The Celestial Dr. Planett’s Bitters

The Celestial Dr. Planett’s Bitters

03 May 2012 (R•101514)

Apple-Touch-IconAPam and Randy Selenak (Orange, California) recently returned from this wonderful Key West Vacation where they immersed themselves with bottles found in dives along the coast. Read further: Island Alex – A Man With A Passion. During a phone call during their trip, Pam asked me about a Dr. Planett’s Bitters that Alex had found. I said it was a great bottle and wondered what it was doing down in the Keys. I guess it thrown over a ship at some point. Anyway, Pam just informed me that the bottle was purchased from Alex and will be joining them in California.  A short trip I suppose for such a celestial bottle. Congratulation Pam and Randy. I suggest getting Marty Hall to clean it or just leave it alone it is so beautiful. Coincidentally, I purchased my super example of a Dr. Planett’s (see pictures below) from Marty Hall 5 years ago exactly. Marty was able to buy it from a collection where it has resided for 30 years. Again a short period for our celestial friend. I would hope my bottle detective friends might help me get some more information on this bottle.

“Alex intrigued me with his collecting of bottles by diving in the Key West waters”.

P 107  DR PLANETT’S BITTERS, Circa 1850’s

DR PLANETT’S / BITTERS // f // f // f //
9 3/4 x 3 1/4 (7 1/8) 1/2
Square, Aqua, LTC, Applied mouth, Metallic pontil mark, Very rare
The Journal & Eagle (Preoccupies, N.Y.) July 20, 1850,

Newspaper advertisement: Create a healthy action throughout the body, restore the appetite, equalize the circulation, give tone and energy to the system, a create a power of resistance to disease in all its form, rarely to be obtained. They will perform a speedy and permanent cure of dyspepsia, ingestion, flatulency, general debility, liver complaint, and all the train of symptoms commonly called nervous affections. Headache will be immediately relieved by the use of this invaluable compound, which is purely vegetable, and is adopted to all ages and conditions. Females will find this delicate and palatable preparation, a combination of tonic, alternative, and apparent qualities, peculiarly adapted to their systems. The specific action that this article has on the liver and digestive organs, renders it complete antidote for fever and ague and bilious and typhus fevers.

Dr. Planett’s Bitters – Meyer Collection

Dr. Planett’s Bitters – Meyer Collection

Dr. Planett’s Bitters – Meyer Collection

AGGLot164

Dr. Planett’s Bitters – American Glass Gallery Auction #13

Posted in Bitters, Collectors & Collections, Digging and Finding | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Large Willington Pickle Jar in a Teal Blue

With cathedral pickles in the news recently, (Read: The Amber Willington Cathedral Pickle Jar) (Read: MAJOR Cathedral Pickle Collection News) (Read: Early Blown Glass Blue CATHEDRAL PICKLE BOTTLE closes on eBay) it was good timing for Dennis Rogers to send Peachridge Glass three exciting pictures of his very special teal blue Willington Cathedral Pickle. Look at the great neck on this jar! It is fun getting these kinds of pictures and information.

Folks, all of these images and information is being archived for antique bottle and glass collectors for generations to come. It is also being indexed for the FOHBC Virtual Museum so don’t be shy. If you have something special and you want to share, I bet I can find a place for it. Ferdinand

I saw my first ambers at Norm Hecklers a number of years ago, lined up in a row, ALL 3 SIZES! 

Hi Ferdinand

Great post on the amber Willingtons, certainly the holy grail of pickle jar collecting. I saw my first ambers at Norm Hecklers a number of years ago, lined up in a row, ALL 3 SIZES! Thanks for the history on the Willington Glass Works and all the great photos. Exposure to great cathedral pickle examples is long over due, so thanks for that! The recent e-bay sale of the blue cathedral with expanded mouth was certainly a shot-in-the-arm for the Pickle hobby.

I will probably never have the opportunity to aquire an amber Willington, but I do have a large Willington pickle that is one of my favorites, in what I would describe as a teal blue coloration. Have not seen this exact color in another Willington. And, a full 15 inches tall, with stretched out neck, and huge graphite pontil. Am enclosing a couple of photos, one shows the size compared to the middle sized Willington in the more common color of light green. Thanks again, and keep the Pickle posts coming!

Dennis Rogers

Read another story about Dennis Rogers: The Johnnie Walker Box and the Dr. Wheeler’s – or You’ve Got to be Kidding Me!

Posted in Advice, Collectors & Collections, Peachridge Glass, Pickle Jars, Virtual Museum | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

The Amber Willington Cathedral Pickle Jar

The Amber Willington Cathedral Pickle Jar

02 May 2012 (R•042519 – Heckler Aprill example, top of post)

Many of the early American pickle bottles and jars were made in the 1850s and 1860s. As would be expected, the earlier examples have pontiled bases and exceptional character. The most popular style amongst collectors is the “cathedral” pickle with fancy Gothic styled architectural sides. More common in aqua, the rarer examples in yellow and green command higher prices and are very sought after by collectors. The amber Willington Cathedral Pickle jar is the Prima Donna and the topic of this post. The amber jars come in three sizes, 8″, 11″ and 14″ with the 8″ being the rarest.

 Read and See More: Cathedral Pickle Picture Page

Interestingly enough, this week holds news for two amber Willington Cathedral Pickles. The first sighting (read below) was in the American Bottle Auctions | Auction 55 | Lot #157. See pictures and auction write-up below. The second sighting (read below) was the amber Willington in the large collection of 61 Cathedral Pickle jars from a collection that will go on eBay this Thursday evening. Read: MAJOR Cathedral Pickle Collection News. First we will look at the West Willington Glassworks as defined by The Museum of Connecticut Glass.

The West Willington Glassworks 1814-1872

In 1814, a stock company was formed by John Turner, Ebenezer Root and Frederick Rose, all presumably from Coventry, CT and Roderick Rose, Stephen Brigham Jr, Elisha Brogham and Spafford Brigham, all of Mansfield, CT. Abiel Johnson Jr was also said to have been part of the organizing group which was clearly competing against the Pitkin Glassworks, The John Mathers Glassworks and the Coventry glassworks.

They remained the owner until 1828 when Gilbert, Turner & Company acquired the glassworks as well as the Coventry works. This company operated the Willington glassworks until 1847. There was a Hartford agent named Lee, Hopkins & Butler who advertised Willington porters in 1829. In 1847, Gilbert, Turner and Company sold the works to a group of six men. Harvey Merrick, Elisha Carpenter, William M. Still, William & Francis Shaffer and James McFarlane. The first output of glass bottles consisted of inkwells, snuffs, demijohns, chestnuts and flasks including some pitkin types. There were reportedly a few rare sealed bottles as well. As far as we know, there were no marked bottles or flasks prior to 1849.

Perhaps the most famous of the wares are the Willington gothic cathedral type pickle jars of varying sizes and colors. 

From this date to 1872, demijohns dominated the sales with wines, some bitters and even a booze bottle cabin figural. Perhaps the most famous of the wares are the Willington Gothic cathedral type pickle jars of varying sizes and colors. They also produced base-embossed cylindrical bottles (there are 9 variants known), varying sizes of berry bottles in olive amber and olive green colors, and of course, the popular Liberty Eagle marked flasks in 1/2 pint, pint & quart moulds. The Willington glassworks also produced utility bottles, insulator types, rolling pins and assorted tableware.

The colors of the glass were similar to Pitkin’s & Coventry’s but the shades of greens are among the most beautiful glass ever produced in this country. The Willington Historical Society has many members with interest in the local glass and Connecticut glass also. They have regular meetings with guest speakers and presentations. A glass display and historic museum are in the works.

The first amber Willington Cathedral Pickle sighting of late

[as described by American Bottle Auctions] WILLINGTON CATHEDRAL PICKLE, Connecticut. Made most likely circa 1850. Willington Glass was in business from 1815-72. 8 ¼”. We obtained this amber cathedral from Sacramento native, Don Smith. Years ago when Don and his wife Charlotte were staying with their friend and mentor Charles Gardner,

“Years ago when Don and his wife Charlotte were staying with their friend and mentor Charles Gardner, Charlotte inquired if Charlie had any Willington pickles he would let loose with.”

Charlotte inquired if Charlie had any Willington pickles he would let loose with. He answered no but did remember he had one in the basement with a hairline crack in it. After looking at it Charlotte expressed her desire to buy it but Charlie was unmoved and declined the offer. As the weekend continued according to Don, Charlotte apparently used a little womanly charm on him and he finally recanted. Charlie sold the pickle to her. As Don said, “Charlotte had a way with Charlie.” So, 40 or so years later, Don lies in a hospital with pancreatic cancer and called me and asked me if I would sell it. “I want someone else to enjoy as much as Charlotte and I did,” he said without missing a beat. With a heartfelt nod of my head, we are presenting it here. The jar has a crack in the side panel without the cathedral archway. It starts about 4” below the mouth and runs down and through the pontil and about 2” up the opposite base. 

According to Don he’s had it all these years and it’s never changed. Value? That’s a tough one. It would be about dead Mint without the crack. We see a gorgeous, heavily whittled amber cathedral pickle but some might see a crack. It’s a bittersweet object to sell, when Don had consigned his other pieces he was told he had six months of good living left. That was a week ago. [PRG] Bottles sold for $2,000 plus ABA premium.

8 1/4″ Willington Cathedral Pickle – American Bottle Auctions | Auction 55 – Smith Collection

8 1/4″ Willington Cathedral Pickle – American Bottle Auctions | Auction 55 – Smith Collection

8 1/4″ Willington Cathedral Pickle – American Bottle Auctions | Auction 55 – Smith Collection

Second Amber Willington Cathedral Pickle sighting of late

Hi Ferdinand, I am sending you some pictures of a collection that took my Mother, Father and myself 46 year to put together. There are 61 cathedral pickles from shade of aqua, emerald green, amber and blue. I will be listing this collection on eBay in one 10 day auction. So just wanted you to know ahead of time and give you some pictures to post on your web sight if you would like. I am going to try and list this Thursday night. Thanks

Read: MAJOR Cathedral Pickle Collection News. The condition report of the amber Willington has not been posted on eBay or relayed to PRG as of this date.

Some of the 61 Cathedral Pickle Bottles. The amber Willington Cathedral Pickle is the 2nd from the left

Norman C. Heckler: The Aprill Collection: Non-Blue Bottles & Glass, Session I, Select Auction 174, 06 May 2019

Lot: 1 Cathedral Pickle Bottle, Willington Glass Works, West Willington, Connecticut, 1840-1860. Square with beveled corners and fancy cathedral arches, deep olive amber, applied round collared mouth – pontil scar, ht. 13 3/4 inches; (u shaped crack runs across the base and 2 1/2 inches up one side). Similar in form and construction to Z pg. 456, top left Considered by most to be the “Holy Grail” of pickle bottles. A rare bottle with great provenance and presence. Ex Charles B. Gardner collection, Dr. Charles and Jane Aprill collection. – Norman C. Heckler: The Aprill Collection: Non-Blue Bottles & Glass, Session I, Select Auction 174

Lot: 1 Cathedral Pickle Bottle, Willington Glass Works, West Willington, Connecticut, 1840-1860. Square with beveled corners and fancy cathedral arches, deep olive amber, applied round collared mouth – pontil scar, ht. 13 3/4 inches; (u shaped crack runs across the base and 2 1/2 inches up one side). Similar in form and construction to Z pg. 456, top left Considered by most to be the “Holy Grail” of pickle bottles. A rare bottle with great provenance and presence. Ex Charles B. Gardner collection, Dr. Charles and Jane Aprill collection. – Norman C. Heckler: The Aprill Collection: Non-Blue Bottles & Glass, Session I, Select Auction 174

Past historic eBay sale of amber Willington Cathedral Pickle

The pickle pictured above is a mid-sized, 11″ Willington cathedral-style pickle jar from Willington CT, circa 1850’s. It has an iron pontil but most important, it is the very rare amber color; less than 5 known examples in this color as the bottle usually occurs in green. This example is in mint condition with 3 arched panels – the 4th panel is plain (for the label). This exceptional pickle sold for a record $44,100 on March 31, 1999 on eBay.

Read More on this big eBay event: Collectors On Internet Bid Up Bottle Big Time – Chicago Tribune

The seller, Richard Rushton-Clem of Lewisburg, Pa., picked it up at a plain old tag sale in western Massachusetts last summer. “I used to have an antiques shop in Kennebunkport, so I realized it was an unusual bottle,” Rushton-Clem said. “I figured it was worth $300 or $400.” He kept the pickle bottle (a term that among bottle collectors is interchangeable with the more familiar “pickle jar”) on a window sill for eight months. Then he asked the proprietors of the Rollermills Antique Center in Lewisburg to sell it for him on eBay. It was listed as an “early blown glass cathedral pickle bottle,” with a minimum bid of $9.99. The reserve–the lowest price the seller will accept, which is not disclosed to prospective bidders–was set at $275.

According to Jim Persing, the man who runs Rollermills Internet, a consignment service run by the antique center, the response was immediate. “An hour after we put the bottle on eBay, a guy called, all excited, and asked me to tell him more,” he said. “After I answered his questions, he told me we had something really rare, the 11-inch amber Willington pickle bottle.” The bottle was made in Willington, Conn., in about 1850. “By the end of the day,” Persing said, “we were at $2,500, and the bottle was in a locked case.”

Within days, bottle collectors from four different states had visited Rollermills to see the pickle bottle. First on the scene was John C. Mosman of Waterbury, Conn. (eBay name: Pickleman). Mosman described the bottle as a must-have piece because of its color, provenance and condition. “Amber is the rarest of all the colors,” he said in a post-auction interview, “and Willington is the only glass house who made Gothic cathedral pickle jars in the amber coloration.” In addition, he said, the jar was in perfect condition. “This was the top example of what you’re going to get in that size,” he said.

Jim Hagenbuch, the publisher of Antique Bottle and Glass Collector magazine, agreed. “No question,” he said. “The amber Willington is the Cadillac of the category.” Willington’s pickle bottles came in three sizes, 8, 11 and 14 inches. According to Norman C. Heckler, who has been a bottle auctioneer for 38 years, the 11-inch version is probably the rarest–only five are known to survive–and this was the first time an 11-inch Willington pickle bottle was offered at public auction. “They just don’t come to the market,” Heckler said.

During the week-long auction, which ended on March 31, there were 57 bids. Pickleman stopped at $27,999, but with its 2.5 percent commission and Rollermills deducts 20 percent, Rushton-Clem will walk away with a cool $34,395 profit.

An amazing dig

[from Antique-Bottles-net] Now for my real criers, parts and pieces of 3 half gallon and 2 quart amber pontilled Willington cathedral pickles. these came out of a 5″ upper layer in an 1880`s town dump that also was loaded with pieces of amber berry bottles and Drakes Plantations, all broken. A hotel must have cleaned house to dump these older pieces there. The last large amber Willington pickle that I know of that sold was on eBay about 10 or so years ago, and I think it was for $44,000. I can imagine what they would be worth now! – Bill Bixby (Ellington, CT)

Many Willington Cathedral Pickle shards – Bill Bixby (Ellington, CT)

Posted in Auction News, Collectors & Collections, Digging and Finding, eBay, Glass Companies & Works, History, Pickle Jars | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Hemingray Fruit Jars and Insulators – History Needs Your Help

NATIONAL INSULATOR ASSOCIATION

April 22, 2012

Dear Collector,

How would you like to be a part of Hemingray history? After all, many of us love the fruit jars and other products produced by them for their history as well as for their beauty. Now here is an opportunity for you to make a difference by placing a historical marker at the old Hemingray factory site in Covington, KY.

After successfully raising funds and erecting a state historical plaque for the Hemingray factory in Muncie, IN in 2011, the NIA has turned its attention to the former site of Hemingray in Covington, KY. Discussions with the Commonwealth of Kentucky, as well as a supportive Kenton County Historical Society have been ongoing and our application was submitted in March 2012. Approval is expected in June 2012 and dedication in 2013.

The current site of the old Hemingray Factory and Office complex in Covington is a large 317 room hotel. Immediately to the east is another large hotel and immediately to the south is the Northern Kentucky Convention Center. Both hotels serve the convention center as well as people visiting Cincinnati across the river.

The proposed plaque location will be in a plaza in front of the hotel, where guests of both hotels and the convention center attendees will pass by daily. The opportunity for public exposure of our hobbies is great.

I am appealing to you, to be a part of this worthwhile project.

As with the Muncie plaque, the application process indicates that we need to privately fund the purchase and erection of the plaque. The cost of the plaque fabrication, erection, and any costs for the dedication ceremony and any required permits is approximately $2,800. Leftover funds from the Muncie plaque project are already set aside for this project. If funds raised during this campaign, are in excess of what is spent, those funds will be set aside for other future plaque projects.

[from Shaun Kotlarsky] Here are photos and video of the Muncie dedication on my Hemingray site… http://hemingray.net/dedication/index.html

The National Insulator Association, Inc. is a non-profit corporation. It is also classified as a “public charity” under IRS 501(c)(3) regulations. As such, most donations to the NIA are tax deductible.

Pictures of the Hemingray plaque erected in 2011 in Muncie can be found here: http://www.hmdb.org/marker.asp?marker=48393

If you are interested in being part of this project by making a donation, please send your payment to:

Robert B. Stahr
515 Main St. Unit 403
West Chicago, IL 60185

All checks should be made out to the National Insulator Association. A letter of receipt will be sent.

We appreciate your time and thank you in advance for any help you may be able to provide.

Sincerely,

Robert B. Stahr
NIA First Past President
(630) 231-4171
1stpastpres@nia.org

Posted in Club News, Fruit Jars, Glass Companies & Works, History, Insulators, News, Questions | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Bottle Shards in Window Jars – I like it!

Bottle Shards in Window Jars – I like it!

01 May 2012

“Here’s how I display some of my pieces, in large clear glass jars. They really look great in the windows!”

Apple-Touch-IconAI like this. What a clever, simple idea! I put cool seashells that I have varnished in old antique, clear cookie jars. Organized displays are great. Posted by Bill Bixby (Ellington, CT) over at Anitque-Bottles.net.

Posted in Advice, Collectors & Collections, Digging and Finding | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Old Carolina Bitters – Charleston

OLD CAROLINA BITTERS |Charleston

01 May 2012 (R•012815) (R•041919)

The most delightful and healthful Tonic ever introduced to the Southern Trade

Apple-Touch-IconAI wrote a post earlier today on the extremely rare SUMTER BITTERS from Charleston, South Carolina (Read: Sumter Bitters – The Great Southern Tonic) and it seemed logical to pair it with a follow-up post on the extremely rare, OLD CAROLINA BITTERS, also from Charleston, South Carolina. Interesting that so many broken examples of each bottle were dug in one pit.

Tom Leveille holding bottle

“dug in Charleston. The lone survivor, from a Crazy pile of crushed Old Carolinas and Sumters that literally measured up to my knee. It has issues. Missing rear corner and an interior ice pick bruise from opening. There were also 3 Old Carolinas with lip issues.”

 Phil Edmunds

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

O 20  OLD / CAROLINA BITTERS // f // GOODRICH WINEMAN & CO // sp // Charleston, South Carolina, 10 x 2 3/4 (7 3/4) 3/8, Square, Amber and Puce, LTCR, Applied Mouth, 3 sp, Extremely rare

Read Further: 2 XR Augusta and Charleston Square Bitters Spotted

Read Further: South Carolina Top 25 Bottles by Bill Baab

NEWSPAPER ADVERTISING

Newspaper advertisement: Goodrich Wineman & Co., Old Southern Drug House, Re-established 1866, No. 153 Meeting Street, Formerly John Ashhurst & Co., (George C .Goodrich, Phillip Wineman, John Ashhurst), Charleston, S.C. – Edgefield Advertiser, Wednesday, December 5, 1866

Newspaper advertisement: The Old Carolina Bitters, The Great Southern Tonic, Goodrich, Wineman & Co., Charleston, S.C. – The Orangeburg News, Thursday, November 21, 1867

Newspaper advertisement: The Old Carolina Bitters, Manufactured by Goodrich, Wineman & Co., Charleston, S.C. – The Greenville Enterprise. Wednesday, September 23, 1868

Newspaper advertisement: The Old Carolina Bitters, A Southern Preparation, Goodrich, Wineman & Co., Proprietors and Manufacturers, No. 23 Hayne Street, Charleston, S.C. – The Daily Phoenix, Wednesday, August 11, 1869

Newspaper advertisement: Old Carolina Bitters, A Delightful Tonic, Goodrich, Wineman & Co. – The Sumpter Watchman (Sumterville, S.C.) May 4, 1870

Newspaper advertisement: Old Carolina Bitters, Principal Depot, Goodrich, Wineman & Co. – The Charleston Daily News, Monday, December 19, 1870

Newspaper Testimonials: Old Carolina Bitters, Goodrich, Wineman & Co., Principal Depot, No. 35 Hayne Street – The Charleston Daily News, Thursday, March 23, 1871

Old Carolina Bitters, Goodrich, Wineman & Co., advertisement – The Sumpter Watchman (Sumterville, S.C.) May 4, 1870

Newspaper advertisement: Old Carolina Bitters, Phillip Wineman & Co.,– The Charleston Daily News, Thursday, May 23, 1872

THE BOTTLES

Golden Eagle Bitters (left) and Old Carolina Bitters (right) – Newman Collection

Golden Eagle Bitters (left) and Old Carolina Bitters (right) – Newman Collection

Old Carolina Bitters (left) and Golden Eagle Bitters (right) – Newman Collection

STORIES

From the informative bottle web site RicksBottleRoom.com: This weeks bottle of the week is from fellow collector and member, Robert Biro’s collection. The bottle was found in a Savannah dump”.

“Rick, Here is one dug in a late 1860’s to a early 1870’s dump in Savannah”

Robert Biro

from RicksBottleRoom.com, Example of dug Old Carolina Bitters – Robert Biro

South Carolina Top 25 Bottles by Bill Baab – Summer 2003 FOHBC Bottles and Extras

Posted in Bitters, Digging and Finding, Druggist & Drugstore, Ephemera, History, News | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

MAJOR Cathedral Pickle Collection News

[PRG] I try to shy away from people selling things on this site but WOW, wait to you get of load of this!!!

Hi Ferdinand,

I am sending you some pictures of a collection that took my Mother, Father and myself 46 years to put together. There are 61 cathedral pickles from shade of aqua, emerald green, amber and blue. I will be listing this collection on eBay in one 10 day auction. So just wanted you to know ahead of time and give you some pictures to post on your web sight if you would like. I am going to try and list this Thursday night. Thanks

Posted in Advice, Collectors & Collections, eBay, Figural Bottles, News, Pickle Jars | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Sumter Bitters – The Great Southern Tonic

Bottle picture by Tom Leveille

Sumter Bitters – The Great Southern Tonic

Where the American Civil War Began

01 May 2012

Apple-Touch-IconADecades of growing strife between North and South erupted in civil war on April 12, 1861, when Confederate artillery opened fire on this Federal fort in Charleston Harbor. Fort Sumter surrendered 34 hours later. Union forces would try for nearly four years to take it back.

Sumter Bitters advertisement – The Charleston Daily News, May 27, 1870

SUMTER BITTERS – THE GREAT SOUTHERN TONIC

We now find ourselves with a new dug, extremely rare, Sumter Bitters example from Charleston. “The lone survivor, from a crazy pile of crushed Old Carolina’s and Sumters that literally measured up to my knee. It has issues. Missing rear corner and an interior ice pick bruise from opening. There were also 3 Old Carolinas with lip issues”.Phil Edmunds

“If you look at the advertisment I sent, which is now on your site, it’s interesting to note, that Ft. Sumter is what it looked like after the War. I went there expecting to see a structure like the pictures you posted. It was humbling to see it was reduced to a pile of rubble”

Phil Edmunds on faceboook
SumpterBittersAd_1870

Sumter Bitters, The Great Southern Tonic advertisement – The Sumpter Watchman (Sumterville, S.C.) May 4, 1870

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

S 221  SUMTER BITTERS // DOWIE MOISE & DAVIS / WHOLESALE / DRUGGIST // CHARLESTOWN. (spelling error) S.C. // f //
9 7/8 x 2 5/8 (6 7/8) 3/8
Square, Amber, LTCR, Applied mouth, 3 sp, Extremely rare

Carlyn Ring and W.C. Ham Bitters Bottles S 221 listing for the Sumter Bitters

Engraving representing The 1861 bombardment of Fort Sumter

Fort Sumter is a Third System masonry coastal fortification located in Charleston Harbor, South Carolina. The fort is best known as the site upon which the shots initiating the American Civil War were fired, at the Battle of Fort Sumter.

The Fort Sumter Flag is a historic United States flag with a distinctive, diamond-shaped pattern of 33 stars. The flag was lowered by Major Robert Anderson on April 14, 1861 when he surrendered Fort Sumter, in the harbor of Charleston, South Carolina, at the outset of the American Civil War.

The original flag is still on display at Fort Sumter in a museum maintained by the National Park Service. Commercial replicas of the flag are widely available.

Anderson brought the flag to New York City for an April 20, 1861 patriotic rally, where it was flown from the equestrian statue of George Washington. More than 100,000 people thronged Manhattan’s Union Square in what was, by some accounts, the largest public gathering in the country up to that time. The flag was then taken from town to town, city to city throughout the North, where it was frequently “auctioned” to raise funds for the war effort. Any patriotic citizen who won the flag at auction was expected to immediately donate it back to the nation, and it would promptly be taken to the next rally to repeat its fundraising magic. The flag was a widely-known patriotic symbol for the North during the war.

Any patriotic citizen who won the flag at auction was expected to immediately donate it back to the nation, and it would promptly be taken to the next rally to repeat its fundraising magic.

On April 14, 1865, four years to the day after the surrender and as part of a celebration of the Union victory, Anderson (by then a major general), raised the flag in triumph over the battered remains of the fort.

The Rev. Henry Ward Beecher was the principal orator at the 1865 celebration, and gave a lengthy speech, as was the custom of the day. He said: ” On this solemn and joyful day, we again lift to the breeze our fathers’ flag, now, again, the banner of the United States, with the fervent prayer that God would crown it with honor, protect it from treason, and send it down to our children…. Terrible in battle, may it be beneficent in peace [and] as long as the sun endures, or the stars, may it wave over a nation neither enslaved nor enslaving…. We lift up our banner, and dedicate it to peace, Union, and liberty, now and forevermore.” – Rev. Henry Ward Beecher

“We lift up our banner, and dedicate it to peace, Union, and liberty, now and forevermore.”

Coincidentally, later that night President Lincoln would be shot at Ford’s Theatre.

The Heroes of Fort Sumpter – Fort Sumpter Officers

1861 – 1961 4 cent Fort Sumter Civil War Centennial United States Postage Stamp

SUMTER BITTERS // DOWIE MOISE & DAVIS / WHOLESALE DRUGGISTS – Tom Leveille

SUMTER BITTERS // CHARLESTON S.C.- Tom Leveille

Posted in Bitters, Civil War, Digging and Finding, Druggist & Drugstore, History, News | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Early American Blown Three Mold Decanters

The objects were produced by blowing molten glass into a mold, thereby causing the glass to assume the shape and pattern design of the mold.

Early American Blown Three Mold Decanters

30 April 2012 (R•031414)

An area of high interest to me is early American blown three mold glass and in particular decanters. Elizabeth and I typically see decanter pieces at the mid Atlantic and New England shows such as Baltimore, Heckler in CT and Keene, NH. I really like the geometric pattern and beauty of these pieces since they seem so different from the Bitters bottles I collect. With examples periodically appearing in auctions and facebook on the bottle group sites such as Bottle Collectors and Early American Glass, I thought it was high time that I dig a little further into this area. I also realize this will be an important part of the FOHBC Virtual Museum of Historical Bottles and Glass.

I have compiled some pictures and information from Wikipedia which seems like a good place to start. Information is limited online which is surprising but I did find a nice article by New England collector Michael George. Read More: Glassmaking in “early” New Hampshire 
by Michael George

Early American molded glass refers to functional and decorative objects, such as bottles and dishware, that were manufactured in the United States in the 19th century. The objects were produced by blowing molten glass into a mold, thereby causing the glass to assume the shape and pattern design of the mold.

Common blown molded tableware items bearing designs include salt dishes, sugar bowls, creamers, celery stands, decanters, and drinking glasses. Household items, other than dishware, made using the three-mold method include inkwells, oil lamps, birdcage fountains, hats, medicine and perfume bottles, and witch balls. Whiskey flasks bearing unique designs were made in two part molds. Undecorated bottles used as containers for a variety of liquids were blown into square molds to give them corners so they could be packed into compartments of wooden cases.

After the War of 1812, American glass manufacturers began using molds as an inexpensive way to produce glassware similar in appearance to the very costly cut glass that was imported from Waterford, Ireland. A dearth of skilled glassblowers may have also led to the increased use of molds. Blown molded glass was popular for about twenty years before it was superseded by pressed glass.

The process of blowing molten glass into a mold made of clay is known to have been employed in Syrian workshops as early as the 4th century BC. Romans adopted the technique in the 1st century CE. Molds used in 19th century European and American glass factories were cast in iron or bronze. They were made by professional mold manufacturers in many large United States cities and were universally available.

Although no intact molds have been found, fragments of molds have been excavated at glass manufacturing sites in Sandwich, Massachusetts and Kent and Mantua, Ohio.
The mold, which was placed on the floor or below floor level, was not three molds, but one mold in three parts. It was made of hinged sections that could be opened and closed by means of a foot or hand operated treadle. One of the vertical walls of the mold was permanently fastened to the base and the other walls were attached to it by removable pins. Designs were cut into the inside walls of all mold parts. Some molds impressed a pattern on the object and base, while others omitted the base. Most molds were in three parts, but could also be constructed of two or four parts. Regardless of the number of parts of a mold, all objects produced in a mold are called three-mold glass.

The process of molding was just the initial step in the manufacture of three-mold glass. After removal from the mold, the glass was expanded by means of additional blowing. The object was then cracked off at the rim and hand finished by grinding and polishing. Pitcher rims, decanter necks and bases all required hand work. In New England, pieces were often finished with threaded lips. Handles were also added after removal from the mold. Lamps, candlesticks and vases were pressed in separate parts and fused together while still hot. Finished pieces were fire polished by reheating in the furnace, which softened the pattern and gave the piece a diffuse brilliance.

Between 1820 and 1840, one hundred glass factories are known to have been in operation in the U.S. It is known from descriptions in advertisements and invoices that the Boston and Sandwich Glass Company and the New England Glass Company were major producers of blown three-mold glass. Most colorless glass was made by the New England Glass Company in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Also producing three-mold glass in New England was the Boston Crown Glass Manufactory, as well as the Quincy Glass Works in Massachusetts, which made snuff bottles molded to a square form.

Three-piece molds were used from 1815 to 1835 in midwestern houses, most notably in Ohio. Marlboro Street Factory in Keene, NH manufactured dark green and amber bottle glass and was known for the manufacture of inkwells. In New York and New Jersey, famous glass manufacturers of blown three-mold glass include the Mount Vernon Glass Company, Brooklyn Flint Glass Works, and Jersey City Glassworks. The Coventry, CT Glass Company was also a manufacturer of three-mold items. It is believed that glass factories in Pittsburgh, Philadelphia and Baltimore also produced three-mold glassware, but since excavation is not possible, no proof exists. Some foreign molded three-part glass manufactured in England, Ireland (two part molds) and France (three part molds) in the early 19th century, is sometimes mistaken for American glass.

Colors of blown three-mold glass are relatively rare, however, some objects in deep gray-blue, sapphire blue, olive green, yellow-green, citron, aquamarine and amethyst-purple have survived. Items made of colorless glass and green bottle glass are most commonly seen.

The three main categories of three-mold glass patterns are Geometric, Arch and Baroque. Diamond patterning, also known as diamond diapering or diamond quilting, is the most common Geometric design found on molded glass. Other common designs include ribbed and popcorn. Items bearing Geometric designs are the most numerous and include tableware, such as decanters, stoppers, cruets, casters, condiment sets, pitchers, punch bowls, pans, dishes, preserve dishes, mugs, tumblers, wine glasses, celery glasses and salts, and doll dishes. Also in the Geometric category is ribbing, which could be imprinted on the object vertically, horizontally, diagonally or in a swirled pattern. Ribs can be narrow or wide, differently spaced, rounded, flat or inverted. Arch, the most rare of the three designs, uses a series of Gothic (pointed) or Roman (rounded) arches. Sometimes both types of arches appear. Baroque patterning includes Shell (rocaille) ornaments with broad, rounded, vertical ribbing and often combined with design of a band of palmettes or trefoils. Other Baroque designs include stars in circles, rosettes, thick chains (guilloches), hearts, a horn of plenty, pinwheels, and fluid drapery.

Group of blown three mold decanters, Keene, NH circa 1815-1825 – Michael George

Blown three mold decanter, (McK# GII-3), deep olive green, cylindrical, pontil scar, half-pint, applied sloping collar with ring. Blown at the Keene Marlboro Street Glass House, Keene, NH, 1820-1840, extremely rare. This truly exceptional blown three mold decanter is one of four known examples and one of only two in private hands. The other examples can be found in the Toledo Museum of Art, Winterthur and in a 40 year New England Collection. For those who have collected since the early 90s you may remember that this example was unearthed on Cape Cod and sold in Heckler Auction #5 for $9900 – Jeff and Holly Noordsy

Pair of colored blown three mold! This is the Quart and 1/2 Pint sized GII-3. As far as I know, a pint does not exist – Michael George

Quart Flint glass decanter with the word SCOTCH embossed inside an area that is encircled by snakes. Decanter is referenced in several places in McKearins book as the GIV-7 pattern. It dates from the 1830’s, and was noted as produced by the Boston & Sandwich Glass Company in Massachusetts. See comment at bottom of post.

Another Great pair of Blown Three Mold…the GIII-2 in the Pint and Quart size, attributed to the Mt. Vernon factory, 1820s. This historic glass has beauty and rarity! – Michael George

Pair of three mold blown decanters with original stoppers, (McK# GI-29), deep cobalt blue, pontil scars, half-pints, tooled and flared mouths, mint. American, probably blown at the Sandwich Glass Works, Sandwich, MA, 1820-1840.

Blown three mold decanter – American Glass Gallery

I dedicated this post to Michael George awhile ago. He really did inspire me (along with Mark Vuono) and I assembled a trio of Keene GIII-16’s in colors. The darker green one has exceptional mold definition….Rick Ciralli

Blown three mold decanter, (McK# GI-29), pale yellow green, cylindrical, pontil scar, quart, as found with a 6″ long crack. Blown at the Mount Vernon Glass Works, Vernon, New York, 1820-1840, very rare.

Blown, three mold decanter, GIII-16, yellowish olive green. Keene Marlboro Street Glassworks, 1820-1840 – GreatAntiqueBottles.com

Pattern three mold decanters – Richard Tucker collection

Pair of three mold blown decanters with original stoppers, (McK# GIII-26), clear with a moonstone tint, cylindrical, pontil scars, quarts, flared mouths, about mint. American, 1820-1840, very scarce – Jeff and Holly Noordsy

Blown three mold decanter, (McK# GIII-2 Type 1), clear olive green, cylindrical, pontil scar, quart, flared mouth, Blown at the Mount Vernon Glass Works, Vernon, NY, 1820-1840, rare.

Here are a couple of blown three mold GII-28 long necks… pint and quart! – Michael George

Blown three mold GII-7 early American decanter – John April

Embossed WINE decanter, GIII-2 type 2. Stopper not true but period to the bone. – Rick Ciralli

A couple more GII-28 molds… pint and quart decanters. I love the original stopper! – Michael George

Two gorgeous blown three mold decanters – Woody Douglas

Early blown three molds – Michael George

Nineteenth century GIII Keene blown three mold glass decanter attr. to Keene Marlboro Street Glass Works, Keene, NH.

Blown three mold decanter, (McK# GII-7), clear olive green, barrel-shaped cylinder, pontil scar, 8 ½”H, applied sloping collar with ring, Blown at the Keene Marlboro Street Glass House, Keene, NH, 1820-1840 – Jeff and Holly Noordsy

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“Loaf of Bread” Demijohns

The ‘Loaf of Bread” demijohn bottles are a favorite of ours and especially my wife Elizabeth. If you see one at a show, and the condition is good, buy it fast because I have missed two (2) recently trying to find my wife at the beginning of a show when I have spotted one. They are very popular and can be found with or without wicker. They are usually a shade of green and have great glass character. The problem with buying an example with a wicker covering, you are always itching to remove the wicker to check on the glass.

There is some good information online provided by John Odell (RIP). Read: BIG BOTTLES BIG HISTORY Part 2

“Demijohn” is an old word that formerly referred to any glass vessel with a large body and small neck, enclosed in wickerwork. The word may derive from the name of a Persian town, Damghan, but this is not supported by any historical evidence. According to The Oxford English Dictionary the word comes from the French dame-jeanne, literally “Lady Jane”, as a popular appellation. This is in accordance with the historical evidence at present known, since the word occurred initially in France in the 17th century, and no earlier trace of it has been found elsewhere.

The so-called “loaf of bread” demijohn was patented (see patent below) in 1884 by Edward R. Emerson of New York to furnish a demijohn convenient to carry, compact in form, so that a number can be packed together sided by side without loss of space. Kidney-shaped bottles are another later form. Both of these types would have been mold blown to form the basic body shape.

Label under glass wicker covered demijohns were patented by Richard Dempsey of Philadelphia in 1874. His intention was to provide a convenience for druggists, liquor-dealers and others who loan bottles and demijohns to their customers for temporary use.

Wicker-covered vessels frequently also require to be permanently marked with labels descriptive of the nature of their contents, and this has hitherto been done by a tag, which is easily displaced and lost. My improve is designed to obviate the difficulties referred to; and it consists in forming an opening of the required size and shape in the wicker-work, and fastening to the body of the covered vessel a label of glass or other material containing the name and address of the owner.

Loaf of Bread Demijohn patent drawing

Three nice Loaf of Bread Demijohns sitting on porch rail - Dale Santos

Apple Green Bread Loaf Demijohn Utility Bottle, circa 1855-1870 - eBay

Uncovered "loaf of bread" demijohn - Meyer collection

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