLOOD PURIFIER AND TONIC BITTERS (T 13.5) – Cole Collection

Posted in Bitters, Bottle Shows, Collectors & Collections | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

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

DR. CHANDLER’S JAMAICA GINGER ROOT BITTERS

17 July 2012 (R•110816)

Apple-Touch-IconAThe Chandler’s are definitely a favorite with bitters collectors because of the unique form of the barrel which is a flattened oval opposed to round like most figural barrels. They come in two exciting colors, amber and apple green and are highly ornate as you will see from the pictures below. This pair is difficult to get.

“PRICE ONLY 75 CENTS – FOR SALE BY ALL FIRST CLASS DEALERS”

Two DR. CHANDLER’S JAMAICA GINGER ROOT BITTERS photo from the John Feldmann collection

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

C 127  DR. CHANDLER’S JAMAICA GINGER ROOT BITTERS, Circa 1860 – 1880
DR. CHANDLER’S / JAMAICA GINGER ( au ) / ROOT / BITTER’S // c // // s // CHAS. NICHOLS JR & CO. PROPS. ( au ) / LOWELL MASS. // c //
10 x 3 1/2 x 2 1/4 (5 1/2)
Oval barrel, Amber and green, DC, Applied mouth, Very rare

DR. CHANDLER’S JAMAICA GINGER ROOT BITTERS in apple green – photo Ferdinand Meyer V

DR. CHANDLER’S JAMAICA GINGER ROOT BITTERS in apple green – photo Ferdinand Meyer V

Advertisement for a Dr. Chandler’s Jamaica Ginger Root Bitters, Lowell Daily Courier, Saturday July 2, 1881

DR. CHANDLER’S JAMAICA GINGER ROOT BITTERS in apple green on the shelves of the great figural bitters collection of Bob Ferraro

DR. CHANDLER’S JAMAICA GINGER ROOT BITTERS in apple green from the Carlyn Ring sale

DR. CHANDLER’S JAMAICA GINGER ROOT BITTERS. 1860-80. R/H C 127. Applied top, smooth base. This is another Chandler’s in a light to medium yellowish green. If you have the amber example, you just have to have the green one, right? Seriously, this is another gorgeous piece that is in a color you don’t see often. Not mentioned because frankly you don’t see it much is the embossing above the name, which reads, CHAS. NICHOLS J. & Co. PROPS. This example has just a hint of wear around the middle barrel ring but is overall in super condition. Lots of bubbles and overall appeal, grades About Mint 8. Ex. Frank Kurczewski and Joe Wheeler collections. Possibly only three known in this color. – Sold by American Bottle Auctions for $16,500 without premium.

DR. CHANDLER’S JAMAICA GINGER ROOT BITTERS. Applied top, smooth base. Ring & Ham C 127. circa 1860-80. These Dr. Chandler bottles pretty much have it all. The great barrel shape, neat name and in this case, provenance. The shading goes from a yellow throughout the body to a medium to deep amber into the top. This bottle was originally in the collection of Charles Gardner and then Judge McKenzie. It was purchased by Bryan Grapentine in Heckler Auction 23 in 1995. Mint 9, here’s a bottle that has made it’s way through time quite gracefully. Top specimen. Sold by American Bottle Auctions for $15,500 without premium.

C127_Chandler's_amber_BBS

DR. CHANDLER’S JAMAICA GINGER ROOT BITTERS in amber – Bitters Bottles Supplement

C127_Chandler'sGreen_BBS

DR. CHANDLER’S JAMAICA GINGER ROOT BITTERS in apple green – Bitters Bottles Supplement

chandlers_gwa_ferraro2

“CHAS. NICHOLS JR & CO. PROPS / LOWELL, MASS. / DR. CHANDLER’S / JAMAICA GINGER / ROOT / BITTERS”, (Ring/Ham, C-127), Massachusetts, ca. 1875 – 1885, light to medium yellowish lime green barrel, 10”h, smooth base, applied double collar mouth. Pristine perfect condition, great impression and a number of tiny air bubbles. You are bidding on a very rare and desirable bottle. Possibly only five or six known examples with this one possibly being the best! Ex Carlyn Ring Collection. Purchased from Jim Hagenbuch in 1995. Glass Works Auctions – Bob Ferraro Collection – Part 2


Read More on Figural Barrels

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 Bitters, Collectors & Collections, Figural Bottles | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

My Bottle Room – Dick Andre

WARNER’S SAFE CURE bottles sitting in the sun

Ferdinand,

I’ve been meaning to contact you for a while now to say thanks for putting together and maintaining your website – you’re a real credit to the hobby. I grew up digging in dumps around the Philadelphia area in the 1970s, but have been living in the Woodlands (Texas) for the past 10 years or so.

The first bottle I ever dug was a large Warner’s Safe Cure, which I sold for $50. That was a lot of money to a 12 year old in 1973, but of course I would much rather have the bottle than the money now. My niece and her husband come over from Austin a few months back, and although they aren’t bottle collectors they loved all the colors and took a bunch of pictures. Attached is a nice shot of some fairly common Safe Cures sitting in a window.

I hope to make it to the Houston show this weekend and will stop by to say Hi. Thanks again for all your support of the hobby.

Best regards,
Dick Andre

[PRG] I did meet Dick this past weekend at the Houston Antique Bottle Show (Read: 2012 Houston Antique Bottle Show – Rain or Shine!). What a nice guy. Dick is also one of our newest members of the Federation of Historical Bottle Collectors. Welcome! These are really nice pictures Dick.

My Bottle Room

Heavily whittled and ice blue DR. KENNEDY’S MEDICAL DISCOVERY

Dutch case gin bottles standing like sentries atop office book shelves

The sun shining thru a milk glass PROF HUBERT’S MALVINA LOTION

Check out the tiny skull and cross-bones!

Cobalt blue Pharmacy and Poison Bottles found in an 1890’s Philadelphia dump

Pontiled Medicines in a crazy assortment of shapes

Three small quilted diamond Poisons

Posted in Bottle Shows, Collectors & Collections, Color Runs, Digging and Finding, Druggist & Drugstore, FOHBC News, Gin, Medicines & Cures, Milk Glass, Photography, Poison Bottles, Windows | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

2012 Houston Antique Bottle Show – Rain or Shine!

2012 Houston Antique Bottle Show – Rain or Shine!

15 July 2012

Apple-Touch-IconAWell I missed the Friday ‘early bird’ set-up because my flight from the East Coast was 8 hours late and our airports were shut down for a good while backing all air traffic up. Seems like Houston had 10+ inches of rain and major flooding. Last year this time we had the driest year on record and were begging for rain. Hey I’m not complaining, when it rains it pours around here.

This did not stop a record turnout for the smaller Houston show that seems to get more exciting each year with new dealers. Anchored by the likes of Dan Cowman and his ‘off the chart’ three tables of Bitters and paper ephemera, we also had David Cole (Texas bottle legend), Brad Seigler (largest collection of Texas patent medicines) and our own celebrity author, Jim Schmidt of Civil War Medicines (and Writing). I also brought along a few of my Drakes (See: I brought a few of my Drakes to the Houston Show) to stir things up!

You see, I use my table as a trap for the FOHBC and boy were the folks I talked to excited to see the latest issue of Bottles of Extras. I must of signed up 10 new members!

Here are a few of my favorite pictures from the show…

I used my table display and the front area of the Drakes light table to display the FOHBC ‘Join Now’ poster and copies of the latest issue of our stellar magazine Bottles and Extras. I was able to sign up 7 members on the spot with promises of others to join.

David Cole is the granddaddy of Texas Bottles. Here is is explaining the Benicia effect on local found glass. David has a major collection of Texas Hutches, blobs, crown tops, bitters and go-withs.

Some of Dan Cowman’s DRAKES PLANTATION BITTERS he brought for sale. Must have been a dozen or so great colors. Dan is a dominant player with paper medicine ephemera. His three tables alone were reason enough to visit the show!

Table center-piece display for Jim Schmidt of Civil War Medicine (and Writing). This was Jim’s first time to display at a bottle show. Jim has been instrumental in providing depth and research for obscure bottles in my collection.

Just a small sampling of the great displays of Texas patent and drugstore medicine bottles on the Brad Seigler table. Brad probably has the dominant collection of Texas patent medicine bottles along with David Cole.

Our dearest friends, Tom and Alicia Booth take a break before show start-up to cathch up on the news. We meet the Booths at our first Houston show in 2003 and have been friends since. The Booths will be joining us at the FOHBC Manchester, NH National in 2013 as Manchester is Tom’s home town.

One of the great advertising pieces on Dan Cowman’s table. I love the illustrations for the “Three Days of Cure for Men” with Gonorrhoea.

Great material on Jim Schmidts table for LINCOLN TEA.

Legendary DEWEY’S MANILLA BITTERS pitcher on Dan Cowman’s table. The pitcher used to be in the collection of the Booths.

A great Texas medicine, MERRICK’S VOUDOO OIL from Waco, Texas from Brad Seigler.

A great embossing on a SINGLE STROKE ANTISEPTIC – Brad Seigler

Two labeled, with contents and tax stamps, WISHART’S PINE TREE TAR CORDIALS – Dan Cowman

If painted label Soda bottles are your thing, the Houston Bottle Show dominates in this area. Strong tables with hundreds of great bottles were on display.

Great mirror display of some nice bottles. Love that London Gin.

Nice labeled DAMIANA BITTERS on Dan Cowman’s table

Three E. DEXTER LOVERIDGE WAHOO BITTERS in emerald green, lime and amber – Meyer table

Spectacular labeled HALLOWAY’S BITTERS lady’s leg with contents – Dan Cowman

One of the ‘new’ faces at the Houston Bottle Show and a pretty one at that

For my bud, Tom Doligale, a WOLLFF’S SCHIEDAM AROMATIC SCHNAPPS stands alone if waiting for Tom

Posted in Advertising, Bitters, Bottle Shows, Bottles and Extras, Civil War, Collectors & Collections, Color Runs, Druggist & Drugstore, Ephemera, Figural Bottles, FOHBC News, Medicines & Cures, Painted Label, Soda Bottles | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

I brought a few of my Drakes to the Houston Show

“the casual show goer must have walked by our tables and figured green drakes are a dime a dozen”

I brought a few of my Drakes to the Houston Show

15 July 2012

Apple-Touch-IconATo support the Houston group, and to have some fun, I brought a few of my Drake’s Plantation Bitters to the Houston Bottle Show yesterday. By coincidence, Dan Cowman brought some of his green toned Drakes. We both chuckled and discussed that the casual show goer must have walked by our tables and figured green drakes are a dime a dozen.

Posted in Bitters, Bottle Shows, Collectors & Collections, Color Runs, Figural Bottles | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

Barrel Series – Favorite Bitters & Peoples Favorite Bitters

FAVORITE BITTERS | PEOPLES FAVORITE BITTERS


Barrel Series  Favorite Bitters & Peoples Favorite Bitters

14 July 2012 (R•111916) (R•011217)

Apple-Touch-IconAHere is a strong barrel in two forms that you do not come across often. I have only seen examples in the great Feldmann and Ferraro collections and have not been fortunate enough to obtain an example. High on the desirability list, Favorite Bitters and the later People’s Favorite Bitters from Naperville, Illinois.

FAVORITE BITTERS Patent Drawing – Tony Shank

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

F 6  FAVORITE BITTERS (see below)
FAVORITE BITTERS / POWELL & STUTENROTH // c // s // PAT APPLIED FOR // c //
9 1/4 x 2 5/8
Barrel, Amber, LTC, Applied mouth, Very rare
Design Patent No. 3141, dated July 28, 1868 by Morris B. Powell and Charles W. Stutenroth of Naperville, Illinois. This is the earlier bottle. Once the patent was received the mold was changed: Peoples added to the title and Patd July 28, 1868, on the shoulder. See People’ Favorite Bitters
F6_Favorite_BBS

Favorite Bitters – Bitters Bottles Supplement

053

“PATENT APPLIED FOR / FAVORITE BITTERS / POWELL & STUTENROTH”, (Ring/Ham, F-6), Illinois, ca. 1868 – 1875, amber barrel, 9 1/8”h, smooth base, applied tapered collar mouth. Perfect condition. Morris Powell and Charles Stutenroth were in Naperville, Illinois. Of the two “Favorite Bitters” barrels this is the earlier one. After the patent was received a new mold was made to include the word Peoples. Both bottles are extremely rare making it a real challenge to own both. Purchased from Glass Works Auctions, ‘The Dr. Burton Spiller Collection’, in 2000. – Glass Works Auctions – Bob Ferraro Collection – Part 2

P 41  PEOPLE’S FAVORITE BITTERS (see below)
PEOPLES FAVORITE BITTERS / POWELL & STUTENROTH // c // s //  PATD JULY 28 1868
10 5/8 x 2 1/2 (8)
Round barrel, Amber, LTC, Applied mouth, Extremely rare Ribs swirl from ring on shoulder to base uninterupted but for 10 ribs which are interrupted for panel with lettering.

“PATD JULY – 28 1868 / PEOPLES FAVORITE BITTERS / POWELL & STUTENROTH”, (Ring/Ham, P-41), Illinois, ca. 1868 – 1875, yellow amber barrel, 10 3/4”h, smooth base, applied tapered mouth. About perfect. One of the rarest of all barrel bitters bottles, three possibly four known examples of which this is possibly the nicest! Ex. Tony Shank, Dave Bowers and Carlyn Ring Collections. Purchased from Glass Works Auctions #42 in 1996. Winning Bid: $ 30,000 (28 Bids) – Glass Works Auctions – Bob Ferraro Collection – Part 3

P41PeoplesFavorite_BBS

Peoples Favorite Bitters – Bitters Bottles Supplement

Broadside: Testimonials 1880 P.W. Hubbel & Co. as agent for J.W. Perkins & Co. See: Favorite Bitters

[Glass Works Auctions] Newspaper advertisement – April 21, 1869 A medicine so potent, palatable and pure that wherever known it becomes at once the Favorite of the people. In all cases of Dyspepsia, Liver Complaint, Headache, Loss of Appetite, Humors in the Blood, Blotches and Pimples on the Face, Weakness of the Kidneys, General Debility, Nervous Complaints, Impurities of the Blood, Chills, Fevers, and Diarrhea, The People’s Favorite Bitters should be used. The unimpeachable testimony of ladies, farmers, mechanics, commercial and professional men who have practically tested the mixture of The People’s Favorite Bitters, prove it to be beyond question, the best medicinal compound for the above diseases now offered to the public. If a reasonable attention to diet be given, and The People’s Favorite Bitters be taken strictly according to the directions, and no relief obtained in any or all the ills mentioned above, THE PRICE OF THE BITTERS WILL BE REFUNDED by the proprietors, or any of their authorized agents. The reason The People’s Favorite Bitters have met with much unprecedented success, and are now so generally and highly esteemed, is because they ASSIST nature, instead of exhausting her; they give tone to the stomach and the digestive organs, enrich the blood, and tend to build up rather than tear down; in short, they import vigor to the entire frame, and help the system to throw off disease. The following are the ingredients of The People’s Favorite Bitters: Sarsaparilla, Dandelion, Wild Cherry, Buchu, Cubeba, Orange Peel, Anise, Gentian, Columbo and Sassafras. Any one, at all acquainted with medicines, will know at once that no better or more wholesome Bitters could be made. One trial will convince the most skeptical that The People’s Favorite Bitters are all that they are recommended. For LADIES they are excellent; for TRAVELERS invaluable; for mechanics, farmers, persons of sedentary habits, for professional men, overtaxing the brain at the expense of the body, The People’s Favorite Bitters are a necessity. During sudden changes in the weather, in time of general sickness, these Bitters can be taken with advantage. At any time they are useful, and should be constantly on hand. If you want to save money, preserve your health, do the most good, and get the greatest happiness, use The People’s Favorite Bitters. Price, $1.00 per Bottle. POWELL & STUTENROTH, Proprietors and Manufacturers, Naperville, ILL. Powell & Stutenroth’s Favorite Bitters

FAVORITE BITTERS Patent – Tony Shank

[Glass Works Auctions] By Tony Shank

A number of years ago I acquired a People’s Favorite Bitters, a very rare bitters barrel. With the exception of being 1 1/4″ taller and having a patent date of July 28, 1868 on the shoulder, this barrel has the same design as the Favorite Bitters. The Favorite Bitters has “pat. applied for” on its shoulder. I was always curious about the patent date on the People’s Favorite and often wondered what information, if any, was available on this bottle. Then, Zane and Barbara Shaffer entered the search. While talking with Zane at a bottle show I happened to ask if he knew anyone in the club who could obtain information from the patent office. “Sure,” said Zane, speaking freely of Barbara’s time, “my wife works at the patent office.” So, after much hard work on Barbara’s part, she found the patent date, July 28, 1868, listed on the People’s Favorite Bitters to be the date that the patent was approved for the Favorite Bitters. After the design of the Favorite Bitters was patented, the size and appearance of the bottle changed a little and the name became People’s Favorite Bitters. From this we can surmise that the Favorite Bitters was bottled a year or two before 1868 and the People’s Bitters was bottled after July 28, 1868…..

PEOPLE’S FAVORITE BITTERS (left) and the earlier FAVORITE BITTERS – Feldmann Collection

PEOPLE’S FAVORITE BITTERS from the famous Carlyn Ring collection sale

FAVORITE BITTERS – Ferraro Collection

A Powell & Stutenroth “Favorite Bitters” bottle, one of only a few known and graded 9.7 out of 10 for condition, soared to $64,960 at the 50th Internet and catalog ever held by American Bottle Auctions. The bottle was the top lot of the more than 300 rare and vintage bottles sold. Most dated from the mid-to-late 19th century.


Read More on Figural Barrels

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 Bitters, Collectors & Collections, Figural Bottles | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Barrel Series – Wormser Bros San Francisco

WORMSER BROS | SAN FRANCISCO


Spectacular photograph of WORMSER BROS SAN FRANCISCO figural barrels – American Bottle Auctions (Jeff Wichmann)

OK, let’s knock out this great Wormser Brothers figural barrel that I have posted about before on Peachridge Glass. This “belly button”, “bulls-eye” or “bunghole” barrel, with the much desired San Francisco embossing, is a hot one for any bitters, figural or western collector. The world according to Wormser was relatively calm of late until the spectacular green example showed up and was sold by American Bottle Auctions for the princely sum of $18,480 to a prominent western collector in 2011.

Here is what we have on this exciting and well-proportioned barrel starting off with the Ring and Ham Bitters Bottles listing:

W 162.5  WORMSER BROTHERS, Circa 1869 (?)

WORMSER BROS ( au ) / motif bullseye / SAN FRANCISCO // c //
9 3/4 x 3 (7 3/4)
Barrel, 4-3-3-4, Amber
Example with partial whiskey label found in Nevada.

“Although I could not find any advertisements to confirm what these bottles contained, Western collectors believe this container held a whiskey bitters product”

[Western Bitters News – Rick Simi] The firm of Wormser Bros. was located on the corner of California and Front Streets in San Francisco and listed as importers and jobbers of wines and liquors. Started sometime in 1856, Isaac Wormser, who was living in Germany, was the president of the company and his brother Lewis was the manager. In 1864 Lewis left San Francisco and his brother Simon took over management of the company. In October of 1867, during Simon’s management of the firm, they trademarked the “Golden Sheaf” brand of whiskey. By 1872 the Wormser Brothers business was sold to the firm of Braeg Frank and Dallemand.

It is believed the barrel shaped bottle with an applied tapered top and a smooth base embossed WORMSER BROS. SAN FRANCISCO was produced for a very short period of time, possibly in 1869 only. Although I could not find any advertisements to confirm what these bottles contained, Western collectors believe this container held a whiskey bitters product.

This barrel shaped bottle comes in various shades of amber from light yellow to darker brown amber. Most examples show very little crudity but a couple examples that I have observed have some pretty good whittle to the glass.

It is thought that there are between 25 and 30 of the Wormser Brothers barrel in collections at the present time. Most collectors that I have talked to, don’t consider these bottles rare, but in my humble opinion are a very rare and collectible piece of Western glass.

American Bottle Auctions Press Release:

06 October 2011

SACRAMENTO, California – A Wormser Brothers barrel bitters bottle, made between 1867 and 1871 and quite possibly the only green example in existence (most are amber in color), soared to $18,480 in an internet and catalog auction that began in late August and ended on September 8th by American Bottle Auctions. It was the top lot of the 146 bottles sold.

Wormser Brothers barrel bitters were an early western bitters made in San Francisco, mainly in the 1860s. They were considered extremely rare until a group was found in Virginia City, Nevada, some years ago. Then the bottle just sold plus seven others (all amber) were found near the mouth of the Columbia River in Oregon more recently. The owner consigned the green one for this sale.

“That very same bottle in amber would probably only fetch around $1,800,” said Jeff Wichmann of American Bottle Auctions. “Color is everything, and this is the only green example I’m aware of. It is also heavily whittled, something you don’t often see in Wormser bottles. The top was crude and perfect and we graded it 9.6, only because of a light cleaning.”

The auction, which grossed just over $182,000, was a success by any measure, Wichmann said. “The page received over 60,000 views, and we had 192 bidders and 98 winners. Some, but not many, phone bids were also recorded. The average bottle sold for around $1,200, and usually it’s more like $1,000. That was a big plus, and bidder participation was very strong.”

The sale featured mainly historical flasks, bitters and food jars (such as pepper sauces). “Once again, quality excelled,” Wichmann said. “A good number of bottles sold in the $3,000-$15,000 range, and that to me is a strong sign that the overall market for rare and vintage bottles is very healthy, even in a down economy. And we continue to get in killer consignments.”

Read More on Wormser Bros: Watching these Wormser Bros SF Belly-Buttons

Read More on Wormser Bros: Bottle Still Life Shots from our Porch in Downieville

The famous and extraordinary green WORMSER BROS SAN FRANCISCO figural barrel sold by American Bottle Auctions to a western bitters collector for $18,480.

WORMSER BROS SAN FRANCISCO figural barrel in golden amber – Meyer Collection

Pair of WORMSER BROS SAN FRANCISCO figural barrels sold by American Bottle Auctions (Jeff Wichmann)

Two WORMSER BROS figural barrels sitting on our porch table one evening during the Downieville, California show last September 2011

Golden Amber WORMSER BROS figural barrel sitting off to the left during my visit to see the Western Bitters collection of Don Dwyer.


Read More on Figural Barrels

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 Bitters, Collectors & Collections, Color Runs, Figural Bottles, Whiskey | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Barrel Series – Keystone Bitters

KEYSTONE BITTERS

12 July 2012 (R•091516)

Apple-Touch-IconAHere is another figural Bitters barrel that most Bitters collectors possess or are familiar with. Not terribly hard to find, as they are rated Very Scarce, but they do show up, usually in a darker amber color. I am surprised that there is not much information on the brand that was made by the Keystone Bitters and Cordial Co. in Cleveland, Ohio. I am hoping that this post will generate some more examples and support material such as advertising.

Please look at the comparison image below comparing the KEYSTONE BITTERS form with the WORMSER BROS and MIST OF THE MORNING figural barrels. You can also follow this link to see the similar HALL’S BITTERS.

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

K 36  KEYSTONE BITTERS, Circa 1865 – 1875,
KEYSTONE ( au ) / BITTERS // c //
Keystone Cordial and Bitters Co.   Cleveland, Ohio
9 3/4 x 2 1/4 x 3 1/4 (7 3/4)
Barrel, 4-3-3-4, Amber and Puce, LTC, Applied mouth, Very scarce
Cleveland City Directory 1908-09.

KEYSTONE BITTERS, American, ca. 1865-1875, deep reddish amber barrel, 10 1/4″h, smooth base, applied sloping collar mouth. A tough one to find, especially in this pristine condition – Meyer Collection

keystonebitters_ferraro

“KEYSTONE / BITTERS”, (Ring/Ham, K-36), Ohio, ca. 1865 – 1875, deep reddish amber barrel, 10 1/4”h, smooth base, applied mouth. Some minor scratches, but no form of damage. Purchased from John Stampe in 1971. – Glass Works Auctions #112 – Bob Ferraro Collection – Session 1

Up for auction very rare, applied top, amber barrel, KEYSTONE BITTERS bottle. It is in good condition, but has small scratches and small dings in the rips and bottom. The bottom of the bottle is distorted. Inside a little bit dirty. Measuring 9 3/4 tall on 3 1/2 wide. – eBay (vlupul1970) *available now

(L) WORMSER BROS SAN FRANCISCO (C) KEYSTONE BITTERS (R) MIST OF THE MORNING. All figural barrel Bitters with similar shapes. All about 10″ tall. The Keystone is a little more trim. Obviously different embossings and applied tops. – Wormser Bros and Keystone barrels are Meyer examples.


Read More on Figural Barrels

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

The earliest and latest with the blue W. Wolf’s Pittsburgh barrel

Barrel Series – Brent, Warder & Co. – Louisville

Barrel Series – I. Nelson’s Old Bourbon

Barrel Series – B.M. & E.A. Whitlock & Co. – New York

Bennett & Carroll – Figural Barrel Series

Barrel Series – Liquore del Diavolo Figural Barrel

Barrel Series – Crow’s Celebrated Tonic Bitters

Barrel Series – Chapin & Gore – Chicago – Sour Mash

Barrel Series – Bininger Old Kentucky Bourbon

Barrel Series – Columbus in a Barrel

Barrel Series – W.C. Bitters

Barrel Series – Stillman & Breen

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

The Robinson & Lord Figural Barrel – Baltimore

The James A. Clark barrel from Louisville

The Hull Brothers barrel from Detroit, Michigan

Barrel Series – Out of the Ashes, the Wolford Z – Whiskey

 

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Advertising Notes and Facsimile Currency

Over the years, since I started collecting bottles, I have picked up some nice examples of facsimile currency and advertising notes relating to the bottles that I collect. As a collector of US Postage and Revenue Stamps, there is a nice ‘cross-over” with currency design as the illustrations and product references sometimes mention medicines, bitters and glass works just to name a few. Look at these great examples, mostly from Heritage Auctions. I am keeping a close look at this company as their web site is great and they are currently announcing a new Currency Auction in Philadelphia on 03 August 2012.

Read More: Drakes Plantation Bitters – Encased Postage

New Brooklin, NJ- New Brooklin Glass Works (Ezra Lake) 3¢ Wait 1609. The first of a likely complete denomination set from this issuer, which includes several denominations not listed in the Wait New Jersey reference. – Heritage Auctions

Front and back of a John Roots Bitters advertising note – Meyer Collection

Waterford, NJ- Waterford Glass Works 3¢ Oct. 1, 1875. A lovely example of this rare 3¢ note. – Heritage Auctions

Rochester, NY- Jew Davids Bank 50¢ Ad Note. An ad note promoting E. Taylor’s Hebrew Plaster, guaranteed to cure everything from spinal disease to hand tumers [sic]. This note, from a time when ethnic sensibilities had not yet reached the refined state we now enjoy, is truly a piece of living history. Fine, engraved by W.L. Ormsby of New York City, a well known bank note engraver. – Heritage Auctions

Salisbury, VT- Vermont Glass Factory $1 Jan. 1, 1814, The factory opened in 1813 employing 40 people. However, it closed in 1815. The scrip for this company was redeemable at the Farmers Bank of Troy, New York. – Heritage Auctions

New York City, NY- Plantation Bank – Drakes Plantation Bitters Ad Note circa 1860’s. This is a great ad note on this merchant that issued encased postage stamps in many different denominations for his product. – Heritage Auctions

Salem, NJ- Salem Glass Works 5¢ Aug. 22, 1870 – Heritage Auctions

(New York, NY) – Vorodyne Universal Pain & Ache Cure Ad Note circa 1870s – Heritage Auctions

Bath, NY- Geo. W. Hallock, Banker 10¢ 1862, Redford, NY- Redford Glass Company 25¢, Mr. Hallock’s banking company began on Jan. 1, 1849. The business was destroyed by fire in 1862 and was rebuilt. The 10¢ note features a very attractive and patriotic eagle vignette at center. The lovely Redford note features a vignette of a glassblower. – Heritage Auctions

Buffalo, NY- Loveridge Wahoo Bitters $100 Advertising Note 1863. This is a rare advertising note. Mr. Loveridge proclaims that his Wahoo Bitters may be drank as a beverage or taken as a medicine. – Heritage Auctions

Cleveland, NY- Cleveland Glass Works 10¢ 187__ Harris 2. This is an issuer we seldom see. This remainder has its handling restricted to the corners. There is an unusually detailed vignette of glass blowing activities at left. – Heritage Auctions

New Haven, CT- O.B. Leavenworth 25¢ Ad Note. An ad note for Dr. Barker’s Tar Syrup, which product promised “To cure your Cough Cold, Catarrh, Hoarseness, Loss of Voice, Difficulty of Breathing, or Preventive of Consumption.” Dr. Barker’s address is listed in Williamsburgh, Brooklyn, making this a two state ad note. – Heritage Auctions

Tom Hardy Kentucky Straight Whiskey Advertising Note 10,000 circa 1960s, Old Tom Hardy is the portrait on this advertising note that almost has its lower right-hand corner detached. – Heritage Auctions

Lancaster, PA- Mishler’s Herb Bitters $10 Ad Note, A very scarce ad note for this early patent medicine. This form, which very closely approximates a banknote. – Heritage Auctions

Bridgeton, NJ- (Bridgeton Glass Works) $1 Nov. 1869. A rare note, this $1 remainder is from the Bridgeton Glass Works. The company was established in 1836 and was well known for their historical flasks that are collector’s items today. – Heritage Auctions

Washington, DC- Columbia Bank $3 Oct. 20, 1852, Two Coupon Certificate Issued by Barker, Moore & Mein Medicine Co. An evenly circulated Fine $3 issued by one of the many fraudulent banks during this time period using District of Columbia addresses in an attempt to fool the populace. Part of the United Profit Sharing Coupon plan out of New York and had a cash value of 2/5 cent. – Heritage Auctions

Facsimile T67 $20 1864 for Dr. Morse’s Indian Root Pills circa 1890. On the back of this facsimile note are testimonials for Dr. Morse’s Indian Root Pills. This Very Fine example has edge tears with the longest being approximately three-fourths of an inch. – Heritage Auctions

The Turner Brothers are each depicted on this Civil War era scrip note payable in Buffalo or New York City. The portraits are extraordinarily realistic and were engraved by W.L. Ormsby. The note also bears the New York Bank Note Co. imprint who did the actual printing. – PCS Currency

Pittsburgh, PA- Hostetter Company 2 1/2¢ Revenue Stamp circa 1880. Hostetter Company produced a “stomach bitters” (gin masqueraded as a medicinal cure-all.) This brand was the most successful of the many due to its high alcohol content. This revenue stamp was soaked off a bottle. The portrait is of Dr. Jacob Hostetter who devised the formula. – Heritage Auctions

Pittsburgh, PA- Hostetter & Smith 1¢ circa 1860 – 1874 Hoober 312-135. Hostetter & Smith produced a “stomach bitter” (gin masqueraded as a medicinal cure-all.) This brand was the most successful of the many due to its high alcohol content. These “notes” were cut from the attached label of the bottle. This was a product that was heavily purchased by the Union Army. Portrait is of Dr. Jacob Hostetter who devised the formula, while one George W. Smith put up the capital. – Heritage Auctions

Basto, NJ- Batsto Glass Works 10¢ Waite UNL A crisp, evenly margined remainder from an issuer we have never before had the opportunity to offer. Waite did not list the 10¢ denomination in his book on New Jersey money. – Heritage Auctions

$1 Berkshire Crystal Glass Works, Berkshire, MA, Extremely Fine. A bare-breasted America tramples on the snake of tyranny as seen on this scarce lithographic – Heritage Auctions

Posted in Advice, Auction News, Cordial, Demijohns, Figural Bottles, Flasks, Fly Traps, Freeblown Glass, Gin, Glass Makers, Lightning Rod Balls, Medicines & Cures, Museums, Witch Ball | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Dr. A.H. Smiths Old Style Bitters – O.S. 2781

Dr. A.H. Smiths Old Style Bitters – O.S. 2781

11 July 2012 (R•053017)

Apple-Touch-IconANice email from Tim Henson that allowed me to compare his new Dr. Smiths (S 127) find to my Dr. Smiths (S 127.5). What do you all think about the 2781 number boldly embossed on both bottles? Could it be “February 7th, 1881” as Tom Doligale suggests or the reversed “1872” as Warren Friedrich suggests? What about the “O.S.”? The best answer here would be “Old Style” right?

O.S. 2781

Hi Ferd,

I made the Tulsa show this past weekend and got this really nice bitters. We was on our way out when my buddy asked me if I had seen the bitters that another friend of ours got the day of the setup. He said it’s got one of the best applied tops he’s ever seen on a square so I had to check it out, and he wasn’t kidding! It was actually one I’ve wanted. There are 3 variations of this bottle known I believe. A really killer and crude example loaded with seed bubbles and well the top speaks for itself! It’s a St. Louis bottle and the Union Medicine Co. was the sole proprietor. The OS 2781 on the reverse is interesting, perhaps 2/7/81? Hope you enjoy the photos.

~Tim Henson

DR. A.H. SMITHS OLD STYLE BITTERS (S 127) – Tim Henson

Dr. A.H. Smith’s Celebrated Old Style Bitters – This bitters was heavily advertised in newspapers from Colorado to Georgia in 1873. I have seen no clue as to what the numbers mean. – Eric McGuire

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

S 127  DR. SMITHS OLD STYLE BITTERS, Circa 1870’s
DR. A. H. SMITHS / OLD STYLE BITTERS // f // O.S. 2781 // f //
Union Medicine Company   Sole Proprietor   St. Louis, Missouri
8 3/4 x 2 3/4 ( 6 5/8) 1/4
Square, Amber, LTC, Applied mouth, 2 sp, Scarce
Red River Gazette (Minnesota) February 6, 1873
Drug Catalogs: 1874 VS&R, 1878 CB&Co.
S 127.5  DR. SMITHS OLD STYLE BITTERS, Circa 1870’s,
DR. A. H. SMITHS / OLD STYLE BITTERS // f // O.S 2781 / THE STANDARD TONIC / AND BLOOD PURIFIER //
8 3/4 x 2 3/4 (6 5/8) 1/4
Square, Amber, LTC, Applied mouth, Rare

DR. A.H. SMITHS OLD STYLE BITTERS (S 127.5), St. Louis bottle. Passes light in the upper half of the bottle. Lots of bubbles. Perfect condition with just a tiny lip roughness. This is from manufacturing. – Meyer Collection

DR. A.H. SMITHS OLD STYLE BITTERS (S 127) – Tim Henson

DR. A.H. SMITHS OLD STYLE BITTERS (S 127) – Tim Henson

DR. A.H. SMITHS OLD STYLE BITTERS (S 127) – Tim Henson

DR. A.H. SMITHS OLD STYLE BITTERS (S 127) – Tim Henson

DR. A.H. SMITHS OLD STYLE BITTERS (S 127) – Tim Henson

DR. A.H. SMITHS OLD STYLE BITTERS (S 127) – Tim Henson

I enjoy collecting squares and notice the article on the Dr. A H. Smith Old Style Bitters. I attached some pics of a S 127 in a light golden amber color. – Frank Wicker www.bottlepickers.com

“DR A. H. SMITH’S / CELEBRATED / OLD STYLE BITTERS – O S / 2781 – THE STANDARD TONIC / AND / BLOOD PURIFIER”, America, 1870 – 1880. Medium to deep amber, square with beveled corners, applied sloping collar – smooth base, ht. 8 7/8″, virtually attic mint; (a couple of very minor, 1/8″ or less, onionskin-thin open surface bubbles, otherwise pristine!) R/H #S127.5. A great looking, very scarce bitters, heavily embossed, crude, outstanding condition. – American Glass Gallery Auction #18

Posted in Bitters, Bottle Shows, Collectors & Collections, Digging and Finding | Tagged , , , , , , , | 4 Comments