Uncovering a unique Paul’s Patent Columbian Oil

Posted on 10 May 2014 by Ferdinand Meyer V

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Uncovering a unique Paul’s Patent Columbian Oil

10 May 2014

Apple-Touch-IconALike many of you, I am really interested in what is being dug and unearthed and love hearing from the people making the finds. Here we have Baltimore collector, Chris Rowell, talking about his latest find. I suspect that is Chris holding the new bottle above. The picture further below is Chris’s first bottle.

"So a few months ago a previously unknown early Baltimore medicine comes up on ebay with some lip damage. So I buy it just to have an example thinking what are the odds I’d ever see another one. Well then we dig one Saturday… Go figure… But interestingly it is a completely different mold variation then the one I bought so I will have to keep them both. For consideration Paul’s Patent Columbian Oil circa 1812-1817“

PaulsPatentOilRowell

Thomas Paul was the sole inventor and proprietor of Paul’s Patent Columbian Oil which he claimed would cure just about anything. He patented the product in Baltimore on February 23, 1811. Most of the patents prior to 1836 were lost in the December 1836 fire. Only about 2,000 of the almost 10,000 documents were recovered. Little is known about this patent. There are no patent drawings available.

Thomas Paul was originally from Philadelphia and is referenced in advertisements in The Pittsburgh Gazette from September 1812 to June 1813 saying that he has moved to Baltimore city and that the druggist Dr. John Love was going to be his sole agent for the United States of America and dependencies. Dr. Love took it seriously and advertised that all bottles would contain PAUL’S PATENT COLUMBIAN OIL in the glass and that the bottles would be sealed in red wax and stamped with his initials. He would also sign each label in red ink. Now that is pretty cool and would make a nice package. I wonder if a complete example will ever be found?

Dr. Love also authorized J. P. and J. W. Skelton in Pittsburgh to be his eastern representatives and T. C. Barker & Co. in Cincinnati to be the sole agent for the “Western Country”.

Here is another reference to a distributor of the subject medicine:

Less than one month later, having lost the majority of his land holdings, but not all of his liquid assets, George’s father bought a home on three lots for $850 in the town of Brookeville, located nearby in Montgomery County, and relocated his remaining family, including George, who had caused the forced relocation. Shortly after the Gassaway family moved to Brookeville, Brice apparently became a distributor of “Paul’s Patent Columbia Oil.” The oil was described as a cure-all for a variety of different ailments, including whooping cough, rheumatism, consumption, and a variety of aches and pains. Local legend holds that George Gassaway was running the store on the corner of High and Market Streets in the town by 1814, which may indicate that he had placed his father’s name on yet another one of his business plans.

Archives of Maryland, George Gassaway (b. ca. 1780)

Thomas Paul and Dr. John Love must have moved on because I find little reference about them any later than what is mentioned in this post. It could be just bad record-keeping though. They certainly are not listed in the 1822 Baltimore City Directory which is the earliest I could find.

Typical Paul’s Patent Columbian Oil advertisements from The Pittsburgh Gazette in 1812 and 1813.

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Paul’s Patent Columbian Oil advertisement – The Pittsburgh Gazette, June 4, 1813

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Paul’s Patent Columbian Oil Appointment of Agency notice – The Pittsburgh Gazette, June 4, 1813

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Paul’s Patent Columbian Oil Directions for Taking Said Oil advertisement – The Pittsburgh Gazette, June 4, 1813

Posted in Advertising, Digging and Finding, Druggist & Drugstore, History, Medicines & Cures, News | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

The Wiggs Brothers and their Fabulous Figural Cabin Bottle

Posted on 10 May 2014 by Ferdinand Meyer V

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The Wiggs Brothers and their fabulous figural cabin bottle

10 May 2014

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As you might imagine, I have quite a few bitters in my collection, many being quite rare. It has gotten to the point that when I see a picture of a bitters or a possible bitters that I don’t have or may never have, I get quite excited. Of course there is the desire to possess it, but there is also satisfaction in having the picture and being able to find out about the bottle. This is the case with the the Wiggs Brothers and their fabulous figural cabin from Memphis, Tennessee (pictured above). Is it a bitters bottle? Is is not listed in Ring & Ham.

I think I remember seeing this bottle at the FOHBC 2004 Memphis Expo in a display of rare bottles. My pictures weren’t that great so I was happy to see some incoming pictures of rare southern bottles for use in developing marketing material for the 2015 Southern Region | National Antique Bottle Show in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Two were of the Wiggs Brothers figural cabin (front and back embossing) from the Tom Phillips collection.

The Wiggs Family

William B. Wiggs (born about 1835 in Tennessee), John Joseph Wiggs (born 21 January 1836 in Holly Springs, Mississippi and died on 04 January 1904 in Russellville, Arkansas) and James Alpheus Wiggs (born 17 May 1838 in Holly Springs, Mississippi and died on 27 January 1911 in Starkville, Mississippi) were three brothers who were briefly in the drug store business in 1859 and 1860 as Wiggs Brothers and Company in Memphis, Tennessee. Their father was Jonathan S. Wiggs (1810-1850). Jonathon was born on 15 May 1810, in Johnston County, North Carolina. Their mother was Piety Hester Fowler (1803-1871). Piety was born on 13 March 1803 in Johnston County, North Carolina. The Fowler name will show up later.

The Drug Store on Main Street

The address of the brothers drug store was 317 and 319 Main Street. They advertised quite a few medicinal and other personal care products during their few short years together in business. A short paragraph on 14 August 1860 would be prophetic as to the future of Wiggs Brothers & Company.

Wiggs Bro’s. & Co., druggists, corner of Main and Union, had numerous small stars, representing the seceding States with the names of which they were labeled; that for South Carolina had a Palmetto flag with the surrounding motto: “Southern Independence.” Many smaller stars and a general lighting up from bottom to roof, made this display noticeable. 

The Brothers Separate | William B. Wiggs

On 08 November 1861, the Wiggs Brothers partnership was broken between William B. Wiggs, John Joseph Wiggs and W. H. Pickett. James A. Wiggs is not mentioned which makes me wonder if he was a true partner. You have to remember, these guys were pretty young at this time and hostilities between the North and South had happened a few months prior on 12 April 1861, when Confederate forces fired upon Fort Sumter, a key fort held by Union troops in South Carolina.

William B. Wiggs would retain the drug business under the name Wm. B. Wiggs & Co. at 298 Main Street, in Memphis. An 1861 advertisement said they had a large stock of Ayers’ Cherry Pectoral, Ayers’ Pills, Heimstreet’s Hair Restorer, Mrs. Allen’s Hair Restorer, Mrs. Allen’s Hair Dressing, Smith’s Tonic Syrup, Osgood’s Cholagogue, Jaynes’ Pills, McLane’s Pills, Spencer’s, Lyon’s Katharion, Brown’s Bronchial Troches and Bryan’s Wafers along with a large stock of pure drugs, medicines, etc.

William entered service on 15 May 1861 becoming a Captain and Chief of Artillery with General M. J. Wright’s staff. He was captured at Jackson, Mississippi and paroled on 12 May 1865. After the war he would go into the cotton mill trade in Memphis.

John Joseph Wiggs

As noted previously, John Joseph Wiggs was born on 21 January 1836 in Holly Springs, Mississippi and died on 04 January 1904 in Russellville, Arkansas. He found himself in Memphis, Tennessee and at the age of 24 and was listed as a druggist in the 1860 US Federal Census. After the Civil War, he returned to Memphis to run Wiggs & Co., (John J. Wiggs and R. M. Harper) who where planing and box manufacturers on Front Street, north of bayou Goyoso. He was also associated with Page & Wiggs in Memphis. Later he would pull up stakes and relocate to Russellville, Arkansas where he ran a drug store with his son, Dr. Henry Blackwell Wiggs (1874-1923).

James Alpheus Wiggs

CapnWiggsJames A. Wiggs was born in Holly Springs, Mississippi on 17 May 1837. He joined the Confederate army as a private in the 4th Tennessee Regiment in May 1861 and during the first year of the war he was appointed Assistant Quartermaster General of Tennessee. He soon resigned this position and was appointed captain of artillery in the provisional Confederate army. He was chief of ordinance on the staff of General S. D. Lee when the siege of Vicksburg commenced, but was transferred to the staff of General F. A. Shoup as chief of artillery, and was captured during the siege. After being exchanged he was appointed Chief of Staff for General B. M. Thomas at Mobile. After the evacuation of Mobile he was appointed Chief of Artillery for the district of North Mississippi, West Tennessee, and East Louisiana on the staff of General J. J. Wright at Grenada. He was paroled at Jackson, Mississippi, as Lieutenant Colonel of Artillery on May 23, 1865.

After the war, James would partner with William J. Fowler, who was his mothers brother, in a company called Fowler, Wiggs & Co. They were cotton agents and commission merchants located at 256 Front Street in  Memphis, Tennessee. In 1884, Captain Wiggs married Mary Outlaw, of Mississippi, and they lived happily at their handsome country home, south of Starkville, Mississippi, until his death on 27 Janunary 1911. – reference Capt. James A. Wiggs obituary

A Bitters?

Unfortunately, I find no direct listing or advertisement showing this figural cabin to be a bitters. I believe it is though. Maybe one of the Memphis collectors can expand on this post. On the Memphis Diggers web site, they say, “This is the best Memphis bitters and the best Memphis bottle. This bottle has almost the same mold as a Drakes Plantation Bitters. We have found one of these without the embossing – what a terrible shame. There is one of these known with the embossing.” Read: Log Cabin Series – Drake’s Plantation Bitters

*Note: A second un-embossed example is known according to Tom Phillips.

Select Timeline Events

1859: Wiggs Bros. proprietors of Seligman’s Chemical Hair Invigorator. Sharing advertising space next to slave advertisements (see below) – Memphis Daily Appeal, December 7, 1859

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Wiggs Bros. proprietors of Seligman’s Chemical Hair Invigorator. Sharing advertising space next to slave advertisements – Memphis Daily Appeal, December 7, 1859

1860: Wiggs Bro’s. & Co., druggists, corner of Main and Union, had numerous small stars, representing the seceding States with the names of which they were labeled; that for South Carolina had a Palmetto flag with the surrounding motto: “Southern Independence.” Many smaller stars and a general lighting up from bottom to roof, made this display noticeable. – Memphis Daily Appeal, August 14, 1860, 

1860: Wiggs Brothers & Co. advertisement (see below), 317 and 319 Main Street – Memphis Daily Appeal, November 28, 1860

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Wiggs Brothers & Co. advertisement (see below), 317 and 319 Main Street – Memphis Daily Appeal, November 28, 1860

1861: Wiggs, W. B., Captain and Chief of Artillery on General M. J. Wright’s staff; entered service May 15, 1861: captured at Jackson, Miss.; paroled May 12, 1865. Elected a member of this Association upon his own statement and application July 1, 1869. – Old Guard in Gray

1861: Just Received! 540 lbs. Kentucky Mustard, in six pound cans. 200 dozen Kentucky Mustard, in half and quarter pound cans. Wiggs Brothers & Co., Druggist., 298 Main street, Memphis. – Memphis Daily Appeal, October 12, 1861

1861: Wiggs & Bros Partnership dissolved (see below) between W. B. Wiggs, J. J. Wiggs and W. H. Pickett – Memphis Daily Appeal, December 6, 1861

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Wiggs & Bros partnership dissolved between W. B. Wiggs, J. J. Wiggs and W. H. Pickett – Memphis Daily Appeal, December 6, 1861

1861: For Rent, Store Houses 317 and 319 Main Street, Wiggs Bros. & Co., formerly a drug store – Memphis Daily Appeal, July 9, 1861 (see below)

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For Rent, Store Houses 317 and 319 Main Street, Wiggs Bros. & Co. – Memphis Daily Appeal, July 9, 1861

1861: Wm. B. Wiggs & Co., Druggists, 298 Main Street, Memphis, Tennessee. Have a Large Stock of Ayers’ Cherry Pectoral, Ayers’ Pills, Heimstreet’s Hair Restorer, Mrs. Allen’s Hair Restorer, Mrs. Allen’s Hair Dressing, Smith’s Tonic Syrup, Osgood’s Cholagogue, Jaynes’ Pills, McLane’s Pills, Spencer’s, Lyon’s Katharion, Brown’s Bronchial Troches, Bryan’s Wafers! Also – A large stock of pure Drugs, Medicines, Etc. – Memphis Daily Appeal, December 8, 1861,

1867: Fowler, Wiggs & Co. (W. J. Fowler and James A. Wiggs), Cotton Factors and Commission Merchants, 256 Front Street, Memphis, Tennessee – Memphis Daily Appeal, 27 January 1867

1867: William B. Wiggs, agent cotton mills, James A. Wiggs (Fowler & Wiggs) –Memphis City Directory

1871: Wiggs & Co., (J. J. Wiggs & R.M. Harper), planing and box mnfrs, Front, n. of bayou Goyoso, also Page & Wiggs – Memphis City Directory

Posted in Advertising, Bitters, Civil War, Druggist & Drugstore, Figural Bottles, Hair Tonics, History, Medicines & Cures, Questions | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

An extremely rare Eclipse Bitters from Louisville, Kentucky

Posted on 5 May 2014 by Ferdinand Meyer V

eclipseperuAn extremely rare Eclipse Bitters from Louisville, Kentucky

Stewart & Kiel – Sole Proprietors

05 May 2014 (R•052815)

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A large number of Cincinnatians, in view of the fact that the eclipse didn’t consider their suburb of sufficient importance to go there, arrived in this city (Louisville) this morning, for the purpose of viewing our eclipse this afternoon.

While in the pursuit of items, we went into several saloons this morning. At almost every one of them we saw more poor, susceptible, ignorant fellows trying to see the eclipse through thick-bottomed tumblers stained several inches thick with Bourbon. We told them it was too early to see it, but they contended that it wasn’t, and if it was, they didn’t intend to be behind time.

Louisville Daily Express, August 7, 1869

Apple-Touch-IconAIn the “snooze ya lose” category, I recently missed an opportunity to obtain an extremely rare, Eclipse Bitters from Louisville, Kentucky put out by Stewart & Kiel. You see, I had placed a bid on this bottle last week when it appeared on eBay from Jeff Noordsy. I had received 3 or 4 tips and was set with a bid that held for a few days. Then I missed it. Got tied up with business. Well, like I said, snooze you lose. Jeff and Holly’s write-up on eBay, and their picture of the bottle is below. I clipped away the background and it kind of looks like the bottle is full of some magical, swirling, celestial potion.

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“ECLIPSE / BITTERS – STEWART & KIEL / SOLE PROPRIETORS,” shaded golden amber, square, smooth base, applied collar, mint. American, C. 1870, very rare! Ex. Carlyn Ring collection. Just received notice from Bill Ham that the Bitters Supplement will be revised to show this bottle to be EXTREMELY RARE! The base measures 2 3/4″, the shoulder is 6 3/4″H and the overall height is 8 3/4″. – JeffandHollyNoordsy – 100% Positive Feedback.

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The Carlyn Ring and W. C. Ham listing for the Eclipse Bitters in Bitters Bottles is E 15.5. In the forthcoming second supplement it will read as follows:

E 15.5  ECLIPSE / BITTERS // f // STEWART & KIEL / SOLE PROPRIETORS // f //
8 ¾ x 2 ¾ (6 /34) 1/4
Square, Amber, LTC, Applied mouth, Extremely rare

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Vassar students with observers and dignitaries in Burlington, Iowa at the time of the 1869 eclipse. (Collection of the Nantucket Maria Mitchell Association)

Solar eclipse of August 7, 1869

1869EclPRGA total solar eclipse of the sun (see picture on left) occurred on August 7, 1869. A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between Earth and the Sun, thereby totally or partly obscuring the image of the Sun for a viewer on Earth. A total solar eclipse occurs when the Moon’s apparent diameter is larger than the Sun, blocking all direct sunlight, turning day into darkness. Totality occurs in a narrow path across the surface of the Earth, while a partial solar eclipse will be visible over a region thousands of kilometres wide. The 1869 path of totality was visible from eastern Russia, Alaska, across Canada, and the northeastern United States. A partial eclipse occurred across all of North America. [Wikipedia]

This has been a bit difficult, but I believe we are talking about a very brief relationship between Miller Stewart (or George S. Stewart) and Gustavus Kiel in Louisville around 1870. I suspect these guys observed the major 1869 eclipse (see newspaper excerpt at top of post and above Wiki information) and capitalized on the event by creating the Eclipse Bitters. I can not connect the Stewart and Kiel name but they were in proximity and could have had their name embossed on the bottle. Miller Stewart was a liquor dealer, George S. Stewart was a druggist (probably related to Miller) and Gustavus Kiel was a grocer, chemist and druggist. You could pretty much be anything as far as professions in those days. The brand must not have lasted long.

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Greer’s Eclipse Bitters – Meyer Collection

What is interesting is that Newton M. Greer established N. Greer & Company in Louisville, Kentucky in 1880 and their signature brand was Greer’s Eclipse Bitters. Newton was born in Barren, Kentucky in 1849. I suspect Dr. Greer bought the brand name and formula or maybe just ‘re-invented’ the brand. Too much of a coincidence. Newton died in 1885 and his wife Sallie E. Greer (Settle) and son, Charles D. Greer ran the operation from then into the late 1890s. Even in the 1900 Federal Census, Charles’ occupation is listed as patent medicines. After this, Charles goes into the insurance business. You can see a number of advertising trade cards from this Greer’s Bitters period further below.

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

G 110 GREER’S ECLIPSE BITTERS

GREER’S ECLIPSE // BITTERS // f // LOUISVILLE, KY. //
9 1/2 x 2 3/4 (6 3/8) 1/4
Square, Amber, LTC, Applied mouth, 3 sp, Very rare

Select Timeline Events

1859: Board, Miller & Stewart, (Buckner Board, George R. Miller & George S. Stewart) wholesale druggists, 392 Main – 1859 The Louisville Directory and Business Advertiser

1865: Gustavus Kiel (Serb, Pering & Co.) – 1865 Louisville City Directory

1873: C.W. Kemperdink (Kemperdink & Co.), and physician, 339 Market, nr 9th, Kemperdink & Co. (C. W. Kemperdink and G. Kiel), chemist & apothecaries, 339 Market, nr 9th. – 1873 Louisville City Directory

1873: Miller Stewart & Co. (Miller Stewart, Luther Adams and George W. Taylor and later Thomas H. Hastings only 1878), wholesale liquor dealers, 23 Main, nr 2d – 1873 Louisville City Directory

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J B Fuller- Miller Stewart Old Kentucky Bourbon 1878 Louisville & Boston letter – CigarBoxLabels.com

1880: N. Greer & Company (Newton Greer) established in Louisville, Kentucky. Their signature brand was Greer’s Eclipse Bitters.

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Use Greer’s Bitters advertisement – Meyer Collection

1891: Proprietary Medicines – N. Greer & Co., Louisville advertisement (see below) – The Courier-Journal, 1 January 1891

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Proprietary Medicines – N. Greer & Co., Louisville advertisement – The Courier-Journal, 1 January 1891

Greer’s Eclipse Bitters Advertising Trade Cards

The below advertising trade cards are all stock cards for Greer’s Eclipse Bitters from the Joe Gourd collection. Note the N. Greer poem on the back of the ‘Money To Loan’ card.

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EclipsePawnbroker back

Greer’s Eclipse Bitters Presidential Series

EclipsePresident back

EclipsePresident Filmore

EclipsePresident Madison

EclipsePresident Tyler

EclipsePresident Van Buren

Posted in Advertising, Apothecary, Bitters, Bourbon, Collectors & Collections, eBay, History, Medicines & Cures, Questions, Trade Cards | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Here are those four Texas Bitters

Posted on 4 May 2014 by Ferdinand Meyer V

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Here are those four Texas Bitters

04 May 2014 (R•111714)

Apple-Touch-IconAReprinted below is an interesting communication from super-sleauth, James Viguerie regarding a few possible leads on unlisted Texas bitters. I spent a few moments trying to find out more information for each possible lead. The map above shows Texas in 1870 and the four people and locations we will be discussing.

Ferd,

Here are those four Texas bitters I found that might be unlisted. They are recipes so it may be they can be matched up to existing Texas bitters. Of course I hope they lead to new unlisted embossed bottles. I did a quick search on each but didn’t see anything. I know I have some more Texas patents of interest and will forward them as well when I come across them. I plan to focus on some Illinois and St. Louis Missouri patents as that is the areas I live in. I am also working on a long list of patents to send to you and Bill Ham.

Take care,

James (Viguerie)

Read More: Texas Bitters List

Isaac Cooper, Fort Worth, Texas. June 21, 1887 Patent 365,242 – Stomach Bitters

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Isaac Cooper, Fort Worth, Texas. June 21, 1887 Patent 365,242 for Stomach Bitters

We are most likely talking about Isaac Cooper who, in 1885, was the proprietor of the Cow Boy Saloon at 1215 Main street and the corner 12th in downtown Fort Worth, Texas (see advertisement below). In 1894 he had had two salons, one at 1107 Main and one at 1215 Rusk. James L. Cooper was his father. He was a druggist, physician and surgeon at 1407 Main street. He probably suggested to his son to sell a medicinal concoction from his saloons. In 1892, Isaac Cooper was the proprietor of the Texas Museum and an animal dealer. There are a number of short historical news clips of shootings and murders at the Cow Boy saloon in 1884 and 1885.

Maybe we should be looking for a Cooper’s Stomach Bitters or Cow Boy Stomach Bitters out there somewhere. I like the chic spelling of Cow Boy.

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Isaac Cooper, proprietor Cow Boy Saloon, 1215 Main street, Fort Worth. – 1885 Fort Worth City Directory

Fort Worth Daily Gazette, January 30, 1884 – The friends of Dick Evans, the young mulatto who killed young Cooper in the Cow-Boy Saloon some time ago, are trying to raise by subscription enough funds to employ additional lawyers to defend him when his trial comes off.

Fort Worth Daily Gazette, October 14, 1884 – About 7 oclock yesterday morning, a negro named Jell Daggett and Bill Covington, bartender in the Cow-Boy Saloon had a row over a previous difficulty Covingtons brother had with tho negro. Beth men drew pistols but the negro ran when he saw Covington’s weapon. Covington fired at him as he ran out tho door. Daggett was arrested by Officer Thomason and placed under a $100 bond for carrying a concealed weapon. Covington was also arrested and placed under bond.

Fort Worth Daily Gazette, January 22, 1885 – The case of the state vs. Dick Evans, charged with the murder of George Cooper in the Cow-Boy Saloon is on trial in the district court.

Nickola Kieffer, San Antonio, Texas. December 9, 1884 Patent 308,900 – Bitters

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Nickola Kieffer, San Antonio, Texas. December 9, 1884 Patent 308,900 – Bitters

Here we are most likely talking about Nicholas Kieffer who was a liquor dealer in San Antonio in 1885. The above patent is dated 1894. In the 1860s and 70s there was a Nicholas Kieffer who was liquor dealer and distiller in New Orleans. He patented the Malakoff Bitters in 1866. Probably the same person. I wonder why he went to San Antone?

Read: What about this New Orleans Malakoff Bitters?

Read: The missing link Universal Bitters by Nicholas Kieffer

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Nicholas Kieffer, Bitters Manufacturer in New Orleans – 1873 New Orleans City Directory

Thomas B. Owens, Gatesville, Texas. May 20, 1873 Patent 139,185 – Improvement in medical compounds or Bitters for treating chills and fever.

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Thomas B. Owens, Gatesville, Texas. May 20, 1873 Patent 139,185 – Improvement in medical compounds or Bitters for treating chills and fever.

Here we might be talking about Thomas B. Owens who was a retail dealer in liquors in 1866. He was married to Hannah Jane Mayberry in 1866 in Coryell, Texas. Their children were Samuel Howard Owens who was born in 1878 in Gatesvile, Texas. Other children were John, William and Jessie. His bitters in 1873 might have been called Owen’s Compound Bitters for Chills and Fever.

Gatesville was a flourishing village on the St. Louis Southwestern Railway, in Coryell county, of which it is the judicial seat, 45 miles south-west of Waco, and 125 north of Austin. It has four churches, a public school, a House of Correction and Reformatory (a State institution), 2 banks, an opera hall, a flour mill, a cotton gin and two weekly newspapers, the GATESVILLE STAR and the POST. Ships cotton, grain and live stock. Population 2,000. Telegraph, W.U. Express, Pacific. Clarence L. Bush, postmaster. – 1892 Gazetteer for Coryell County

Read: History of Gatesville

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE

THOMAS B. OWENS OF GATESVILLE, TEXAS.

IMPROVEMENT IN MEDICAL COMPOUNDS OR BITTERS FOR TREATING CHILLS AND FEVER.

Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 139,185, dated May 20, 1873; application filed April 5, 1873.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, THOMAS B. OWENS, of Gatesville, in the county of Coryell and State of Texas, have invented a new and valuable Improvement in Medical Compounds; and I do hereby declare that the following is a full, clear, and exact description of the same.

This invention has relation to a bitters compound, which may be used as a medicine for the cure of chills and fevers; and it consists of the following ingredients, in the quantities named:

Take of dogwood-bark, wild-cherry bark, cinnamon-bark, calumba-root, gentian-root, orange-peel, nutmegs, cloves, red saunders each one dram, and of alcohol, one gallon; water, one and a half gallon. Mix all together; macerate fourteen days, and filter the preparation, when the medicine will be ready for use.

of two witnesses.

T. B. OWENS.

Witnesses:

T. W. MABERRY, Q. A. ELLIS.

Comanche Bitters

Reference to unlisted Comanche Bitters put out by Thomas B. Owens of Waco, Texas. Advertisements submitted by Corey Stock.

CommancheBittersNotes

Left: Comanche Bitters on hand, T.B. Owens – The Waco Daily Examiner, Sunday, March 29, 1874. Right: T.B. Owens of Waco Arrested, The Dallas Daily Herald, Friday, May 18, 1887.

Richard Turner, Columbia, Texas. January 23, 1872 Patent 122,975 – Improvement in medical compounds or Bitters.

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Richard Turner, Columbia, Texas. January 23, 1872 Patent 122,975 – Improvement in medical compounds or Bitters.

Dr. Richard G. Turner was born in 1839 in Virginia was was the son of Thomas Barnes Turner and Louisa Jane Thorp who were married on November 17, 1829 in Greensville County, Virginia. From there, records show him in Alabama and then off to medical school at Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, University of Louisiana Medical Department in 1860. During the Civil War, Dr. Turner was in the Confederate Matagorda County Caney Mounted Rifles under Capt. Edward S. Rugeley. The muster roll was dated 13 June 1861. He was also a Surgeon in the 35th Texas Cavalry (Brown’s Regiment).

After the war, Turner first located in Matagorda County, but remained there only a short time. Next he moved to Columbia, Brazoria County, where he remained several years. Next he moved to Fort Bend County and was a citizen of Richmond at the time of the troubles between the political factions known as the Jaybirds and Woodpeckers. After that he came to Galveston.

Turner had extensive experience in the treatment of yellow fever and was recognized as an authority. The Mayor of Galveston, in an official report thanked him for the wise handling of a case of yellow fever in a manner that prevented its spread. Turner died on 8 June 1905, in Harris County, Texas and is buried at Columbia Cemetery, in Brazoria County, Texas.

His bitters, according to his patent formula in making a batch, would have used 32-ounces of good whiskey, gentian root, cinchona bark, quassa and cloves. After 14 days of sitting, this concoction was ready for bottling. His bitters in 1872 might have been called Dr. Turners Yellow Fever Bitters.

Dr. R. G. Turner Dead – An Authority on Yellow Fever Passed Away Yesterday at Houston.

Came Here After the War

Was a Resident of Fort Bend County During the Jaybird-Woodpecker Political Troubles.

Special to the News.

Houston, Tex., June 8–This afternoon at 3 o’clock occurred the death of Dr. R. G. Turner, one of the prominent physicians of this city, at the home, No. 7?6 St. Charles street, of his son, V. B. Turner. He had been ill for some time and recently returned from Mineral Wells, whither he went for the curative properties of the water. His daughter, Mrs. Kitchen of Kentucky, his son, V. B., and several friends were at the bedside when he died. Dr. Turner was a native of Alabama, but came here soon after the Civil War. He was then a young man. He first located in Matagorda County, but remained there only a short time. Thence he moved to Columbia, Brazoria County, where he remained several years. Thence he went to Fort Bend County and was a citizen of Richmond at the time of the troubles between the political factions known as the Jaybirds and Woodpeckers. After that he came to this city, which has since been his home.

He has ever commanded the highest respect of all with whom he came in contact. His friends possessed for him the warmest affection. He had extensive experience in the treatment of yellow fever and was recognized as an authority on that malady. The Mayor of this city in an official report thanked him for the wise handling of a case of yellow fever in a manner that prevented its spread. He was for several years surgeon of Dick Dowling Camp, U. C. V., and a detachment of the camp will turn out in the morning to escort the remains to the Columbia train, on which they will be taken to Columbia for burial. He was 66 years old at the time of his death.

Galveston Daily News, June 9, 1905

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

RICHARD G. TURNER, OF COLUMBIA, TEXAS.

Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 122,975, dated January 23, 1872.

bark, four drains; quassia, four drains, cloves, one dram.

When the above articles have been combined in a suitable vessel the compound is allowed to stand for the space of about fourteen days, when it is filtered through muslin or other suitable material, after which it is ready for hottling and use.

This compound is more especially designed as a remedy for miasmatic fevers, but is very valuable in many other diseases and ailments of the human system, as general debility, torpid liver, dyspepsia, constipation, jaundice, and many others. A dose for an adult is about one-half wineglass full about three times a day.

I do not confine myself to the precise proportions nor to the precise mode of preparation, as the proportions as well as the time may be slightly varied without departing from my invention.

Having thus described my invention, I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent-The above medicinal compound, substantially as described, for the purpose set forth.

RICHARD G. TURNER.

Witnesses:

GEO. W. DUFF, Thos. SMITH.

Posted in Bitters, History, Medicines & Cures, Questions | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Author Fiedler and my Boston Hops Bitters

Posted on 3 May 2014 by Ferdinand Meyer V

AFBostonHops

Author Fiedler and my Boston Hops Bitters

03 May 2014

Apple-Touch-IconATwo of my grandkids are with their father this weekend, the third is competing with her horses in some nearby town, my wife is out doing her thing, the weather is perfect, our six dogs are nearby playing and napping and I’m back in the saddle (in town) at Peach Ridge playing with my bottles. Life is good in Texas.

BostonHopBitters_10 I have a couple of bottle boxes that I have not opened simply because I have been away and it is a ritual for me to receive, review and place a new specimen on my shelves. It’s a “moon and stars gotta be in alignment thing”. Feng Shui plays into it too and I even think my old Chinese geomancer compass is pointing in the right direction. A geomancer’s compass was used in China to determine the most auspicious positioning for burial sites or buildings of different sorts. It was also used to select the best times and locations for important events like looking at new bottles. Everything has to be perfect. As I said, no distractions, sunlight has to be great, good music and a glass of vino helps. Even color plays in to my mood, hence the typography color in this post.

GeomancerBH In this case I was just listening to Arthur Fiedler and his Boston Pops while admiring my new and extremely rare, Boston Hops Bitters. Hey, I can still be goofy whether I am alone or not. Anyway here is the bottle description and pictures from Glass Works Auctions.

143. “BOSTON / BOSTON / HOP BITTERS” (inside an American Flag) – “HOP – BITTERS – BITTERS”, (Ring/Ham, B-163.5), Australian, ca. 1870 – 1880, reddish amber semi-cabin, 9 5/8”h, smooth base, applied tapered collar mouth. Cleaned to its original luster but retains some minor ground imperfections. A very rare bottle in an unlisted color!

BostonHopBitters_GWA The Carlyn Ring and Bill Ham listing in the Bitters Bottle Supplement is as follows:

B 163.5  Boston Hop Bitters

BOSTON / HOP BITTERS (in American Flag) // sp // sp // sp // // s // BOSTON // HOP // BITTERS // BITTERS // 9 3/4 x 2 3/4 (6) Square semi cabin, LTC, Applied mouth; Cobalt Blue and Olive green, Extremely rare; Amber, Very rare An Australian bitters.

Looking more closely at bottles is so important as I did not realize or had forgotten that this bottle also came in cobalt blue, olive green and many other colors. Don’t you need three to say you have a color run. Right up my alley. The hunt is on. OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA  BHBGreen

Please visit this wonderful link for more information on Boston Hop Bitters and more information on the blue and green examples.

 

Posted in Advice, Bitters, Collectors & Collections, Color Runs | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Gouley’s Vegetable Bitters – Baltimore

Posted on 2 May 2014 by Ferdinand Meyer V
Louis_H_Gouley

Louis H. Gouley portrait by an unknown artist, estimated to have been painted between 1820 and 1830, when Louis Gouley lived in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. [Original image, courtesy of George Lewis, Severna Park, Maryland. Repaired version by Michael Tormey.]

Gouley’s Vegetable Bitters – Baltimore

Louis Gouley’s Vegetable Medicinal Store

GouleysVegetableBittersLogo

02 May 2014 (R•121814) (R•041815)

Apple-Touch-IconAYep, had to be a Frenchman with that name. I was looking thru some older Baltimore City Directories and was reminded of an advertisement for Louis Gouley’s Vegetable Medicinal Store. It says he made a Gouley’s Vegetable Bitters as you can see in the yellow advertisement below from an 1842 Directory! I also remember a super, Gouley’s Fountain of Health bottle from a past Heckler action. That is also pictured further below.

GouleysVegBitters_1842Balto

Advertisement for Louis Gouley’s Vegetable Medicinal Store. You can see a listing for Gouley’s Vegetable Bitters – 1842 Baltimore City Directory

Louis Henry Gouley was born on 25 August 1790 in Sangvilleux, France. Sangvilleux is today known as Saigneville and is located in the Department of Somme, in the region of Picardy, in northern France. He immigrated to America on 12 November 1817, when he arrived at the port of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. His “Declaration of Intent” to become a U.S. Citizen was dated 20 Sep 1823. There is documentation of his subsequent oath in open court, dated 8 Oct 1827, finalizing his citizenship. While in Philadelphia, Gouley ran a restaurant as evidenced by this newspaper advertisement below for Louis Gouley’s “Exchange Oyster House“, that appeared in the Philadelphia Inquirer on 15 May 1833 (see below). Many of his customers were medical students based on other advertisements so I wonder if this interaction led him to his career in selling medicine?

GouleyTurtleSoup1833

Turtle Soup being served up by L. Gouley at the Exchange Oyster House in Philadelphia – Philadelphia Inquirer, 15 May 1833

I guess making turtle soup was not his destiny and Louis came to Baltimore in 1834 and opened his medicine store at 21 1/2 Balimore street around 1835 and continued until his death on 16 October 1849. The advertisement further below shows that in 1837, he had not started making and marketing his bitters yet as Gouley’s Vegetable Bitters is not mentioned until 1839. The direct picture below represents the time period in discussion.

Baltimore1831Bennett.

William J. Bennett, Baltimore from Federal Hill, painting 1831,

GouleysMedStoreDec1837

Early Gouley’s Vegetable Medicine Store advertisement. No mention of bitters yet. – December 1837, Baltimore Sun

Here is a clipping from the Baltimore Sun on 10 April 1839 that reads:

COMMUNICATED. – I was much pleased in passing along Baltimore street a few days since, to see the great improvements made by Mr. L. Gouley, in the enlargement of his store, No. 21 1/2. It will be remembered by many upon what small scale he commenced operations in this city, some three or four years since, and it is no doubt a source of gratification to his numerous friends, to know that he has been enabled by perseverance and industry, to open one of the handsomest stores in the city. It at the same time goes far to prove that his medicine must be in great demand, and generally used, to authorize him to increase his business to such an extent. The citizens of Baltimore should continue to patronize Mr. G., (especially the ladies) for, in addition to the articles of his own manufacture, he keeps a great many fancy articles, particularly adapted to the ladies’ use. He has also fitted up a private office, where any one willing to consult him in regard to the use of his medicines, can do so with convenience. I would also take this opportunity of calling the attention of the public to a beautiful sign, painted by Mr. Polly, for Mr. Gouley, as an excellent specimen of the beautiful workmanship of our Baltimore artists. – A FRIEND TO MERIT.

MrsLouisGouly

Another clipping from the 27 March 1839 Baltimore Sun dates the bitters to at least 1839:

MR. GOULEY, the well known inventor of the celebrated bitters which are called by his name, has enlarged his establishment by taking the store adjoining his old stand, No. 21 1/2 Baltimore street near Harrison. The establishment is fitted up in a superior manner, and persons wishing a private consultation, will find the accommodation of a handsomely furnished drawing-room.

ToDrGouley

Poem about Louis Gouley’s herbal medicinal products, as appeared in the Baltimore Sun newspaper on 30 April 1839. Note how he is referred to as Dr. Gouley.

Gouleys_The_Sun_Mon__Jul_29__1839_

Gouley’s Vegetable Bitters testimonial advertisement – The (Baltimore) Sun, Monday, July 29, 1839

Louis Gouley was married first to Mary Ann Washington on 23 December 1824 at the Trinity Episcopal Church in Wilmington, Deleware and they had four children, John L., Elizabeth Washington, George Frank and Mary S. Gouley. They were divorced in 1840. His second marriage was to Charlotte Elizabeth Lynch on 8 July 1841 and they also had four children, Louis Edward Napolean, Charles Lafayette, Charlotte Elizabeth Julie and Adelaide Louise Gouley. His second wife Charlotte, and their son, Louis, Jr. (1842-1870) would later carry the torch for a short time for the Gouley medicines after Louis’s death.

FerdinandMeyer1842Balto

Ferdinand Meyer, variety store, 57 Baltimore street – 1842 Baltimore City Directory

What interests me also, is wondering if Louis Gouley knew Ferdinand Meyer? You see, I believe this is the first Meyer in my string and they both had businesses on the same street (Baltimore street) during the same time period. As noted above, Gouley first started at 21 1/2 Baltimore street (see advertisement at top of post) and next moves to 38 Baltimore street (1849-1860). Somewhere in the moves they were also located at 42 Baltimore street and 60 Baltimore street which is apparently embossed on some of his bottles. Ferdinand Meyer was at 57 Baltimore street! Wow, maybe they were friends or drinking buddies! Maybe Ferdinand took some of the Gouley medicines or tried his turtle soup?

Gouley38Baltimore

Later advertisement for Louis Gouley’s Vegetable Medicinal Store with an address of No. 38 Baltimore street. You can still see a listing for Gouley’s Vegetable Bitters – 1842 Baltimore City Directory

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

G 83  GOULEY’S VEGETABLE BITTERS
Baltimore City Directory 1842: L. Gouley’s Vegetable Medicine Store
Newspaper advertisement, 1848
Drug Catalog: 1883 Schieffelin

GouleysBittersCard_Ford

I am aware of no examples of the Gouley’s Vegetable Bitters but here is that great example of the Gouley’s Fountain of Health below.

GouleysHeckler1

“Gouley’s Fountain / Of Health / No. (Fountain) 38 / Baltimore St. / Baltimore” Medicine Bottle, probably Baltimore Glass Works, Baltimore, Maryland, 1840-1860. Cylindrical, aquamarine, applied sloping collared mouth – pontil scar, ht. 9 1/2 inches – Norman C. Heckler & Company

GouleysHeckler2

“Gouley’s Fountain / Of Health / No. (Fountain) 38 / Baltimore St. / Baltimore” Medicine Bottle, probably Baltimore Glass Works, Baltimore, Maryland, 1840-1860. Cylindrical, aquamarine, applied sloping collared mouth – pontil scar, ht. 9 1/2 inches – Norman C. Heckler & Company

Gouleys_The_Sun_Sat__Jun_24__1843_

Gouley’s Fountain of Health advertisement, 26 Baltimore Street – The Sun, Saturday, June 24, 1843

 

Posted in Advertising, Bitters, Druggist & Drugstore, History, Medicines & Cures | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Diamond in the Rough

Posted on 2 May 2014 by Ferdinand Meyer V

SmithsDruid2Lou

Diamond in the Rough

Smith’s Druid Bitters

02 May 2014

HurleyLots

Hello Ferdinand:

You are not going to believe this story, as lady luck has been on my side. I love to dig for bottles as much as the next digger but sometimes you are not in the right part of the country. You see, I live in Florida so I can’t dig too much and know of no other local diggers, so I found another way to dig. What I do is sit behind the computer and dig through all the web pages to try to find the rare GEM just sitting there embedded in the world wide web! Plus all I have to do is lift a finger and I keep my nails clean.

eBayCrescentBlue

I did have a chance to get the cobalt blue Duffy’s Crescent Saloon pig (see picture above) last year on eBay when it was still up for ‘Buy it Now’ but I was at work and thought it was a reproduction for sure, even with the close-up pictures. Oh well, live & learn.

Read: Figural Pig Series | Duffy Crescent Saloon Figural Pig Bottle

KingsHop1

Next it was a rare Kings Hop Bitters (see picture above) from the UK for ‘Buy it Now’ for $13 bucks on eBay. I think there are three known examples in this size. It is rare but did not command a lot of greenbacks. I am glad I now have it.

Read: King’s Hop Bitters added to Florida Collection

I recently found another great gem at an online estate auction in Pennsylvania mixed and hidden with seven other bottles including some reproductions and some fiftys screwtop whiskies. I could not believe what I was looking at, a barrel with a small narrow collar! I knew right away what I was lookong at a B.T. 1865 S.C. Smith’s Druid Bitters! OK, great bottle, so I gave them a call and got transfered three times. They then said they would have to call me back later that evening. So the phone rang, I answered, and it was them! I asked more about the barrel and they confirmed my thoughts as to what it was. I then asked what color it was and she says “green”!! I almost lost my compsure on the phone. I had to ask her the color again to make sure my ears were not playing tricks on me. Same thing, “GREEN”!! Next question, “any chip or cracks?” “No none” was the response!

The was a current $16 bid with a next bid of $18 with five bidders and 11 hours to go! There was no way it could go for that low of a price while sitting only 188 miles from Gore, Virginia and 90 miles from Baltimore, Maryland. Here this famous barrel was sitting in an auction house in Greencastle, Pennsylvania. From the pictures, with the shelf, it looked to be a residence.

Price 1 hour to go current, current bid $50, next bid $55. Final closing price? Well let’s just say I got it for less than a price of an amber one.

See Hurley Action Link.

I heard nothing until Monday and it was longest weekend of my life. I was getting worried. What if UPS got it and broke it? Thoughts like that. My mind was going all over the place. Why no calls from them? As it turns out, they did not know which bottle to send! So they sent a picture with all eight of the numbered lots (see picture below).

SmithsEightBottles

Well, I got the bottle in the mail today, heart pounding like a 4-year old on Christmas day while opening presents. It looks to be green with no amber at all. It also came from the right part of the country where most of the green ones have been found. The condition is near mint and the only thing I see is a 1″ flash on the side of the bottle. I am very happy none-the-less.

Well, it just goes to show you that you can dig for bottles and not even get dirty, wet or tired. I can’t wait for the next treasure to turn up on my screen.

PS… I will be bringing this bottle to the FOHBC National Antique Bottle Show in Lexingtion, Kentucky in August.

Happy Hunting

Lou Holis

SmithsDruid1Lou

SmithsDruid3Lou

SmithsOnLogLouSmithsLog2

Posted in Advice, Auction News, Bitters, Collectors & Collections, Digging and Finding, eBay, Figural Bottles, News | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Peachridge Glass: Mailbox Letters April – June 2014

Posted on 1 May 2014 by Ferdinand Meyer V

www.studiomathewes.com

Apple-Touch-IconAPlease feel free to send any antique bottle or glass questions to ferdinand@peachridgeglass.com. The information will be posted if relevant or of interest to the readers. I will try to answer or wait for another reader to respond. Quality images are very important. Thanks! If you want to see previous questions,go to “Mailbox Letters” in “Categories” on the right column of each page.

Mailbox Letters

April – June 2014

Tom and his Goofus Jar

AmberFoodContainer

Hello Ferd, I just stumbled across the Peachridge website for the first time and can’t get enough.. I’ve been collecting bottles, off and on, for years. My interest actually began when my father would take me bottle digging in New Hampshire. Anyway, I would like to be on the Peachridge mailing list. How do I register? Also . . . I came across this glass jar (or vase) recently in Vermont. I’ve had clear examples, but never an amber. I’d like to know more about it. I believe it was used to sell pickles or some such thing. Regards, Tom, Uxbridge, MA

PRG: Tom, that sure looks like a Goofus Jar. Very collectable and they come in a wide range of colors. Just Google for more info.

Dr. Cloud from Atlanta

CloudsAntimalarialAtlanta

Hi Ferdinand, I love your site, I have been visiting it for quite some time. I am currently wrapping up my MA thesis on medicinal bottles from a series of sites in Atlanta, Georgia. (I will be referencing your site/sources!) In our collection we have a Dr Cloud’s Antimalaria bottle, clear, square base, measuring approximately 14×4.75×4.75cm. The embossing is “DR. CLOUD’S/ANTIMALARIA/ATLANTA GA.” (I have attached a photo, although it isn’t the best quality) I was hoping that perhaps you have seen/heard of it before. I have been unable to locate any references to an Atlanta based Dr Cloud or his “antimalaria” medicine. Any ideas or leads you might have would be greatly appreciated.

Sincerely, David

Eddison’s Fire Grenade

Eddisons 1

Hello, I have one of these bottles. I have been trying to learn about this bottle. The only reference I can find to it is on your website where I see a picture of it. Just wondering what kind of information, if any that you might be willing to share about this bottle. I am interested in how old it might be and the value.

Thank you – John

Possible early American mallet bottles

2Mallets

Hi Ferdinand, I recently purchased, although I don’t even have them in my possession yet, these two mallet bottles. I hope/believe they are early American. Once I have them in my possession I can photograph the pontils etc. but for now I only have these photos. I was hoping to reach out to Stephen Atkinson, as I found husband website, but I couldn’t find any contact info for him. Any advice you could give would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks, Chris P.

PRG: Chris, I sent the requested e-mail address to you.

Tippecanoe/Harrison bottle

TippyCabinQuestion

Hi, I am in the process of doing appraisal research of some old bottles and came across your post about the Tippecanoe/Harrison clear glass log cabin bottle. Unfortunately, I cannot find any other information on this bottle other than what you have. Do you know the best websites for this kind of information? We have 10 other early American bottles we are researching. Would you have any idea what this bottle would be worth today? It is in very good condition. I am attaching a picture. Thank you for your time and in getting back to me. I look forward to hearing from you. Have a wonderful day! – Barbie

PRG: Very desirable and important bottle. This is auction house material.

Buffalo Brewing Company Question

BuffaloBrewingCoPoster

I have been doing research for a friend. Came across this link to you. Wondering if you might suggest a place to sell this or someone that wants this for their collection. It appears to be the top of a wooden beer case with the Buffalo Beer logo including the maiden riding the buffalo printed on the wood. I should have a picture soon. Any help would be appreciated. – Rick

PRG: Would need to see pics Ric.

Read: Buffalo Bayou, Buffalo Beer Tour & Buffalo Brewing Company

Blackish Charleston Eagle Shield Superior soda bottle

BlackCharlestonEagle

Hi Ferdinand – I have this exact bottle, however with a minor chip in the lip. We had some digging done in the back yard and they must have come across another trash heap or privy. We were told the privy was dug out in the 1960s (as were most in the Charleston peninsula) when we bought our house in 1999. Do you think it’s worth auctioning or just selling to an antique auction house? I got an offer (and shipping materials) from Jeff at American Bottle Auction out in CA. I saw your blog post on the eBay price in 2012. Thanks! – Nancy

PRG: Great bottle. Would need to see actual pictures. Update: The bottle will be in the American Glass Gallery September auction.

While Hunting a Home Site here in Virginia

WinfreesFoundSmith

Hello Mr. Ferdinand

I, just this past weekend, while hunting a home site here in Virginia, came across a bottle that I haven’t seen before. So I did a google search of the name of this bottle and of course there isn’t much info except for the link that you had and 2 others. Glad you had put this info out there!! Well it has to do with the H. N. Winfree’s Aromatic Stomach Bitters from Chester, Va. I live in Virginia and grew up in Chesterfield Co. Va. the next County over from Chester and have never heard of this company, till now! Love the info that you have on your page. I was wondering if you would be able to tell me the dates on the W – 135 and to date how many of these bottle have you heard of? I can tell from your post that they are very rare for sure. I’m sending a pic for you to see. This bottle is in GREAT shape too. Also how do I get signed up to your web site ?

Thank you for any more info you may provide.

David

Read: The Winfree’s Bitters Family

Original Label Antique WARNER’S BITTER’S BOTTLE from Charles Gardner collection

WarnersChestnutPlasticHandle

Hello Ferdinand,

This is not one that I’ve ever seen before. Looks real. maybe not? See ebay listing

Abel

I have a Reeds Bitters Bottle

ReedsLLonPink

Hello Ferdinand,

I have a Reeds Bitters Bottle along with many other types of old bottles that were left to myself and my brother when our mom died.She had stated that quite a few of them were worth some money the Reeds Bitters was one of them. Can you steer me in the right direction so I can hopefully find what they’re worth so we can then sell them to people who will value them for what they are?

Thank you for your time,
Dave S.

Read: Reeds Gilt Edge Tonic Clocks

My Favorite Research Site

corning-museum-of-glass-logo

Ferd,

Have noticed lots of people have been asking for help, on various bottle sites, researching and looking for data on particular items, glassworks, etc… Thought I would share my favorite site with you. The Corning Museum….Their research library is absolutely incedible.

Mike in Maine

Late Abbott’s Bitters Mini – safe to drink?

LateAbottsMini

Mr. Meyer,

I came across a small 2 oz bottle of Abbott’s bitters in an antique store in State College, PA over the weekend. It had been opened but still retains maybe 1/2 oz of liquid, along with a decent amount of sediment. For $10, I would have purchased an empty label-less bottle, but as you can see from the attached picture, I did a bit better than that. I know a little about Abbott’s bitters in terms of its importance in early cocktails and found your website and article about Abbott’s while doing some research.

I am looking for guidance on estimating the bottle’s age. I haven’t been able to find another bottle to compare it to online. I’m certain that it is a later bottle, with the latest year on the bottle listed as COPR (copyright?) 1931. I’m specifically wondering if this bottle might have been after the reformulation or before.

I’m also wondering if its generally inadvisable to try and use some of the remaining contents in a drink. However, I have a feeling my curiosity and love for cocktails will have me sampling it regardless.

I look forward to your response,

Chris

PRG: A later bottle for sure. Not sure I would drink it though. Not sure about the reformulation Read: Abbott’s Aromatic Bitters – A Later Bitters with Class

Posted in Bitters, Mailbox Letters, Questions | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Daily Dose | May 2014

Posted on 1 May 2014 by Ferdinand Meyer V

MAY  |  2 0 1 4

Saturday, 31 May 2014

Odd picture of the day. According to Marianne Dow, Charles B. Tripp, the armless man and Eli Bowen, the legless man, riding a tandem. ca. 1890s.

ArmlessLeglessBicycle

Thursday, 29 May 2014

AGG_RoyalItalian#12

Royal Italian Bitters by A.M.F. Gianelli – Montreal post updated with pics of that great, labeled example that sold last night in AGG #12 Auction.

TunnelUGRailroad

Very interesting… Demolition crew accidentally unearths possible Underground Railroad tunnel in Pennsylvania Thanks to Mike Stephano for lead.

Tuesday, 27 May 2014

4Queens

5″ of rain at Peach Ridge last 24 hours. Bit of a surprise at 20% rain. Cleaned up a few posts with new pictures including E. Longs Indian Herb Bitters, Kelly’s Old Cabin Bitters and Dr. Lovegood’s Family Bitters.

Sunday, 25 May 2014

Microsoft Word - B & E July 1998.doc

Sorry, been completing the FOHBC Member Portal with back issues of Bottles and Extras. Indexed 7 or 8 years of articles so far. It is kind of fun looking back at old issues.

FraziersF83envelope

Updated the The California Herb Bitters post with the above envelope. Wish I had it in color or better yes, in my hand.

Thursday, 22 May 2014

s&sMaysville

Hey Ferd,

That Top 25 is exhausting! Stuff I’ve never heard of. Thanks for putting it together, and maybe folks will send you photos of the ones not pictured. Here’s another S & S, my only Kentucky bottle. Periods on the wrong side, even one for the ampersand, which looks like it’s about to fall over backwards, but you gotta love it. Later on, Jimmy (Bray)

Read: Kentucky’s Top 25 Rarest Bottles

Read: Top 25 Kentucky’s Rarest Bitters Bottles

s&sMaysville1

Unusual Dewey’s Manilla Bitters Mug

Dewey'sManillaRick

This piece is from the private collection of Judy Milner, wife of Martin Milner. From the administrator of their “downsizing” sale. See another one at 2012 Houston Bottle Show.

Wednesday, 21 May 2014

Jim&JoyceRogers

Sorry to hear about Jim Rogers passing. Did not really know Jim & Joyce but certainly know of them. Picture above of Jim and Joyce Rogers receiving their special Life Achievement award at the FOHBC 2013 National Antique Bottle Show in Manchester, New Hampshire. Need someone to write a piece on this couple and Jim.

Top 25 Kentucky Rarest Bottles post updated with more images last night.

Someone on Facebook said they love the cobalt blue Duffy’s pic (see below) much more than say an Anna Pottery pic. It is all in the photography. Read: A Stunning Pen of Pigs from Glass Works Auctions and Elsewhere

Post Updates:

Barrel Series – Crow’s Celebrated Tonic Bitters

Crescent Bitters from Crescent City

Barrel Series – Favorite Bitters & Peoples Favorite Bitters

Log Cabin Series – American Life Bitters

Dr. Atherton’s Dew Drop Bitters

Is the Best Bitters in America the Best Bitters in America?

Tuesday, 20 May 2014

 

125GW100_DuffyBluePig

Putting up two (2) different lists on the Top 25 Kentucky Bottles and Top 25 Kentucky Bitters (In Progress).

Updated Poor Man’s Bitters post. Think I won those two framed bitters signs last night. I have like 25 or so to hang at Peachridge.

Monday, 19 May 2014

GrecianBendArt

Updated quite a few posts yesterday with original bottle imagery from Bitters Bottles Supplement as I now have files from Bill Ham. This includes:

The Grecian Bend and Carey’s Grecian Bend Bitters (see both examples)

Lady’s Leg Series – Zingari Bitters (gasoline puce example)

Two Sexy Ladies – Cassin’s Grape Brandy Bitters (amber example)

The old but sexy, Brown & Drake Catawba Bitters lady’s leg (Ham Example)

Log Cabin Series – Drake’s Plantation Bitters (Pregnant Drakes)

John Panella and his special Dr. DeGurley’s Herb Bitters (green example)

Saturday Evening, 17 May 2014

ZingariBitters_Heckler110

Zingari Bitters post updated with labeled example from Heckler Auction 110.

HeliPRG

[Saturday 6:06 pm] You know, sometimes here at Peach Ridge, when I do my work at the computer, it is quiet, the dogs are sleeping at my feet and the wife and grandkids are off doing their thing. For the past five or so hours I have been dealing with low flying, house hovering and circling helicopters, gun shots, K-9 teams and squads of camouflaged, fully vested, assault rifle toting, Sherriff and State Trooper teams staging, combing the property and going through the woods that surround our property. My six dogs are on full alert as we hunker down and guard Peach Ridge against the setting sun. Their tactical team freaked me out when me and my dog team (including Buster my Weiner dog) took to the woods to look for this boogie man that they are looking for. We crossed paths. That was a surprise. They told me to go back to the house as they held back their dogs which were as quiet and menacing as possible. Seemed like a good idea. Stay tuned. I sit here with binoculars watching the tree line.

At approximately 12:51 hours, the Waller County Sheriff’s Office received a call in reference to a burglary in progress. Officer arrived on location and observed 2 individuals inside the residence. A black female was apprehended and a black male, Charles Williams, Jr. (pictured below), 38 years old, approximately 5’10”, 216 pounds, fled the scene. Subject was last seen in the area of Peachridge Rd. and FM 1489 south of the City of Brookshire, wearing a white shirt, blue jeans, and should be considered armed and dangerous. Do not attempt to make contact with the individual if located. Contact the Waller County Sheriff’s Office at (979) 826-8282 or 911. CodeRed was launched for the affected area.

Saturday, 17 May 2014

Will the person who sent me the e-mail on Dewey’s Manilla Bitters please resend. I accidentally purged email in Spam clean maneuver.

GI-51_Wichmann

Ferd – Wanted to share this GI-51 flask with you. We just picked it up along with some others. Jeff (Wichmann) Visit American Bottle Auctions 

Friday, 16 May 2014

We need a person to fill the FOHBC Public Relations position. Pam Selenak will be vacating as she fills the Convention Director position. LMK!

FishBitters_Aqua

I love this picture of probably the only known example of an aqua Fish Bitters. From Ed Gray.

Thursday, 15 May 2014

B&ECover_JulyAugust_Lincoln_crop

Sorry, been knee deep in alligators. Extraordinarily busy with work, the FOHBC, the Lexington National and all the side stuff. Completed the cover design for the July August issue of Bottles and Extras. This is young to be a great issue with three bottle and ephemera related Civil War articles.

Congratulations are in order for Dave Lambert who won the Doctor John Russ Wormwood Bitters on ebay. I talked with Dave. Great guy who is passionate about his bitters. See pictures of bottle below.

OldPricePlace

Price’s Patent Texas Tonic post update with new material from Brandon DeWolfe.

Price’s Patent Texas Tonic, Republic of Texas Bottle

This bottle makes a return visit to Lexington at the FOHBC National! This fantastic pontilled medicine was discovered in a privy in Lexington in 1987. This extremely rare bottle has traveled thousands of miles though multiple owners since it was found 27 years ago. Get a look at this gem on display at the show.

Friday, 09 May 2014

ChooChooARTx4

Sorry, been traveling all week. Back at Peachridge today swamped with things to do for FMG, the FOHBC and PRG. Thought I would give you a sneak preview of the art for the 2015 National Antique Bottle Show. Contracts will be handed out at Lexington.

Post Update: Why can’t we find any information on Burnham’s Jaundice Bitters?

Tuesday, 06 May 2014

RussWormwoodStomachBitters

W.C., what do you think about that Doctor John Russ Wormwood Stomach Bitters on ebay? One bad mofo. Bil has given it the following listing:

W 162.7 DOCTOR JOHN RUSS // sp // WORMWOOD / STOMACH BITTERS // sp //
10 ¼ x 2 3/4
Square semi-cabin, Amber. LTC, Applied mouth, Extremely rare
Found in Iowa

Sunday, 04 May 2014

BHBGreen

Really pleased with my new red amber Boston Hops Bitters. No hesitation with it being an Australian bitters. With the name “Boston’ and the American flag, it fits right in. Now I just need to watch the Australian auctions for more examples.

Saturday, 03 May 2014

B_Mishlers_1867BaltoCityDir

Small advertisement for Dr. Benjamin Mishler’s Medicinal Herb Bitters found in 1867 Baltimore City Directory. 

Read More: Mishler’s Herb Bitters Advertising Wall Clock *Post updated with more bottle examples and advertising trade cards from Joe Gourd.

Read More: Mishler’s Keystone Bitters – Stencil and Bottle *Post updated with two rare advertising trade cards from Joe Gourd.

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

Friday, 02 May 2014

ViewBalto

View of Baltimore – William H. Bartlett

Holy moses. Amazing the Lou Holis find of the green Smiths Druid Bitters. Wish I could find an example of the Gouley’s Vegetable Bitters! Had fun visiting early Baltimore.

www.studiomathewes.comMailbox updated.

Thursday, 01 May 2014

BittersStump

Here is one to stump you…. it has been my magical mystery shard for 25 years. – James Viguerie

NiagaraGreenStecher

[Jack Stecher] “You never know what shows up at the Rochester show. Fortunately, I had “first look”. Unfortunately, it has a long crack extending down one seam from the shoulder. But, what a color! Yes, it made my day. Don’t believe it was dug; probably from a barn? as it had some sticky inside residue and dirt. I just carefully washed it out and this is result. S-182 Niagara Star Bitters.”

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

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