Jackson’s Excelsior Bitters – Richmond, Virginia

Posted on 19 October 2015 by Ferdinand Meyer V

1858 map detail

Jackson’s Excelsior Bitters – Richmond, Virginia

19 October 2015 (R•102015)

Apple-Touch-IconAThe Jackson’s Excelsior Bitters is an unlisted bitters that crossed my radar screen the other day. At first I thought it might be related to Jackson’s Aromatic Life Bitters, Stonewall Jackson Stomach Bitters or Jackson’s Stonewall Bitters. There are actually quite a few “Jackson” bitters. A popular name during the civil War era as you might imagine.

Anyway, the Jackson’s Excelsior Bitters was put out by a R. H. Jackson in Richmond, Virginia from about 1855 to 1858. His advertising used various testimonials from probably fictitious people who can not be verified. They took his bitters to get rid of dumb ague, dyspepsia, summer complaint, general debility, fever and voila, they were miraculously cured! The bitters was also recommended as a tonic, cocktail and remedy. Got to cover all bases. Various local druggist sold it like E. J. Picot, A. Bodeker, Charles Millspaugh, S. M. Zachrissons, Bennett & Beers and Alex Duvals.

Read: The Bodeker Brothers brand – killer bitters from Richmond!!),

In 1859, R. H. Jackson and J. M. Norris are renting 1/2 acres and a brick building at the corner of Main and 26th Street and the property is put up for auction by the owners. The drums of the impending Civil War that would tear apart out country, right through Richmond. Next we see listings for a Brigadier General R. H. Jackson, lieutenant-colonel and inspector-general, Department of Virginia, who is commanding a division of twenty-fifth Army Corps in the Union army under General Ulysses S. Grant. He drops off the radar after this time.

The new listing by Bill Ham for the forthcoming Bitters Bottles Supplement 2:

Advertisement
J 5.8 JACKSON’S EXCELSIOR BITTERS
Put out by R. H.
Jackson in Richmond, Virginia from 1855 to 1858

Select Listings:

1854: Testimonial advertisement for JACKSON’S EXCELSIOR BITTERS made by R. H. Jackson. Free trial for Jackson’s Excelsior Bitters. Found at drug store of E. J. Picot, opposite the Old Market. (see below)

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Testimonial advertisement for JACKSON’S EXCELSIOR BITTERS. Richmond Dispatch, Wednesday, September 13, 1854

1855: Testimonial advertisement for JACKSON’S EXCELSIOR BITTERS made by R. H. Jackson. I tried three bottles and I am cured. Bitters can be found at various druggists in Richmond, Virginia (see below)

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Testimonial advertisement for JACKSON’S EXCELSION BITTERS – Richmond Dispatch, Monday, March 5, 1855

1855: Advertisement for JACKSON’S BITTERS made by R. H. Jackson. Free trial for Jackson’s Excelsior Bitters. Can be found at various druggists in Richmond, Virginia (see below)

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Advertisement for JACKSON’S BITTER made by R. H. Jackson. – Richmond Dispatch, Friday, April 13, 1855

1855: Testimonial advertisement for Jackson’s Excelsior Bitters made by R. H. Jackson. Dear Sir – My mother-in-law… (see below)

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Testimonial advertisement for Jackson’s Excelsior Bitters made by R. H. Jackson. – Richmond Dispatch, Friday, May 11, 1855

1857: Testimonial advertisement for Jackson’s Excelsior Bitters made by R. H. Jackson. Dear Sir – I have tried 100 bottles… (see below)

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Dear Sir – I have tried 100 bottles… – Richmond Dispatch, Tuesday, December 22, 1857

1858: Advertisement for JACKSON’S CELEBRATED BITTERS made by R. H. Jackson, Proprietor. Price only 50 cents per bottle. (see below)

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Advertisement for JACKSON’S CELEBRATED BITTERS made by R. H. Jackson, Proprietor. – Richmond Dispatch, Thursday, September 23, 1858

1859: Auction of property. R. H. Jackson and J. M. Norris renting 1/2 acre and brick building, corner of Main and 26th Streets.

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Auction of property. R. H. Jackson and J. M. Norris – Richmond Dispatch, Thursday, August 25, 1859

1865: R. H. Jackson mentioned

I immediately gave orders for the concentration of some of my brigades to make an assault, and informed General Grant. In the meantime, Hartsuff received an order from Grant looking towards an attack at a different point than the one selected by me; and afterwards I received one from him that the success of the day had been so great that he could spare me R. H. Jackson’s (formerly W. Birney’s) division of my corps, and that he would send it to me, and that then I could make a sure thing of the attack. – Richmond Occupied, Entry of The United States Forces into Richmond, Virginia. April 3, 1865

1865: General R. H. Jackson mentioned – Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, 1894

Richmond, Va., May 19, 1865.
Lieut. Gen. U. S. Grant,
Washington:
Bvt. Brig. Gen. R. H. Jackson, lieutenant-colonel and inspector-general, Department of Virginia, is commanding a division of Twentyfifth Army Corps. Shall he go south with the corps or remain with his department? If made a full brigadier-general it would settle the question. Shall Brevet Brigadier-General Michie, first lieutenant of engineers and lieutenant-colonel and inspector-general, Twenty-fifth Army Corps, go with Twenty-fifth Corps or remain here as lieutenant of engineers? If made full brigadier it would settle the question. Michie and Jackson deserve the promotion. Shall Lieutenant-Colonel Smith, adjutant general, Twenty-fifth Army Corps, now acting assistant adjutant general this department, go with his corps, or remain here as chief assistant adjutant general department, which I recommend be done. General Weitzel has applied for the appointment of Major Wheeler as assistant adjutant-general of his corps and he is on duty with it.
E. O. C. ORD,
Major- General, Commanding.
(Copy to General Weitzel.)
Washington, May 19, 1865 – 7.35 p.m.,
Major-General Ord,
Richmond, Va.:
Jackson is promoted full brigadier. Michie will have to go with the corps. Lieutenant-Colonel Smith can remain in the department, and Major Wheeler take his place in the corps. Does Michie command troops?
U. S. GRANT,
Lieutenant- General.

More Richmond Bitters:

E. Baker’s Premium Bitters – Richmond (Virginia Bitters Series)

Burwell’s Virginia Bitters – Richmond

B.W. Totty’s Superior Tonic Bitters – Richmond, VA

Posted in Advertising, Bitters, Civil War, History, Medicines & Cures, Remedy, Tonics | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Ash Tonic Bitters – John C. Horting, Lancaster, Pennsylvania

Posted on 15 October 2015 by Ferdinand Meyer V

AshTonicBittersART

Ash Tonic Bitters – John C. Horting, Lancaster, Pennsylvania

15 October 2015 (R•090719)

Apple-Touch-IconAThe Ash Tonic Bitters was a surprise in the Conestoga Auction Company event last Saturday when the Nolt Collection of Whiskey Memorabilia was auctioned off in a live and web event. This was all Lancaster, Pennsylvania material so this bottle fit right in as it was from John C. Horting, a well-known local liquor merchant.

Read: Jeremiah Rohrer – Nolt Collection of Whiskey Memorabilia

Read: Dr. Stoever’s Bitters – Lancaster & Philadelphia

Read: Mishler’s Herb Bitters and The Mishler Family

This puppy went for $5,000 plus an auction house premium of 21%. Hoochie Mama. What is interesting here is that the bottle is not embossed bitters and is labeled rather nicely on the front and back. It also appears to be an unlisted bitters that will need to be picked up in the forthcoming Bitters Bottles Supplement 2.

A 100 L . . . Ash Tonic Bitters, Trade Mark ancient Greek male and female serving drink. Directions, A Wine Glass Full Before Each Meal. John C. Horting, 124 N. Queen St., Lancaster, Pa. Reverse label: Directions and ingredients in English and German.
Square, Yellowish green, LTC, Swirled fluting on neck and shoulder, 2 sp, Tooled lip, Extremely rare.
WAT L10. A 100 in Bitters Bottles incorrect description.
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Reverse side of labeled Ash Tonic Bitters in an apple green, with swirled fluting on neck and shoulder. John C. Horting, Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Nolt Collection. – Conestoga Auctions

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Labeled Ash Tonic Bitters in an apple green, with swirled fluting on neck and shoulder. John C. Horting, Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Nolt Collection. – Conestoga Auctions

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From label detail of an Ash Tonic Bitters. John C. Horting, Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Nolt Collection. – Conestoga Auctions

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Reverse label detail of an Ash Tonic Bitters. John C. Horting, Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Nolt Collection. – Conestoga Auctions

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Base detail of an Ash Tonic Bitters. John C. Horting, Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Nolt Collection. – Conestoga Auctions

Most bitters collectors will immediately recognize that the bottle shape and color is the same as the Dr. Lowe’s Celebrated Stomach Bitters & Nerve Tonic (see below) from Cleveland, Ohio. It is also the same bottle as the extremely rare, Uncle Sams Bitters (also see further below). Obviously John C. Horting and probably many other liquor and bitters merchants, used the unembossed bottle to carry their brands and labels.

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Dr. Loew’s Celebrated Stomach Bitters & Nerve Tonic, The Loew’s & Sons Co., Cleveland, O. – Meyer Collection

UncleSamsBitters_Meyer

Uncle Sam’s Wild Cherry Bitters – Meyer Collection

Posted in Auction News, Bitters, Liquor Merchant, Medicines & Cures, Tonics | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Mishler’s Herb Bitters and The Mishler Family

Posted on 14 October 2015 by Ferdinand Meyer V

MishlersGroup_PRG

Mishler’s Herb Bitters and the Mishler Family

MishlersAnchorTrademark

14 October 2015 (R•031319) (R8042919 – information Dale P. Mishler). (R•051119 – Swanson covers)

Apple-Touch-IconA

If you are a bitters collector, you probably possess a bottle or two of the celebrated Mishler’s Herb Bitters on your shelves. The Great Household Remedy. Very popular and with many variants. Most are recognizable with the motif of a ruler with ounce table-spoon graduation graphics as you can see on the picture below. Pretty cool.

M101A_2TableSpoon

Where it gets more complicated is with the bottle panel embossing variants, base embossings and the Mishler family names associated with specific brands.

Researchers generally agree that the Mishler family immigrated on the ship Phoenix which arrived in Philadelphia on September 15, 1749. On that ship list are the names of Jacob Mishler, who signed with an X, followed by Joseph Mishler (the first Mishler of this posts family line), who was born in 1757 in Switzerland. Joseph was the father of John and the grandfather of Benjamin. Joseph and John are buried in Denver Union (Denver Mennonite) Cemetery, Lancaster County, PA.

Benjamin Mishler was born on August 12, 1814 in Reamstown, Pennsylvania which is sixteen miles northeast of Lancaster, Pennsylvania on the Reading Pike. His parents were John Mishler and Maria Reinhold. Mishler advertising supports that in 1855, Benjamin and his brother Isaac were in the liquor business and had a distillery in East Cocalico Township, three miles northwest of Reamstown called Old Lion Brewery & Distillery. At this time, Mishler’s Herb Bitters was introduced by Benjamin. In 1859 he sold his distilling interest to Isaac and pursued Mishler’s Herb Bitters in earnest. He also magically becomes Dr. Benjamin Mishler. The manufacturing was carried out in a building on the southeast corner of Centre Square, now called Penn Square, in the very heart of Lancaster. He was so proud and confident of his bitters that he routinely placed advertisements offering monetary rewards to any other doctors or members of the medical community if they could prove they had a better medicine than his Mishler’s Herb Bitters.

Then there is the extremely rare Mishler’s Keystone Bitters put out by Henry L. Mishler, the Mishler’s Wild Cherry Tonic Bitters made by Evan Mishler and Dr. Samuel B. Hartman who later took over the Mishler Herb Bitters brand and had his name embossed on bottles. Then the brand was sold and reorganized with bottles embossed Mishler’s Herb Bitters Co. They even snuck in “German” and said Mishler’s German Herb Bitters in mid 1880 drug catalogs.

The Mishler’s Herb Bitters bottles are associated with Lancaster, Reading, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh to add to the mix. Besides Mishler’s Herb Bitters, there are even sub brands like Mishler’s Red Label Bitters and Mishler’s Green Label Bitters. The bottles also come in some exciting amber and yellow colors. I know, all over the place here.

The advertising collectors have tons to keep up with here as there are lots of Mishler advertising trade cards to keep them busy. For revenue stamp collectors, like myself, during the time period from July 1862 to March 1883, 968, 996 stamps were affixed to bottles of Mishler’s Herb Bitters.

We even have family scandal as Benjamin Mishler took advertisements out to say that his son Henry had ripped off the brand and was selling an imposter. Doesn’t get much better than this in the bitters world.

Read More: Mishler’s Herb Bitters Advertising Wall Clock

Read More: Mishler’s Keystone Bitters – Stencil and Bottle

Read More: Mishler’s Herb Bitters & Prof. Parker’s Pleasant Worm Syrup

The Players

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Benjamin Mishler (left) and Dr. Samuel B. Hartman

Joseph Mishler

Joseph Mishler (the first Mishler of this family line) was born in 1757 in Switzerland. Joseph was the father of John and the grandfather of Benjamin. Joseph and John are buried in Denver Union (Denver Mennonite) Cemetery, Lancaster County, PA.

Benjamin Mishler

Benjamin Mishler was born on August 12, 1814 in Reamstown, Pennsylvania which is sixteen miles northeast of Lancaster, Pennsylvania on the Reading Pike. His parents were John Mishler and Maria Reinhold. Mishler advertising supports that in 1855, Benjamin and his brother Isaac were in the liquor business and had a distillery in East Cocalico Township, three miles northwest of Reamstown called Old Lion Brewery & Distillery. At this time, Mishler’s Herb Bitters was introduced by Benjamin. In 1859 he sold his distilling interest to Isaac and pursued Mishler’s Herb Bitters in earnest. The manufacturing was carried out in a building on the southeast corner of Centre Square, now called Penn Square, in the very heart of Lancaster.

1814: Benjamin Mishler born on August 12, 1814 in Reamstown, Pennsylvania. His parents were John Mishler and Maria Reinhold.

1836: Benjamin Mishler married Elizabeth Lesher on August 25, 1836 in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

1840: Benjamin Mishler, home West Cocalico, Lancaster, Pennsylvania – United States Federal Census

1850: Benjamin Mishler, born about 1814, age 36, dealer, home Lancaster North East Ward, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, wife Elizabeth (33), Children: Liman (10), Henry (8) and Hanna A. (6) – United States Federal Census

1853: Benjamin Mishler running Sunbury & Milton passenger stage coach line to and from Philadelphia. Various advertisements.

1855: Mishler’s Herb Bitters Established 1855 (according to trade card below)

Established1855_MishlersHerb Stock

Mishler’s Herb Bitters Established or In Use Since 1855 on many advertising trade cards.

1856: Benjamin Misher contracted by the Postmaster General to run stage coach lines between various cities from Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

1860: Benjamin Mishler, born about 1814, âge 46, liquor dealer, home Lancaster, North West Ward, Pennsylvania, wife Elizabeth (35), Children: Henry (17) and Hannah (16) – United States Federal Census

1863: MISHLER, BENJAMIN, liquors, Centre sq. n W. King, h S. Queen c Centre sq., Lancaster, PA. (see advertisement below) – Gopsill´s Directory of Lancaster, Harrisburg, Lebanon and York, 1863-64

BenjaminMishlerAd_1863

B. MISHLER, Mishler’s Herb Bitters, Wines, Liquors, Centre sq. n W. King, h S. Queen c Centre sq., Lancaster, PA. – Gopsill´s Directory of Lancaster, Harrisburg, Lebanon and York, 1863-64

1867: Samuel B. Hartman purchased the firm from Benjamin Mishler who then left and joined his son Henry in producing H. L. Mishler’s Keystone Bitters.

1870: Benjamin Mishler, born about 1815, age 55, home Lancaster Ward 3, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, wife Elizabeth (52) – United States Federal Census

1873: In 1873, Benjamin Mishler built a house on South Prince Street in only ten hours’ time in response to a wager. An entire house in only ten hours! After over 130 years, this house is still in use today. – Lancasterpa.com

1875: Dr. Benjamin Mishler, of Lancaster city, constructs 2-story brick office building (house) on Centennial Grounds in Philadelphia in record time. Said to be build in eight hours.

1876: Benjamin Mishler died on June 8, 1876.

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Death of Benjamin Mishler – The Times, Friday, June 9, 1876

Lyman Mishler

Brother of Benjamin, Lyman, was a West Point grad and Union Officer. He was one of three Union officers killed at the Battle of Valverde, during the Civil War.

Evan Mishler

His uncle was Benjamin Mishler. He had two brothers Abel and Levis and two sisters. Three resided in Reading.

E. Mishler’s Wild Cherry Tonic Bitters

1839: Evan Mishler: Born in Swamp, Lancaster county, June 27, 1839.

1864: Mishler & Buch advertisement – Reading Times, Friday, Apil 15, 1864

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Mishler & Buch advertisement – Reading Times Friday, Apil 15, 1864

1865-1880: Evan Mishler had a liquor store in Reading next to the Mishler Hotel. He was in charge of the distribution of Mishler’s Herb Bitters in the county for his uncle Benjamin Mishler.

1871: Elected Sheriff

1880: Evan Mishler: Ex-Sheriff, Mishler Dead (see notice below)

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Ex-Sheriff (Evan) Mishler Dead – Reading Eagle, May 4, 1880

Henry L. Mishler

Son of Benjamin Mishler. Put out Mishler’s Keystone Bitters.

Henry L. Mishler, 17 West King Street, Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Henry L. Mishler was the son of Benjamin Mishler, the originator of Mishler’s Herb Bitters. Henry worked for his father in Lancaster prior to leaving his father’s company and founding his own company to produce Mishler’s Keystone Bitters (see picture below). After selling his company, Benjamin Mishler joined his son and put out a Cold and Sodium product.

1867: Samuel B. Hartman purchased the firm from Benjamin Mishler who then left and joined his son Henry in producing H. L. Mishler’s Keystone Bitters.

Mishler's Keystone Bitters (fancy square) - Meyer Collection

M 103: Mishler’s Keystone Bitters put out by Henry L. Mishler in Lancaster, Pennsylvania – Meyer Collection

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H. L. Mishler’s Keystone Bitters and B. Mishler’s Gold and Sodium trade card, 17 W. King Street, Lancaster, Pa.

Isaac Mishler

Son of John Mishler, brother of Benjamin Mishler. Benjamin and his brother Isaac were in the liquor business and had a distillery in East Cocalico Township, three miles northwest of Reamstown called Old Lion Brewery & Distillery. Issac went on to establish the Mishler Theater in Altoona, PA.

1827: Isaac Mishler born.

1863: MISHLER, ISAAC, wines and liquors, 127 N. Queen, h 129 N. Queen, Lancaster, Pennsylvania (see advertisement below) – Gopsill´s Directory of Lancaster, Harrisburg, Lebanon and York, 1863-64

IsaacMishlerAd_1863

ISAAC MISHLER, wines and liquors, 127 N. Queen, h 129 N. Queen, Lancaster, Pennsylvania (see advertisement below) – Gopsill´s Directory of Lancaster, Harrisburg, Lebanon and York, 1863-64

1883: Isaac Mishler died

Jacob Mishler

Jacob Mishler was a distiller and farmer. His son was Evan Mishler. His brother was Benjamin Mishler.

1809: Jacob Mishler born.

1846: Jacob Mishler takes charge of the Packerack hotel in Reading, Pennsylvania.

1848: Jacob Mishler takes control of the Golden Horse hotel and purchases it in 1855.

1860: Jacob Mishler tears down the Golden Horse hotel and builds the Mishler House.

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Mishler’s Hotel notice – Reading Times, Friday, December 12, 1862

1865: Jacob Misher dies in Reading, Penn.

John Mishler

Father of Benjamin Mishler, wife Maria Reinhold

1788: Birth January 20, 1788 in Cocalico Township, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Parents Joseph Mishler (1757-1814) and Margaret Bear (1766-1853)

1869: Death October 11, 1869 in Lancaster, Lancaster, Pennsylvania

John Mishler

Son of John Mishler

1812: John Mishler born 1812

1893: John Mishler died 1893

Samuel B. Hartman

MISHLER’S HERB BITTER’S | DR. S. B. HARTMAN & CO., Trade Mark No. 218, dated April 1871. M 99: There are at least four (4) variants.

Dr. S. B. Hartman & Co. were successors to Benjamin Mishler of Lancaster, Pennsylvania. They produced Red Label, Green Label and Herb Bitters. The firm included Dr. Samuel B. Hartman, Junius Kaufman and Henry Lehman, manager. In 1867, S. B. Hartman purchased the firm from Benjamin Mishler who then left and joined his son Henry in producing H. L. Mishler’s Keystone Bitters.

1867: Dr. S. B. Hartman purchased the firm from Benjamin Mishler who then left and joined his son Henry in producing H. L. Mishler’s Keystone Bitters.

1883: Dr. S. B. Hartman sold his interest to the Mishler Herb Bitters Company.

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M99: Mishler’s Herb Bitters, Dr. S. B. Hartman & Co (motif ruled marker) in yellow – Meyer Collection

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M99: Mishler’s Herb Bitters, Dr. S. B. Hartman & Co (motif ruled marker) in apricot – Meyer Collection

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M 99.1: Labeled Mishler’s Herb Biters, Dr. S. B. Hartman & Co, (table spoon graduation), The O in CO is raised. The S in BITTERS extends onto bevel. NO. 1 on base. Nolt Collection – Conestoga Auction Company

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M 99.2: Mishler’s Herb Biters, Dr. S. B. Hartman & Co, (table spoon graduation), The O in CO is raised. The S in BITTERS extends onto bevel. NO. 2 on base. Nolt Collection – Conestoga Auction Company

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M 99.1: Mishler’s Herb Biters, Dr. S. B. Hartman & Co, (table spoon graduation), NO. 1 on base. (see above) Nolt Collection – Conestoga Auction Company. M 99.2: Mishler’s Herb Biters, Dr. S. B. Hartman & Co, (table spoon graduation), The O in CO is raised. The S in BITTERS extends onto bevel. NO. 2 on base. (see above) Nolt Collection – Conestoga Auction Company

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M 99.2: Mishler’s Herb Biters in yellow, Dr. S. B. Hartman & Co, (table spoon graduation), The O in CO is raised. The S in BITTERS extends onto bevel. NO. 2 on base. Nolt Collection – Conestoga Auction Company

Mishler’s Herb Bitters cover, Dr. S. B. Hartman & Co., Proprietors, Lancaster & Pittsburg, PA. – Ben Swanson Collection

Mishler’s Herb Bitters cover, Dr. S. B. Hartman & Co., Sole Proprietors, Lancaster & Pittsburg, PA. – Ben Swanson Collection

Full page advertisement for Mishler’s Herb Bitters, Dr. S.B. Hartman & Co., Lancaster, Penna. – 1869 Directory of Lancaster County

Mishler’s Herb Bitters Company

1883: Dr. S. B. Hartman sold his interest to the Mishler Herb Bitters Company. They were located in Lancaster, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

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M 100: Mishler’s Herb Bitters, Mishler Herb Bitters Co. (Dr. S. B. Hartman has been peened out between Mishler and Herb Bitters Co.) Nolt Collection – Conestoga Auction Company

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M 100: Mishler’s Herb Bitters, Mishler Herb Bitters Co. (Dr. S. B. Hartman has been peened out between Mishler and Herb Bitters Co.) in a honey amber with crooked neck. Nolt Collection – Conestoga Auction Company

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M 101: Mishler’s Herb Bitters put out by The Mishler’s Herb Bitters Company – Meyer Collection

Posted in Advertising, Advice, Bitters, Ephemera, History, Liquor Merchant, Medicines & Cures, Remedy, Tax Stamps, Trade Cards | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Dr. Stoever’s Bitters – Lancaster & Philadelphia

Posted on 12 October 2015 by Ferdinand Meyer V

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Dr. Stoever’s Bitters – Lancaster & Philadelphia

THE OLD STANDARD !

12 October 2015 (R•101615) (R•111015) (R•031119) (R•090219) (R•031220)

Apple-Touch-IconAI was able to add an extremely rare “Lancaster, PA.”, Dr. Stoever’s Bitters to my collection this past weekend from the Nolt Collection of Whiskey Memorabilia auctioned off by Conestoga Auction Company in Manheim, Pennsylvania. I had the “Philadelphia” variant of the bottle where the city line embossing shows a plate line where the name has been changed from LANCASTER, PA., so adding the Lancaster variant was cool.

Read: Jeremiah Rohrer – Nolt Collection of Whiskey Memorabilia

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

S 198 DR. STOEVER’S / BITTERS // ESTABLISHED 1837 //
KRYDER & CO. / LANCASTER, PA // f //
L…The Old Standard 1837 Dr. Stoever’s Celebrated Tonic
9 1/2 x 2 1/2 (6 7/8) 1/2
Square, Amber, LTC, Applied Mouth, Extremely rare
DrStoevers_Nolt1

S 198.5: Dr. Stoever’s Bitters, Kryder & Co., Lancaster, PA. Established in 1837. Embossed Lettering on Light Amber Bottle, 9 .”( Note: Extra piece of glass molded into neck.) Nolt Collection – Conestoga Auction Company

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S 198.5: Dr. Stoever’s Bitters, Kryder & Co., Lancaster, PA. Established in 1837. Embossed Lettering on Amber Bottle, 9 1/2 .” Nolt Collection – Conestoga Auction Company – Meyer Collection

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

S 199 DR. STOEVER’S / BITTERS // ESTABLISHED 1837 //
KRYDER & CO. / PHILADELPHIA // f //
L…The Old Standard 1837 Dr. Stoever’s Celebrated Tonic Bitters
9 1/2 x 2 1/2 (6 7/8) 1/2
Square, Amber, LTC, Applied Mouth, Rare
Note: The city line embossing shows a plate line where the name has been changed from LANCASTER PA.
Public Ledger (Philadelphia) September 26, 1883
Stoever’s German Tonic Herb & Cocktail Bitters
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S 199: Dr. Stover’s Bitters, Kryder & Co., Philadelphia. Established in 1837. – Meyer Collection

Kryder'sGermanBitters_Nolt

An unlisted, partially labeled, Kryder’s Celebrated German Bitters. Manufactured by C. H. Kryder, King Street, Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Nolt Collection – Conestoga Auction Company

Full page advertisement for Dr. Stoever’s Tonic Herb Bitters, The Old Standard, Established 1837, Manufactured by Kryder & Co., No. 121 North Third Street, Philadelphia – 1869 Directory of Lancaster County

Dr. John Frederick Stoever, Charlers H. Kryder, William M. Huey and Amos H. Christ

Dr. Stoever’s Celebrated Tonic Herb Bitters originated from Dr. John Frederick Stoever in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1837. Stoever was born on August 1, 1776 in Manheim, Lancaster, Pennsylvania. As noted above, both variants of the bottles are embossed, “Established 1837” and this date appears in advertising.

At some point, probably around 1858 or so, Charles H. Kryder takes over the brand in Philadelphia. We have seen a letterhead dated October 18, 1869 from Kryder & Co., 121 North Third Street in Philadelphia. A. H. Christ, John L. Bowman and William M. Huey are partners for “The Old Standard Remedy.”

Kryder was born in Pennsylvania around 1815. By 1860, he had relocated to Lancaster, Pennsylvania from Philadelphia and marketing of the Dr. Stoever’s Bitters brand began in earnest. His son, Theodore O. Kryder was listed as a general agent for the bitters. He may have used labeled bottles only, up until and at this time. The dates are fuzzy here but it mostly fits together. Kryder & Company first appears in advertising in 1868. This would put the Philadelphia embossed bottle before the Lancaster bottle. They both were probably made in the same 3-year period, around 1868. Kryder also put out Kryder’s Celebrated German Bitters (see example above) from a King Street address in Lancaster.

Charles Kryder must have known other local bitters merchants like Jeremiah Rohrer (Rohrer’s Wild Cherry Tonic), Benjamin Mishler (Mishler’s Herb Bitters), John Hart (Canteen Bitters), Reinfried & Lesher (Dr. Maton’s Celebrated Herb Bitters) and Dr. Samuel B. Hartman (later purchased Mishler Herb Bitters). Many had addresses on King and Queen Street in Lancaster. Evan Mishler was even representing the Dr. Stoever’s Bitters brand, and Mishler’s Herb Bitters in Reading, Pennsylvania for his Uncle Benjamin in Lancaster, Penn. You can see his name on some of the advertising further below.

In 1870, Charles Kryder moves his Kryder & Company to 121 N. Third Street and then in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Advertising states, “Manufacturers of Dr. Stoever’s Celebrated Tonic Herb Bitters.” This must now be the Philadelphia variant. The Lancaster embossing being earlier. It is also extremely rare and the Philadelphia variant is just rated rare in Ring & Ham.

KryderAd1871Philad

Advertisement: Kryder & Co., Manufacturers of Dr. Stoever’s Celebrated Tonic Herb Bitters, 121 N. Third Street, Philadelphia – 1870 & 1871 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, City Directory

By 1875, Huey and Christ (William M. Huey and Amos H. Christ) have taken over the Dr. Stoever’s Bitters brand. They are located on 121 North Third Street and then 1207 Market Street. They are also the manufacturers of Bailey’s Pure Rye Whiskey, Dr. Stoever’s Tonic Herb Bitters and Dr. Stoever’s German and Cock-Tail Bitters. The are also importer of wines, brandies and gins. You can see their building and letterhead below.

Huey & Christ building

Huey & Christ Building

1886 letterhead from Huey & Christ noting Dr. Stoever’s Tonic Herb Bitters and Dr. Stoever’s German and Cock-Tail Bitters – Joe Gourd Collection

Based on the letterhead above we have added two new listings in Bitters Bottles Supplement 2:

Letterhead
S 199.1 DR. STOEVER’S TONIC HERB BITTERS, Huey & Christ, Wm. M. Huey, Amos H. Christ, Importers. Sole Proprietors of Bailey’s Pure Rye Whiskey and Dr. Stoever’s Tonic-Herb, German and Cocktail Bitters, 1207 Market St., Philadelphia, July 26, 1886. See S 198.5 and S 199 in Bitters Bottles Supplement. See s2S 199.2
Letterhead
S 199.2 DR. STOEVER’S GERMAN AND COCK-TAIL BITTERS, Huey & Christ, Wm. M. Huey, Amos H. Christ, Importers. Sole Proprietors of Bailey’s Pure Rye Whiskey and Dr. Stoever’s Tonic-Herb, German and Cocktail Bitters, 1207 Market St., Philadelphia, July 26, 1886. See S 198.5 and S 199 in Bitters Bottles Supplement. See s2S 199.1

Overall, some pretty nice bitters squares that now have a story, or at least most of a story.

Select Listings

1776: John Frederick Stoever, Birth 1 Aug 1776 in Manheim, Lancaster, Pennsylvania
1815: Charles H. Kryder born in Pennsylvania.
1836: Dr. Frederick Stoever, Mrs. B. Stoever, David P. Stoever, Twenty First Street South, Philadelphia – Boyd’s Blue Book: A Directory from Selected Streets of Philadelphia
1837: Dr. Stoever’s Bitters embossed “Established 1837.”
1858: Charles H. Kryder, liquors, 408 Merchant (Theo O. Kryder, salesman, 259 Market) – McElroys Philadelphia City Directory
1860: Charles H. Kryder, Innkeeper, age 47, born about 1813, born Pennsylvania, home in 1860: Manheim, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, wife: Olevia (46), Children: Addie (23), Clara (13), Mary (11) – United States Federal Census
1861: Theodore O. Kryder appointed as US Postmaster in Neffsville, Lancaster, Pennsylvania on 28 January 1861.
1863:  Dr. Stoever’s Stomach Bitters advertisement, for sale by Cheap John. (see below).
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Dr. Stoever’s Stomach Bitters advertisement, for sale by Cheap John. – Reading Times, Thursday, January 1, 1863

1863-1864: Charles Kryder, bitters, h Walnut and S. Queen (Theodore O. Kryder, h 30 W. Walnut) – Gopsill´s Directory of Lancaster, Harrisburg, Lebanon and York
1865-1866: Charles H. Kryder, patent medicines, N Queen c Walnut, Lancaster, Pennsylvania – Gopsill´s Pennsylvania State Business Directory
1866: Charles H. Kryder, Herb Bitters, Theodore O. Kryder, Commercial Broker, both N. Queen – US IRS Tax Assessment
1867: Stoever’s Bitters advertisement, Represented by E. Mishler in Reading, PA. (see below).
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Stoever’s Bitters advertisement, Represented by E. Mishler in Reading, PA. – Reading Times, Monday, December 9, 1867

1868: KRYDER & CO., (T.O. Kryder) Liquors and Dr. Stoever’s Bitters, 12 E. King (Martin M. Kryder, clerk) (C.H. Kryder, bookkeeper) – Lancaster Pennsylvania City Directory
1868: An Agreeable Surprise. C. H Kryder presented tithe gold hunting case watch – Reading Times, January 23, 1868 (see below)
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An Agreeable Surprise – Reading Times, January 23, 1868

1868: Dr. Stoever’s Stomach Bitters advertisement, The Old Standard! Manufactured by Kryder & Co., Lancaster, PA. Represented by E. Mishler in Reading, PA. (see below).
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Dr. Stoever’s Stomach Bitters advertisement – Reading Times, Thursday, November 19, 1868

1869: Full page advertisement (Above in post) Dr. Stoever’s Tonic Herb Bitters, The Old Standard, Established 1837, Manufactured by Kryder & Co., No. 121 North Third Street, Philadelphia – 1869 Directory of Lancaster County
1870: Charles H. Kryder, age 58, wholesale liquor dealer, born about 1812, birthplace Pennsylvania, home in 1870: Philadelphia Ward 20, District 66, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Wife: Sarah (34), Children: Mary (21) – United States Federal Census
1870-1871: Charles Kryder, 1544 Park Avenue, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (see advertisement below) Kryder & Co., Manufacturers of Dr. Stoever’s Celebrated Tonic Herb Bitters, 121 N. Third Street, Philadelphia – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, City Directory
1875: Huey and Christ (William M. Huey and Amos H. Christ), 121 North Third St., Manufacturers of Bailey’s Pure Rye Whiskey and Dr. Stoever’s Tonic Herb Bitters., Importer of wines, brandies and gins. – Philadelphia City Directory also Bonfort’s Wine and Liquor Trade Directory for the United States
1877: Advertisement: Huey & Christ selling Dr. Stoever’s Tonic Herb Bitters – Reading Times, Thursday January 11, 1877
Stoevers_Reading_Times_Thu__Jan_11__1877_

Advertisement: Huey & Christ selling Dr. Stoever’s Tonic Herb Bitters – Reading Times, Thursday January 11, 1877

1880: Charles Kreider, age 65, liquor dealer, born about 1815, birthplace Pennsylvania, home in 1880: Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Wife Sarah (43), Children: Sarah O. (4) – United States Federal Census
1884-1888: Charles H. Kryder, German Bitters, wines and liquors, 11 e King – Farris Lancaster City Directory
1891: Charles H. Kryder dies on 24 July 1891
1897: Dr. Stoever’s Bitters advertisement, Huey & Christ (see below).
HueyChristStoevers_Lebanon_Daily_News_Sat__Jul_3__1897_

Dr. Stoever’s Bitters advertisement, Huey & Christ – Lebanon Daily News, Saturday, July 3, 1897

Posted in Advertising, Bitters, History, Liquor Merchant, Medicines & Cures, Tonics, Whiskey | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Jeremiah Rohrer – Nolt Collection of Whiskey Memorabilia

Posted on 11 October 2015 by Ferdinand Meyer V
NoltWildCherryTonics2

Left: Rohrer’s Wild Cherry Tonic , Lancaster, PA. Cathedral Form Honey Amber Smooth Base Bottle, 10 1/2.” Right: Rohrer’s Wild Cherry Tonic, Lancaster, PA. Cathedral Form Dark Amber Iron Pontiled Bottle, 10 1/2.” Nolt Collection – Conestoga Auction Company

Jeremiah Rohrer – Nolt Collection of Whiskey Memorabilia

Rohrer’s Expectoral Wild Cherry Tonic

11 October 2015 (R•101615) (R•051119-Swanson cover)

Apple-Touch-IconAOne of my favorite bottles is the Rohrer’s Expectoral Wild Cherry Tonic. I consider it a bitters even though “Bitters” is not embossed on the bottle. My basic thinking is that they usually put “whiskey” in a whiskey looking bottle and “bitters” in a bitters looking bottle. Whiskey was for men and you drank at a bar. Bitters could be used as a medicine but of course, it was also loaded with alcohol and you could take it home. The liquor merchants were in many cases medicine men too. They were also masters of advertising.

RohrerMed_Nolt

Rohrer’s Cough & Lung Balsam Medicine Bottle, Lancaster, PA. Aqua, 6 3/4 ” tall, Embossed Medicine with Smooth Base. Very Rare. Nolt Collection – Conestoga Auction Company

Jeremiah Rohrer used a magnificent illustration of a bottle horse race in advertising where his Rohrer’s Expectoral Wild Cherry Tonic is winning a race against all of his competing bitters products. Notice the graphics beneath the three flags as it says, “Rohrer’s Bitters Still Ahead.” Now notice the Drake’s Plantation Bitters in sixth place or so. This product was a tonic, but it was marketed as a bitters.

Rohrer’s Bitters Still Ahead

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Framed Rohrer’s Expectoral Wild Cherry Tonic illustration print. Notice the graphics beneath the three flags, “Rohrer’s Bitters Still Ahead.” Notice the Drake’s Plantation Bitters. Ex: Nolt Collection – Conestoga Auction Company

Jeremiah Rohrer claimed that his tonic was originally used in Switzerland as early as 1700 with great success and that it was brought to America by John Jacob Rohrer in 1732 when he emigrated to United States. Jeremiah was the son of Mary (Parthemore) and David Rohrer, and husband to Mary Ann Redsecker. Jeremiah was a Major in the 127th Regiment of the Pennsylvania Volunteers and a Civil War Union Army Officer. He was mustered in as Captain and commander of Company H, 127th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry on August 14, 1862. Five days later, on August 19, he was commissioned as the regiment’s Major. He served through the December 1862 Fredericksburg Campaign, and the May 1863 Battle of Chancellorsville, and was honorably discharged on June 2, 1863.

Jeremiah Rohrer established his liquor and medicine business in the spring of 1864 and located his establishment in Lancaster, Pennsylvania on Queen Street. He rubbed shoulders with other bitters merchants like Benjamin Mishler (Mishler’s Herb Bitters), John Hart (Canteen Bitters), Reinfried & Lesher (Dr. Maton’s Celebrated Herb Bitters), Dr. Samuel B. Hartman (later purchased Mishler Herb Bitters) and Charles H. Kryder (Dr. Stoever’s Stomach Bitters), many with addresses on Queen Street too. He was a major liquor merchant and by the time his first store appeared, he was already famous for his Wild Cherry Tonic.

RohrersStore_Nolt

Rohrer’s Liquor Store, 24-25 Centre Square, Lancaster, PA, Framed Picture, “The Most Complete Liquor Establishment in Pennsylvania,” Nolt Collection – Conestoga Auction Company

In 1869 or so, Rohrer moved his store from 11 S. Queen St. to 115 S. Queen. In 1875 he moved his store yet again, this time to 35 N. Queen Street. By 1883, he moved again to 22 Centre Square (aka Penn Square) where his operation remained even after the square was renamed Penn Square [See comment at bottom of post] which was around 1890. His son joined him in business in 1909 and the shop moved again to 24-25 Penn Square. Two years later, after his death, his son took over. Howard J. Rohrer kept the business through 1919, but moved away in 1920 when Prohibition made his business illegal. In 1921, Howard J. Rohrer returned and set up an office at 10 S. Queen Street, and by 1924, he was the vice president of the Chocolate and Caramel Company at the same address.

CAClogoThe reason Rohrer is back in the news is that Conestoga Auction Company auctioned off the Nolt Collection of Whiskey Memorabilia yesterday from Manheim, Pennsylvania. LiveAuctioneers ran the auction. This collection was fantastic and probably was the most comprehensive grouping of Lancaster, Pennsylvania material ever assembled. The quality and depth of the collection was stunning and had obviously been meticulously assembled. I have used many Rohrer pieces in this post. A number will join my collection in support of my Rohrer’s Expectoral Wild Cherry Tonic bottles.

Also read: Rohrer’s Expectoral Wild Cherry Tonic

J. Rohrer – Lancaster, Pennsylvania

TwoNoltRohrerWhiskeys

Left: J. Rohrer, Lancaster, PA, Rohrer’s “A” Whiskey, FILLED Amber Paper Label Quart Bottle with name on red seal top. 11″ tall. Right: Rohrer’s Liquor Store, 24-25 Centre Square, Lancaster, PA . “California Brandy” Amber Paper label Quart Whiskey Bottle. 11 1/2″ tall. Nolt Collection – Conestoga Auction Company

NoltRohrerRye&Wine

Left: J. Rohrer, 24 Centre Square, Lancaster, PA. Very Early “Pennsylvania Bradford Old Rye” Amber Paper Label Quart Whiskey Bottle, 11″ tall. Right: Rohrer’s Liquor Store, 24-25 Centre Square, Lancaster, PA, “Blackberry Wine,” FILLED Green Quart Paper Label Bottle with embossed red foil cap, 11 1/2 ” tall. Nolt Collection – Conestoga Auction Company

Rohrer_BlackLabel_Nolt

Labeled J. Rohrer Black Label Whiskey. Nolt Collection – Conestoga Auction Company

RohrLiqSt_Flask_Nolt

Labeled Rohrer’s Liquor Store flask with Center Square address. Ex: Nolt Collection – Conestoga Auction Company

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Rohrer’s, 22 Centre Square, Lancaster, PA. Tin Lithograph Oval Advertising Tray, 16 1/2 “x 13 1/2,” depicting four horses at a Watering Hole. Nolt Collection – Conestoga Auction Company

Nolt_RohrerCorkScrews

Framed Rohrers Corkscrew Openers, Lanc., PA. Mounted Frame, 27 1/2 x 12″ with 17 Rohrers Corkscrew Openers fastened from Lancaster, PA. Nolt Collection – Conestoga Auction Company

RohrerCrate_Nolt

J. Rohrer, Lancaster, PA, Wooden Advertising Crate, 12 1/2″H x 17 1/2 ” W x 13″ D. Printed also in red & black on outside end panels, “Rohrer ‘s ‘A’ Whiskey.” Nolt Collection – Conestoga Auction Company

RohrersWicker_Holt

Painted “Rohrer” Wicker Covered Aqua Bottle, Lancaster, PA. 12 1/4.” Nolt Collection – Conestoga Auction Company

RohrerBarrel_Nolt

J. Rohrer , Lancaster , PA. Very Early and Probably Unique Round -Handled , Barrel -Shaped Whiskey Container, 7 ” Diameter X 10 1/2 ” Long. End Panel has paper label that reads Rohrer’s”From J. Rohrer, Wholesale Dealer in Liquors and Proprietor of Rohrer’s Expectoral Wild Cherry Tonic. Nolt Collection – Conestoga Auction Company

RohrersDoseGlass_Nolt

Rohrers “A” Whiskey Shot Glass, Rohrers Liquor Store, Lancaster, PA. Nolt Collection – Conestoga Auction Company

Rohrer’s Expectoral Wild Cherry Tonic

RohrersTonicCylinder_Nolt

Rohrer’s Wild Cherry Tonic, Lancaster, PA. Paper Label Amber Bottle. Remedy for many Cures Including “Blood Purifier.” 11 3/4.” Nolt Collection – Conestoga Auction Company

Rohrers1869Almanc_Nolt

J. Rohrer Early 1869 Framed Almanac Calendar, advertising Rohrer’s Expectoral Wild Cherry Tonic, ” The Greatest Destroyer of Dyspepsia and the Best Blood Purifier in the World!” 12″ x 14 1/2.” Nolt Collection – Conestoga Auction Company

RohrersFramedAd_Nolt

J. Rohrer, Lancaster, PA Wild Cherry Tonic and Cough & Lung Balsam Printed Advertisement , 8 1/2″ x 11.” Very Early Framed Ad for Both of Rohrer’s Famous Products. Nolt Collection – Conestoga Auction Company

FramAdPiece_Nolt

Framed Rohrer’s Expectoral Wild Chery Tonic advertising coin – Nolt Collection – Conestoga Auction Company

RohrersEnvelope_Nolt

Rohrer’s Wild Cherry Tonic, Lancaster, PA, Framed Envelope. Very Early Fancy Envelope sent to his relative, Jacob B. Rohrer. 11 ” x 12. ” Nolt Collection – Conestoga Auction Company

Rohrer’s Wild Cherry Tonic, envelope. – Ben Swanson Collection

RohrersLiquorStoreFramed_Nolt

Rohrer’s Liquor Store, 24-25 Centre Square , Lancaster, PA. Framed facsimile of Rohrer’s Price List and Picture of Store, 9 1/2″ x 11 1/2.” Nolt Collection – Conestoga Auction Company

RohrerBillhead_Nolt

J. Rohrer, Lancaster, PA, Framed 1913 Store Receipt, 8 ” x 11″ Bill of Sale to Mr. Simon B. Cameron (Secretary of War for Abraham Lincoln). Small picture of Cameron. Nolt Collection – Conestoga Auction Company

Posted in Advertising, Auction News, Bitters, Collectors & Collections, Ephemera, Liquor Merchant, News, Tonics | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

A Super Steele’s Niagara Star Bitters

Posted on 6 October 2015 by Ferdinand Meyer V

Eib_WindowGreens

A Super Steele’s Niagara Star Bitters

06 October 2015

Apple-Touch-IconAAnother incoming e-mail and some super pictures of a super bottle from Chris Eib. Groovy green glass. Did just say that? We heard from Chris last week which resulted in the “A question regarding Capuziner Bitters” post.

NiagaraStarTrio_Eib

Hi Ferdinand, thanks for the great write-up on the Capuziner’s Bitters. Now that the mystery has been solved, I’ll be able to get some sleep. ( : Thanks for the compliment on my photography skills. I try. So, I think I have a good one for your KILLER section. This one is all about the color. No, it’s not perfect. In fact, it has a rather lengthy crack running down one of the corners and a small flake on the base. But I’m not really bothered by that, because where else are you going to find another one in THIS color?? I took a series of pics and I will leave it up to your discretion as to which photos you think are best. Although I don’t think that’s going to be an easy decision.  Thanks again and have a great day.  

Best regards, Chris

Read: Steele’s Niagara Star Bitters – Lockport Glass Works

Read: A Great Sunday Dig in Saginaw unearths a Steele’s Niagara Star Bitters

Eib_WindowGreens2

Eib_Niagara1Window

Eib_SteeleNiagaraHand3

Eib_Steele_Niagara2hand

Eib_NiagaraHand

Posted in Bitters, Color Runs, Figural Bottles, News | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Daily Dose | October 2015

Posted on 2 October 2015 by Ferdinand Meyer V

October  |  2 0 1 5

Friday, 30 October 2015

Wakefield’s Strengthening Bitters from Bloomington Illinois posted by James Viguerie over at Bitters Bottles on Facebook.

WakefieldsBitters1

Wednesday, 28 October 2015

Cascarilla2

Here is a CASCARILLA BITTERS CO. KANSAS CITY, MO. // WILD CHERRY TONIC. It’s not super rare but you don’t see them to often. (Frank Wicker – Facebook)

Cascarilla1

Tuesday, 27 October 2015

Clover Bitters

Ferdinand, Saw this label-only bitters in a shop a few days ago (see attached). I’ve seen one other labeled example over the years but it was on a bottle that was embossed “Clover Medicine Co.” and the label was in much worse shape. Nonetheless, just thought I would share. Best Regards,

Brandon DeWolfe, P.E.
Houston, Texas

Sunday, 25 October 2015

Andrews_Bangor_Daily_Whig_and_Courier_Fri__Jul_24__1846_

Raining Still. Closing in on 8 inches here at Peach ridge. Here is reference to a very old and unlisted Andrew’s Indian Vegetable Wine Bitters from Maine. Found it while working on a Dr. Solomon’s Indian Bitters post. Ad from Bangor Daily Whig and Courier on Friday, July 24, 1846.

Saturday, 24 October 2015

HydesHomeMadeStomachBitters

Hyde’s Home-Made Bitters scan of photograph taken from a 1974 The Sun Magazine (Baltimore, Maryland) article “Bottled History at Hampton“. All bottles in the article were found in the basement of the Hampton Mansion near where I grew up. This bitters is unlisted.

Friday, 23 October 2015

NaziOverlay_Clip12

Hunyadi Janos Saxlehneršs Bitterquelle – with swastika

The formal emblem of the Nazi Party was a German eagle perched above a swastika with wings spread. The bold and clean graphic of this image symbolised the rigid order of Hilter’s regime.

Hi Ferdinand,

I just read your article all about the Bitterquelle bottle, very interesting indeed. I wonder if you have come across a bottle of Bitterquelle that has had a label overlaid as in the image attached? A friend was in  the armed forces in Europe in 1945 and said that he got it out of a house in cologne. Many thanks for any help you might be able to give. Kind regards.

Dirk – London UK

Read: Everything’s better with bitterquelle. . .

Thursday, 22 October 2015

Most bitters collectors are familiar with Oxygenated Bitters cataloged as O 99 and O 100. I have three examples myself. When you see an advertisement for Green’s Oxygenated Bitters, it is the predecessor of the “O” listings. The ad below references a Green’s Oxygenated Bitters (R/H G 106 L) sold by Seth S. Hance at 106 Baltimore Street from The (Baltimore) Sun, Wednesday, March 10, 1858. We are talking about George B. Green here. A labeled bitters first.

Read: Oxygenated Bitters – A Sovereign Remedy

Greens OxyBitters_The_Sun_Wed__Mar_10__1858_

Wednesday, 21 October 2015

A nice picture (I cropped in PhotoShop) of a Dr. Bopp’s Hamburger Stomach Bitters jug posted by Steve Ketcham of The Redwing Collectors Society. Steve add’s “Just acquired this keeper! Half-gallon, bottom signed.” Ring & Ham note a 1 gallon and 2 gallon in Bitters Bottles?

The new listing by Bill Ham for the forthcoming Bitters Bottles Supplement 2:

B 161.6 METZGER, ZIEN & CO / DISTILLERS / ST. PAUL, MINN. / SOLE AGENTS FOR THE U. S, FOR / DR. BOPP’S HAMBURGER STOMACH BITTERS // c //
2 gallon jug, 1 gallon jug, and 1/2 gallon jug sizes
Red wing pottery, grey handled jug, black lettering opposite handle
All jugs similar in appearance

BoppsHamburgerStomachBittersFerdinand, here is a Dr. Boveedod’s Bitters sign. It is listed in the Ring Ham Supplement
Book. I think this is a variant sign. Its much bigger than listed. See ebay Listing – Frank Wicker

The new listing by Bill Ham for the forthcoming Bitters Bottles Supplement 2:

Advertisement
D 81 Dr. J. Bovee Dod’s Imperial Remedy and Wine Bitters
13 3/4 x 19 1/4

Read: Dr. J. Boveedods Imperial Wine Bitters

BoveedodsEbay

Tuesday, 20 October 2015

Glass Works Auctions The ‘Colors of Fall’ Potpourri Auction ended last night. A few interesting bitters made an appearance. I like this labeled Curacoa Bitters. Read: Dr. Von Hopf’s Curacoa or Curaco (or Curacao) Bitters

084

Here is an unlisted bitters that I trust Bill will pick up for Bitters Bottles Supplement 2.

CadizBitters

Lot #17: Bitters Decanter, ‘Cadiz / Bitters’ (inside a wreath), (unlisted), American, ca. 1880 – 1890, clear glass, bell form, copper wheel cut lettering and wreath, cut and polished side of lip, shoulder and side of base flutes, 8 1/8”h, polished pontil, tooled mouth.

Monday, 19 October 2015

Frank Wicker tipped me of to this crate end item on ebay. Appears to be unlisted. Yale’s New Hope Tonic Bitters. See Listing Some basic searches for more information are fruitless.

From Bill Ham for upcoming Bitters Bottles Supplrment 2…

Wooden box end
Y 0.7  YALES NEW-HOPE TONIC BITTERS
11 x 10 1/2

YalesNewHopeBittersCrateLid

Sunday, 18 October 2015 (updated 19 October)

C.A. Bowen’s Old Indian Root Bitters. Looks like another unlisted bitters. “Hi Ferd, this is a label only bitters from my hometown of Gallipolis, Ohio. Have you seen it before?” – Heath Jenkins

Charles Allen Bowen was born on July 11, 1886 in Ohio. His father was James Bowen who was born in Virginia. His mother was Josephine Bowen, born in Ohio. His spouse was Bertha G. Bowen. In 1920, 1930 and 1940 US Federal Census’ he was was listed as a manufacturer of medicines on Vinton Street and then 2nd Avenue in Gallipolis, Ohio. He died on December 6, 1959 in Glendale, Los Angeles County, California. His wife was listed as a “Patent Medicine Saleslady” in 1940.

See BB SUPPLEMENT p 14: B 173.5 L . . . C. A. Bowen’s Old Indian Root Bitters, (indian Chief in full head-dress) Indian Root Bitters Co. Gallipolis, Ohio

Bowen's Indian Root

Saturday, 17 October 2015

HoustonBottleDiscovery

Bottles found recently at the 1616 West Dallas residential project construction site in Houston on edge of downtown. I’ll head over there and check it out!

Friday, 16 October 2015

An unlisted, partially labeled, Kryder’s Celebrated German Bitters. Manufactured by C. H. Kryder, King Street, Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Nolt Collection – Conestoga Auction Company. Read: Dr. Stoever’s Bitters – Lancaster & Philadelphia

The new listing by Bill Ham for the forthcoming Bitters Bottles Supplement 2:

K 83.5 L . . . Kryder’s Celebrated German Bitters, Manufactured by C. H. Kryder, King Street, Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Square, Amber, LTC
See S 199

Kryder'sGermanBitters_Nolt

Thursday, 15 October 2015

Advertisement for the famous “Kansas City Queen“.

KC_Queen_Atchison_Daily_Patriot_Wed__Dec_24__1879_

Advertisement for Indian Herb Bitters by Dr. Stark – Atchison Daily Patriot, December 24, 1879

Tuesday, 13 October 2015

An interesting advertisement for Dr. Taylor’s Olive Branch Bitters from the Reading Times, Thursday, November 19, 1868. Sold by J. K. Taylor & Company. The Ring & Ham listings below. A 12″ tall rectangular bottle?

T 10L … Dr. Taylor’s Olive Branch Bitters
J. K. Taylor & Co. Depot No. 413 Market Street, Philadelphia
12 x 2 3/4 (5 1/4)
Rectangular, Amber, LTCR
Label: [Advertisement] A mild agreeable tonic stimulant stomachic and carminative bitters. Extracted entirely from herbs and roots highly beneficial in dyspepsia, general debility and loss of appetite and an excellent corrective for persons suffering from disorders of the bowels.

Taylors Olive Branch Bitters_Reading_Times_Thu__Nov_19__1868_-2

Reference to a unlisted bitters. Spanish Cocktail Bitters put out by Huey & Christ in Philadelphia around 1897.

HueyChristStoevers_Lebanon_Daily_News_Sat__Jul_3__1897_

Dr. Stoever’s Bitters advertisement, Huey & Christ – Lebanon Daily News, Saturday, July 3, 1897

Monday, 12 October 2015

NationalBloodBitters_Nolt

Another unlisted bitters that was in the Conestoga Auction Company auction this past Saturday of the Nolt Collection of Whiskey Memorabilia. The National Blood and Stomach Bitters. The auction house description:

J.A. Miller & Co. Inc., 56 North Queen Street, Lancaster, PA. Paper Label Druggist Bottle. Label reads “National Blood and Stomach Bitters,” 6 1/2″ Condition: Good, with label loss.

Sunday, 11 October 2015

An unlisted bitters that I came across while researching John Rohrer in Lancaster, Pennsylvania City Directories. From 1867, Watkins’ Celebrated Bitters.

WatkinsCelebratedBittersAd_1867

Another killer unlisted bitters that was in the Conestoga Auction Company auction yesterday of the Nolt Collection of Whiskey Memorabilia. The Surgeon Haller’s Canteen Bitters sold for $10,000 plus 21% auction house premium. The auction house description:

 VERY RARE A.A. Myers, Amber Bottle, Lancaster, PA. Embossed on Three sides with Paper Label on Fourth Side. Paper Label reads, “Surgeon Haller’s Canteen Bitters” with Two Long Rifles and Hanging Canteen. Embossing on Three Sides reads , ” Canteen Bitters, Lancaster, PA” and an “AAM” monogram with Crossed Rifles. Condition: Very Fine, with minor loss on label.

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The new listing by Bill Ham for the forthcoming Bitters Bottles Supplement 2:

C 34.1 CANTEEN BITTERS // AAM monogram with two crossed rifles with hanging canteen // LANCASTER, PA // f //
L . . . Surgeon Haller’s Canteen Bitters, A. A. Myers
Square, Amber, LTCR, Applied mouth, 3 sp, Extremely rare

Saturday, 10 October 2015

KaufmanFrag

Fragment of a very rare Kauffman’s Stomach Bitters from Lancaster, PA. Also watching this today at Conestoga Auctions. Read: Dr. B. H. Kauffman Stomach Bitters – Lancaster, Pennsylvania

Friday, 09 October 2015

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Watching the really cool green Canteen Bitters. Come to Papa. Unlisted example in amber too at Conestoga Auctions. Read: Canteen Bitters – John Hart & Co. – Lancaster PA

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Friday, 02 October 2015

CooperRelaxing

Nice fall day here in Houston. Working out of Peachridge. Sitting outside with Cooper, my wounded hero. He is getting better every day since he was hit by a car. Coco is in front and Remington is next to Cooper in his harness. He can not walk yet. Walking a dog the size of a bear, using harness handles is a challenge.

Watching the Heckler 128 Auction. Some lots are still open for callbacks. View Auction

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A question regarding Capuziner Bitters

Posted on 1 October 2015 by Ferdinand Meyer V

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A question regarding Capuziner Bitters

01 October 2015
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Capuziner Bitters (second from left) along with similar colored bottles. – Chris Eib collection

Apple-Touch-IconAIncoming e-mail communication with pictures from Chris Eib regarding Hutching’s Dyspepsia Bitters, Drake’s Plantation Bitters and Capuziner Bitters. Some rather nice pictures of some cool bottles too to support the e-mail.

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Hutching’s Dyspepsia Bitters – eBay (Chris Eib)

[CI] Hi Ferdinand, how are you? Since I know you like bitters, I just thought I would point this one (Hutching’s Dyspepsia Bitters) out to you that I have on ebay right now. There’s a chance that you already have one of these, but since they’re rare with the open pontil, there’s also a chance that you don’t. Take care and have a great day. See eBay Listing Best regards, Chris

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Hutching’s Dyspepsia Bitters – Meyer Collection

[PRG] Nice example. I have one but always thanks. You never know.

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Drake’s Plantation Bitters. Three green drakes including my teal not pictured. One newer pink rose not pictured. – Meyer Collection

[CI] Well, I would have been a bit surprised if you didn’t already have one. I was looking around on Rick’s Bottle Room the other day and saw the great line-up of Drake’s (Plantation Bitters) you have (see above). A fantastic grouping to put it mildly. Such brilliant colors!!

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Capuziner Bitters in olive-green – Chris Eib collection

Ferdinand, I’m sure that at some point, you must have seen one of these bottles before, and as far as I’m aware, it was a label only bitters. When I bought it, the tag on it stated that it’s a Capuziner Bitters, but I think it’s supposed to start off with a “K” instead of a “C”. However, I tried to research it a bit further, but I was unable to find any photos of this bottle on-line. I encounter these on occasion but I certainly wouldn’t rate them as common. Maybe you can shed some light on this one? I saw in one of the posts on your site, there’s a photo of a grouping of bitters dose glasses with a Kapuziner shot glass in the center (see below). Do you have any other photos of this bottle and what, if any. information do you have on it? Thanks Ferdinand.

Take care and have a great day.

Regards, Chris

Read: Advertising Bitters Dose (Shot) Glasses in Glass Works Auction #97

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Lot 123: (Lot of 7) Etched and Embossed Stemmed Bitters Dose Glasses, (3) ‘Dr. Capias Herb Bitters’, a ‘Polo Club Bitters’, (2) ‘Kapuziner Kloster Bitters’ and a “QUININE BITTERS”, American, ca. 1890 – 1910, all are clear glass, 3″ to 3 1/4″h, tooled rims, all are in perfect condition. The Polo Club is from the Charles Gardner Collection. – Glass Works Auction #97

Capuziner Bitters with a case gin in olive-green – Chris Eib collection

[PRG] Chris. Thanks for the compliment. Added a number of super Drakes to my collection the past few years as that photo is old. Will look into your question. – Ferdinand

Chris, super bottle pictures in extraordinary olive-green colors. All of your pictures are just fantastic. This does look to be a Capuziner Stomach Bitters from Peoria, Illinois in an olive-green coloration. I find the following picture of an amber labeled example in my archives. I’ll look into Ring & Ham when I can get back to my books. The center picture is a is a labeled Kapuziner Kloster Bitters from Chicago. This might be the “K” you are thinking of.

Capuziner Stomach Bitters

A labeled, amber, Capuziner Stomach Bitters (left), The center bottles is a Kapuziner Kloster Bitters, Sandorn’s Kidney and Liver Bitters – Glass Works Auctions

Posted in Advice, Bitters, Collectors & Collections, eBay, Medicines & Cures, Questions | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

A Rarity in Connecticut Glass

Posted on 30 September 2015 by Ferdinand Meyer V

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A Rarity in Connecticut Glass

30 September 2015

Apple-Touch-IconAIncoming e-mail and pictures of a killer Sheaf of Wheat – “Westford Glass Co” Pictorial Flask, Westford Glass Works, Westford, Connecticut, 1860-1872. Photographs are so nice! Just a reminder, that we are open to all suggestions for a post. Please step up and share your news and finds.

Dear Ferdinand:

A while back I had asked if it would be OK to send a few pictures on my new Westford flask for the gallery on your site. While I don’t believe the bottle reaches “killer” status at your site, it’s still a pretty rare thing. In fact, Mark Vuono had e-mailed me and said that he is aware of only five pontiled examples in existence.

Anyway, please see attached pictures and feel free to attach my name to them. Also, if you decide to post them, I really wanted to be sure and give credit to the photographer. The credit might read: A Rarity in Connecticut Glass – Douglas Gagne (Photography by Cynthia Russo) or something along those lines.

Thanks again for your consideration – hope to actually meet one day!

Best regards,
Doug

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

S. S. Smith just Dug

Posted on 30 September 2015 by Ferdinand Meyer V

SSSmithJrCo1

S. S. Smith just Dug

30 September 2015

Apple-Touch-IconANow here is one of my favorite bottles. Great semi-cabin form and color. Maybe not a bitters but one that I have in my collection. It looks like a pretty decent example that was just dug.

Read: S.S. SMITH. JR & CO / CINCINNATI. O. – A Semi-Cabin in Sapphire

Hello Ferd,

Thought you may like to see this whiskey we just dug over the weekend. I found this at the 3 ½ foot level sitting on a wooden brace along the wall of a huge privy… that was the good news… the bad news (well actually good news) is that this privy was 8 foot by 8 foot by at least 10 feet deep, but only two of us were digging and it was full of water at the 4 foot level with an ash/rock mixture that felt like concrete when pulling, so we had to cover this one up. We are assuming that this bottle was a floater and similar age bottles are down in the use layer. Wish us luck!

Thanks,

Jeff (Jeffrey J. Mihalik)

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Read More: Dr. John Bull and Louisville at that time

Posted in Digging and Finding, Medicines & Cures, News, Whiskey | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment