Tracking the Botanic Iron Tonic Bitters – Botanic Medicine Company

Posted on 7 December 2013 by Ferdinand Meyer V

Botanic Iron Tonic Bitters trade card front – Joe Gourd Collection

Tracking the Botanic Iron Tonic Bitters – Botanic Medicine Company

07 December 2013

Well, Joe Gourd has done it again with an e-mail containing a trade card showing three cats playing for an unlisted Botanic Iron Tonic Bitters – Botanic Medicine Company with a Fort Worth, Texas indication. Joe says:

Ferd, Here is another mystery for you. It happens to be an unlisted and potentially Texas bitters. “Botanic Iron Tonic Bitters” was manufactured by the Botanic Medicine Co., H. W. Williams & Co., Sole Agents, Fort Worth, Tex. (note that it does not say that the Botanic Medicine Co. is a Texas company). You can see that it was also distributed in Texas by the druggist named on the front of the card.

Your mission (if you choose to accept it) is to track down the Botanic Medicine Co. and prove that it existed in Texas. 🙂

Have a great day…….. Joe

Botanic Iron Tonic Bitters trade card back- Joe Gourd Collection

I have accepted the mission. Let’s look at some clues.

BOTANIC IRON TONIC BITTERS

B. I. T. B.

A GREAT REMEDY FOR

Loss of Appetite, General Debility, Nervous Prostration, etc., etc.

Botanic Iron Tonic Bitters

Online searches in the cities of Sherman, and then Fort Worth, and then Texas, and then the surrounding region, and then the United States pull up no obvious hits for Botanic Iron Tonic Bitters. Some interesting similar listings can be found for a Dr. Gray’s Tonic Bitters, Central Botanical Company, Cherry Creek, NY, Botanic Bitters, F. E. Mayhew & Co,., San Francisco, Cal., Botanic Aromatic Bitters, New York City, and a few other Botanic Bitters references without other information. Dead end here, at least for now.

Botanic Medicine Company

This is kind of a dead end too because I find page after page of botanic and herbal medicine links for new age wellness etc.

H. W. Williams & Co., Sole Agents, Fort Worth Texas

H. W. Williams & Co., Importers & Wholesale Druggists, Fort Worth, Texas letterhead graphics

Now, finally we are on to something. I find a little bit of information here about Henry W. Williams, Sr. (1838 – 1925) who was a native of Georgia who moved to Sherman, Texas in 1873 where he established his drug store in 1874. His wife died in 1880, leaving him with a son, Henry Williams, Jr.

Both father and son relocated in 1884 to Fort Worth, where the elder Williams opened a wholesale drug business. Besides being a druggist and importer, he sold other items like cigars, druggists’ sundries and manufacturers proprietary articles. Directory listings show his address at 305-315 W. 15th Street near Throckmorton. He also served as vice president of Farmers and Merchants National Bank.

This company letterhead pictured below also notes a Charles S. Williams. Charles is listed in Forth Worth directories in the same time period with Henry Williams. I wonder if Charles is the link to their New York office on 99 Maiden Lane? You can also see this on the letterhead. Unfortunately, I can find no additional corresponding information for Botanic Iron Tonic Bitters or Botanic Medicine Company to support the trade card and confirm that this is a Texas bitters. I would say there is a very high probability.

H. W. Williams & Co., Importers & Wholesale Druggists, Fort Worth, Texas letterhead, October 13, 1890 – ebay

H. W. Williams & Co., monogram

The 99 Maiden Lane, New York Connection

The mysterious 99 Maiden Lane copy on the above letterhead could be a clue as it takes us back to the heart of historic merchant retail in New York City. Maybe the Botanic Iron Tonic Bitters came from here and was shipped to Fort Worth? It is really interesting to enlarge the below picture and try to find a sign relating to H. W. Williams, Botanic Iron Tonic Bitters or Botanic Medicine Company. Remember, I did find a listing for a Botanic Aromatic Bitters in New York City as noted further above.

Looking up Broadway from the corner of Maiden Lane (at right) c1885-87

Maiden Lane is an east-west street in the Financial District of the New York City borough of Manhattan. Its eastern terminus is at South Street, near the South Street Seaport. It continues west, terminating at Broadway, near the World Trade Center site.

The street received its name in New Amsterdam, as Maagde Paatje, a “footpath used by lovers along a rippling brook”, a “pebbly brook” that ran from Nassau Street to the East River where wives and daughters washed linen.

In September 1732, a company of professional actors arrived from London and took an upstairs room near the junction of Pearl Street which was fitted up with a platform stage, and marked the origin of professional theater in New York; by the time the company was disbanded in 1734, their building was known as the Play House.

In the Spring of 1790, Thomas Jefferson rented a house at 57 Maiden Lane when he moved to New York to serve as the Secretary of State under George Washington.
Maiden Lane was a street of shops by the end of the 18th century, even before the new fashion for multi-paned shop windows caught on in the city. In 1827 the skylit New York Arcade, banking on the fashionable success of London’s Burlington Arcade (1819), spanned the block between Maiden Lane and John Street east of Broadway with forty smart shops; “it had not the success that had been anticipated,” Charles Haynes Haswell recalled, “and survived but a few years”. Maiden Lane was soon one of the first city streets to be lit with gas lamps.

One of the handful of mid-19th century commercial structures still standing in the Financial District, is the building 90-94 Maiden Lane, built for Roosevelt & Son, with a cast-iron front (attributed to Charles Wright, 1870–71) by Daniel D. Badger. Until the early 20th century Maiden Lane was the center of the jewelry district, which relocated on West 47th Street. At Broadway, the bronze and glass clock embedded in the sidewalk by William Barthman Jewelers still keeps time; in 1946 the New York police department estimated that it was walked on by 51,000 people every weekday between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. [parts from Wikipedia]

T. R. Legett, Druggist, Sherman, Texas (stamped in purple on front of trade card)

This is a tough one too. Henry W. Williams started out in Sherman, Texas so there is a connection. Thomas R. Legett was a druggist who owned a drug store in Sherman, Texas. He was born around 1864 in Arkansas and according to 1900 and 1910 Federal Census reports. His fathers birthplace was South Carolina, His mother was born in Alabama. He was married to Alice Herring on 11 September 1881. In his early life, he was a preacher as reported in the 1880 Federal Census. In another listing the settlement of Christoval began in the 1860s and increased in the 1870s and 1880s following the establishment of Fort Concho in nearby San Angelo. The town of Christoval began to develop by 1885. The South Concho Baptist congregation was organized in 1889 with four charter members. The Rev. T. R. Leggett served as first pastor at the Christoval Baptist Church.

Why it may have been tough to sell Botanic Iron Tonic Bitters in Fort Worth

Stiff laws for Bitters in Fort Worth – Laws Passed by the Legislature of the State of Texas, 1907

Posted in Advertising, Bitters, Druggist & Drugstore, History, Medicines & Cures, Questions, Remedy, Tonics, Trade Cards | Tagged bitters, Botanic, Christoval, Fort, Gourd, Henry, iron, lane, Legett, Maiden, Medicine, Remedy, Sherman, texas, Tonic, Williams, Worth | 1 Comment

Key West Revisited – Another Quest to Dive For Bottles | Layers

Posted on 6 December 2013 by Ferdinand Meyer V

Key West Revisited – Another Quest to Dive For Bottles | Bottles and Extras Cover Layers

Covers for the last nine issues of Bottles and Extras, the flagship magazine of the Federation of Historical Bottle Collectors

06 December 2013

I thought I would give those interested, a peak at the January | February 2014 issue of Bottles and Extras. The issue has exciting articles like Duroy and the Ohio Wine War, Highland Bitters and/or Scotch Tonic, American and World Antique Advertising Pot Lids – A brief history, The Case of the Missing Case, 2014 Lexington National News, War Slogan Milk Bottles – Featuring the Collection of Paul Irby and The Animal Cure that Changed Bottle Collecting. There is also a feature article called Key West Revisited – Another Quest to Dive for Bottles from Pam Selenak. Her article inspired this issues cover design which I have broken down into layers below. Kind of fun. We need a blue cover too.

The January |February 2014 issue is with the printer in Missouri and you can look forward to the following:

Bottles and Extras

Vol. 25 No. 1 | January – February 2014 | No. 211

Features: Duroy and the Ohio Wine War Jack Sullivan 12 Highland Bitters and/or Scotch Tonic Gene Bradberry 20 American and World Antique Advertising Pot Lids – A brief history Greg Dean 26 The Case of the Missing Case Gary Beatty 32 2014 Lexington National News Ferdinand Meyer V 38 War Slogan Milk Bottles – Featuring the Collection of Paul Irby Alan DeMaison 42 Key West Revisited – Another Quest to Dive for Bottles Pam Selenak 48 The Animal Cure that Changed Bottle Collecting Michael Seeliger 56

Vignettes: 2014-2016 FOHBC Elections 19

Departments: FOHBC Officer Listing 2012-2014 2 President’s Message 3 FOHBC News 6 Who Do I Contact at the FOHBC? 63 Classified Ads & Ad Rate Info 64 Membership Directory 66 FOHBC Show-Biz, Show Calendar Listings 67 Membership Application 72

Become a member of the FOHBC

Original Images

Background Image @ 100%

Layer #1 – Bottles @ 80% Saturation

Layer #2 – Coral @ 37% Saturation

Layer #3 – Photograph from Diving Boat @ 45% Saturation

Layer #4 – Diver Photo @ 45% Saturation

Layer #5 – Graphics and Typography

Final Cover

Posted in Art & Architecture, Article Publications, Bottles and Extras, Diving, News, Photography | Tagged bottles, design, Extras, February, fohbc, January, Key West, photography, Selenak | Leave a comment

Dr. D. B. Wiggins had a Tonic Bitters in Buffalo, New York

Posted on 5 December 2013 by Ferdinand Meyer V

Dr. D. B. Wiggins had a Tonic Bitters in Buffalo, New York

A Puzzle that will Puzzle you.

05 December 2013 (R•091919)

There are a number a puzzle’s here, like the puzzle on this extremely rare, 1883 trade card provided by Joe Gourd (Chicago, Illinois). You place black and white buttons on the trade card stars as directed and move the buttons around to solve the puzzle. The second puzzle is an unlisted bitters noted on the back of the trade card, this being the Wiggins’ Tonic Bitters from Buffalo, New York making the scene for the first time. The third puzzle is, how can this botanic physician, Dr. D. B. Wiggins, use his initials, “D”and “B” his entire career? I mean, was his name Dee Bee? As a tot at school, was he D. B? As we know, using initials back then was not uncommon at all, it usually takes just a little time to track down the full name. In this case, all I can find are initials for his first and middle name. All these puzzles…

Here is the new listing in Bitters Bottles Supplement 2.

Trade card
W 108.7 DR. WIGGINS TONIC BITTERS, A Puzzle that will Puzzle you. Stars and buttons promotional game. Dr. Wiggins’ Family Medicines. Copyrighted Sept. 28, 1883 by C. C. Knowlton, Buffalo, N. Y. Reverse: Dr. Wiggin’s Worm Powder, Honey Cough Balsam, Rheumatic Drops, Tonic Bitters, Compound Sarsaparilla Syrup, Stomach and Liver Pills, Anti-Bilious Pills. Dr. D. B. Wiggins’, 50 E. Seneca St. Buffalo, N. Y.

Front – Dr. D. B. Wiggin’s Trade Card – Buffalo, NY – Joe Gourd Collection

Back – Dr. D. B. Wiggin’s Trade Card – Buffalo, NY – Joe Gourd Collection

This has been a ‘Wiggins Week’ so far as I started off researching the extremely rare J T Wigging Gentian Bitters. When Joe Gourd sent in the Dr. D. B. Wiggins trade card, we had our second, unrelated Wiggins. Now I also see that a bitters manufacturer and dealer called C. P. Wiggins & Bros in St. Louis were dealing in Brady’s Family Bitters. Save that one for later.

Dr. D. B. Wiggins

Dr. D. B. Wiggins was a leading physician, botanic druggist and specialist located at 50 E. Seneca Street in the Buffalo, New York. His career spanned 45 years or so starting in 1849 when he establislied his first business located at the corner of Niagara and Eagle Streets, from which he then moved to 440 Main Street, and finally to East Seneca Street, two doors east of the post-office. He had stately residence called ‘Edgewood’ located in West Seneca, New York (pictured below).

Edgewood – Residence of Dr. D. B. Wiggins, West Seneca, N.Y. Look at the passing trains in the background – Digital Collections, New York Public Library

Dr. Wiggins was a native of Vermont, and a graduate of the Physio-Medical College of Cincinnati from which he received his diploma in 1846. He was also a member of The Western New York Medical Association, and in 1858-9, occupied the chair of Anatomy and Physiology at the above college.

His Seneca address comprised an office for use with his visiting patients and a handsomely fitted up drug store where he kept all his well-known remedies such as Dr. Wiggins’ Tonic Bitters, Kidney Tea, Worm Powder, Honey Cough Balsam, Rheumatic Drops, Compound Sarsaparilla Drops, Stomach and Liver Pills and Anti-Bilious Pills.

Dr. Wiggins’ Kidney Tea and Tonic Bitters Advertisement – The Free Thought Magazine, H.L. Green, 1894

Discarding the time-worn theories of old school medicine, D.B. advocated the use of botanical medicines. He devoted all his time and energies to the dissemination of the fruits of his scientific studies and researches and the preparations for the use of the public of such remedies as have only botanical properties for a basis.

Dr. Wiggins selling his Drug Store, The Medical Brief, 1893. This was right before he retired.

In 1893, there are a number of advertisements that note that his botanic drug store is for sale. D. B. finally wants to retire.

And last, one more puzzle. Will we ever find a bottle embossed or labeled Dr. D. B. Wiggins’ Tonic Bitters? This would be highly unlikely. It was probably a labeled bottle meaning that bottles are in collections, we just don’t know what they contained because the labels have long since been removed from the bottles. Some times these trade cards and advertisements are all we have to go on. Who knows, maybe one will show up. Wouldn’t that be exciting? Might even have his full name on it. Now I have to go back and solve this button thing.

Reference: Illustrated Buffalo – Queen City of the Lakes

Posted in Advertising, Bitters, Druggist & Drugstore, Ephemera, History, Medicines & Cures, Questions, Tonics, Trade Cards | Tagged bitters, Botanic, Buffalo, Doctor, Druggist & Drugstore, Gourd, New York, puzzle, Seneca, Tonic, Wiggins | Leave a comment

Is there really a Swindle’s Texarkana Bitters?

Posted on 4 December 2013 by Ferdinand Meyer V

Is there really a Swindle’s Texarkana Bitters?

04 December 2013 (120713•Major update at bottom of post)

State Line marker sign at the U.S. Courthouse & Post Office in Texarkana, the only Federal facility which straddles two state lines.

TEXas, ARKansas, and nearby LouisiANA

Is there really a Swindle’s Texarkana Bitters? Is somebody pulling our leg here? And a man named Swindle selling this concoction? It reminds me of the old Three Stooges episode where they visited some lawyers. The sign on the door read, “Dewey, Cheatem & Howe”. Yuk Yuk.

Texarkana was founded in 1873 on the junction of two railroads. The name is a portmanteau of TEXas, ARKansas, and nearby LouisiANA. There are three stories on how this name was derived.

One tradition tells of a Red River steamboat named the Texarkana which plied the water of the Red River as early as 1860.

Another story mentions a storekeeper in 1869 named Swindle who ran a general store in Red Land, Bossier Parish, Louisiana who concocted a medicinal drink called “Texarkana Bitters“.

A third account, and most popular, claims that when the St. Louis, Iron Mountain and Southern Railroad was building its line through the area, Col. Gus Knobel, who made the survey, coined the name and erected a large sign at the site. He allegedly painted “TEX-ARK-ANA” on a plank and nailed it to a tree, saying, “This is the name of a town which is to be built here.”

1888 Map of Texarkana

In 1876, Texarkana, Texas, was granted a charter under an act of the Texas legislature, and a Texarkana, Texas, post office operated from 1886 to 1892. Later, Congressman John Morris Sheppard secured a postal order officially changing the name to “Texarkana, Arkansas-Texas”

Typically, Scott Joplin joined the spastic circle of musicians spilling out into the dirt road in front of 618 Hazel Street. He played alongside Swindle, the fast talking singer from Plain Dealing, Louisiana who sold “Texarkana Bitters” to the colored folks in town, and with Professor Johnson, a music teacher, barber, real estate investor, and widely respected shaman in both Miller and Bowie Counties.

Railroads were quick to see the possibilities of this vast area, and in the late 1850s the builders of the Cairo and Fulton Railroad were pushing their line steadily across Arkansas. By 1874, they had crossed the Red River and had reached the Texas state line. Between February 16 and March 19, 1874, trains ran between the Texas border and Red River, whence passengers and freight were ferried to Fulton to continue by rail. The Red River Bridge opened on March 20, 1874, and since then trains have run directly from Texarkana to St. Louis.

“I … commenced selling the bitters on Main Street.” – from The Gentle Grafter, by O. Henry, Illustrated by H. C. Greening and May Wilson Preston

There was keen rivalry between the 1870s railroad builders. The Texas and Pacific reached across Texas to the Arkansas state line. The border was the logical place for the different railways to connect. On December 8, 1873, the Texas and Pacific Railroad sold the first town lots for the future city. First to buy was J. W. Davis, who purchased the land where today’s Hotel McCartney now stands, opposite Union Station.

Miller County is probably the only county in the United States which was abolished, only to be reestablished later. Miller County was formed in 1820 to honor James Miller who was Arkansas’ first governor. Miller County was formed with a large degree of uncertainty as to the location of the line dividing the county and the Mexican boundary. Consequently, settlers felt that Arkansas levied and collected taxes on land which eventually might be held by Mexico. Moreover, many who resented the oppression of Texans by the Mexicans were openly declaring allegiance to the Texans.

“They began to cuss, amiable, and throw down dollars.” – from The Gentle Grafter, by O. Henry, Illustrated by H. C. Greening and May Wilson Preston

This led to general unrest, and after the Texas Republic was created, it grew worse. So, in 1838, Governor James Conway proposed that the “easiest and most effective remedy is the abolition of Miller County to an area which is more patriotic.” From that year until 1874, it was a part of Lafayette County. Its re-establishment sprung only from the sale of town lots in Texarkana in 1873. Efforts of the young town to be incorporated were not realized until October 17, 1880, nearly seven years after Texarkana, Texas (June 12, 1874) was formed. December 8, 1873, is generally recognized by both cities as the date of organization. [Wikipedia and other sources]

So is there really a Swindle’s Texarkana Bitters? I doubt it. But I am looking!

There is a Texarkana Bitters!

07 December 2013

Ferdinand, Hello again, my name is Wayne Loschen and I sent you the picture of the Malakoff Bitters from New Orleans a while back. I have a little info on the Texarkana Bitters you wrote the article on yesterday. I have an actual receipt or bill of sale from the store in Redland you referenced. At the moment it is on display at the Spring Street Museum in Shreveport, where my son is director. He is going to take a photo of the receipt and will try to get it to you.

The receipt dates from around 1871 and it states at the top of the letterhead that Swindle, Crawford Co. is the sole proprietor of the celebrated Texarkana Bitters, Louisiana Cough Balm, and Talbots Horse Liniment. I believe this was probably a backroom concoction and was put up with a plain bottle and paper label. So your question is answered, there was a Texarkana Bitters. I live around 10 miles from Redland and have always dreamed of finding that bottle, but there are no signs of the old store anywhere to be found.

Your fellow collector,

Wayne

Dear Sir,

Here is the sales receipt from Swindle’s store dated, April 17^th 1875 from Redland Louisiana. I have it on display at the Spring Street Historical Museum in Shreveport. I’m sure you know that Redland is an old ghost town just east of Plain Dealing. I hope this answers your question.

Regards,

Marty Loschen, Spring Street Director, Museum Division

I have taken the liberty to look further at this wonderful information provided by Wayne and Marty Loschen related to the April 17, 1875 Swindle, Crawford and Company receipt from Red Land, Louisiana that is held by the Spring Street Historical Museum in Shreveport, Louisiana. I have isolated the graphics and clearly see the Celebrated Texarkana Bitters product name along with Talbot’s Horse Liniment, Louisiana Cough Balm and Southern Chill Cure. I also see three persons listed on the receipt; J. J. Swindle, J. B. Crawford and Wilson Covington.

“the receipt was given to me back in the 70’s by the great niece of the man whose name is on the receipt. Timothy Okley died in 1911 and is buried in a small country cemetery not far from my house here in Springhill”

Wayne Loschen

Detail from invoice noting the elusive Celebrated Texarkana Bitters from Swindle, Crawford and Co. – Spring Street Historical Museum

Swindle, Crawford and Co. invoice header – Spring Street Historical Museum

Swindle, Crawford and Company – J. J. Swindle, J. B. Crawford and Wilson Covington – Red Land, Louisiana

Red Land, now an old ghost town just east of Plain Dealing, was organized in 1856, and Chartered 10 February 1857 and located within Bossier Parish, Louisiana.

John Jones Swindle, partner, Swindle, Crawford and Company, was Caleb Swindles son. Caleb Swindle was born on September 20, 1800 in North Carolina. He resided in 1842 in Red Land, Bossier Parrish, Louisiana. He died on January 15, 1880 in Bossier Parrish, Louisiana. Caleb had eight children with four wives. John Jones Swindle was born on April 25, 1840 and died in 1897. J. J. Swindle had 9 children. In May, 1862, J. J. Swindle joined the Bosier Cavalry. He was married to Mattie E. Eden on January 1, 1861. He was also married later to Mary Graham.

J. B. Crawford, partner, Swindle, Crawford and Company, was born about 1838 in Alabama. His wife was named Elizabeth Holloway. He is mentioned in several instances in Court Documents as being in attendance at family meetings in regards to minor children, in 1879.

Wiliam Wilson Covington, partner, Swindle, Crawford and Company, was born in Tippah County, North Carolina on March 1, 1832, and was as son of Miles and Margaret (Weeks) Covington. They came to Bossier Parish, Louisiana in 1841, locating near Red Land. When Wilson was 21 years he began farming, like his father before him, and had a good farm of 380 acres that had a considerable portion under cultivation and was well improved with excellent buildings. He raised stock but specialized in cotton and corn. In March 1862, he joined the Company C, 6th Louisiana Cavalry C.S.A., “Bossier Cavalry” and was a Proud Confederate Soldier (inscribed on his grave marker) and remained there until the end of the Civil War. In May 1865, he left the command at Alexandria, Louisiana and came home, and here, in 1870, opened a dry goods store at Red Land, being a member of the firm of Swindle, Crawford & Co.. This firm was afterward dissolved, and Mr. Covington and Mr. Crawford became associated in business for another five years. Mr. Covington died on May 24, 1895.

Posted in Bitters, History, Humor - Lighter Side, Museums, Questions | Tagged Arkansas, bitters, Cheatem, Covington, Crawford, Dewey, Howe, Land, line, Loschen, Louisiana, Okley, Railroad, Red, state, swindle, Texarkana, texas | Leave a comment

Are the J.T. Wiggins Gentian Bitters and Dr. Goddin’s Compound Gentian Bitters related?

Posted on 3 December 2013 by Ferdinand Meyer V

Are the J.T. Wiggins Gentian Bitters and Dr. Goddin’s Compound Gentian Bitters related?

03 December 2013 (R•120813 – J T Wiggins info update) (R•120813 – Embossing Comprison) (R•120813 – JT Higgins Pure Herb Bitter added) (R•012414 – Glass Works Auctions 3rd Example appearance) (R•032019)

A good number of us bitters collectors are aware of the extremely rare, Dr. Goddin’s Compound Gentian Bitters from Richmond, Virginia. There are two variants and they are both aqua, square and very architectural in design with fluted vertical ribs and a gorgeous geometric sculpted shoulder. Variant 1 (G 52) has Richmond, Va embossed on the bottle and the other variant (G 51) is without this Richmond copy and an abbreviated ‘Compound’. I am fortunate to have both examples in my collection (pictured below). Jeff Burkhard has an example (without Richmond) and I believe another midwest collector has an example with the Richmond copy. I suppose there are others but I have not had the opportunity to see.

What many bitters collectors may not know, is that there is an almost identical bottle in amber, embossed J T Wiggins Gentian Bitters. This is the story of the two brands, or at least part of the story where I try to answer the question “are they related?”

Dr. Goodin’s Compound Gentian Bitters

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

G 51 DR. GODDIN’S COMP GENTIAN BITTERS

DR. GODDIN’S / COMP GENTIAN BITTERS // 3 vertical ribs /
f // 3 vertical ribs //
9 5/8 x 3 (7 1/8) 1/2
Square, Aqua, LTC, Applied mouth, Extremely rare

G 52 DR. GODDIN’S COMPOUND GENTIAN BITTERS

DR GODDIN’S / COMPOUND / GENTIAN BITTERS / RICHMOND. VA. // three vertical ribs // f // 3 vertical ribs //
9 5/8 x 3 (7 1/8) 1/2
Fancy square, Aqua, LTC, Applied mouth, Extremely rare
Compound abbreviated on the G.51 variant. G 52 has Richmond, Va. embossing.

G 51: Dr. Goddin’s Comp Gentian Bitters (without Richmond, Va) – Meyer Collection

G 52: Dr. Goddin’s Compound Gentian Bitters (with Richmond Va) – Meyer Collection

Amber THE GREAT DR GODDIN’S COMPOUND GENTIAN BITTERS, AMERICAN TONIC with back embossed M.A.M. GODDIN M.D., RICHMOND, VA.. Despite it’s missing neck, still an impressive bitters that is listed in the Ring/Ham Bitters book as extremely rare in aqua and unknown in this amber color. The amber is an oval shape, which differs from the square shape of the aqua. – Ronald Hinsley (from antique bottles.com, February 2003, Reggie Lynch)

Reverend Norman Avery Harwood Goddin ‘aka’ Dr. Goddin

b. 1828, Death: Apr. 7, 1892, Norfolk City, Virginia

Excerpt: In 1855, 18-year old Ellen married 27-year old Rev. Norman Avery Harwood Goodin of Henrico Co, Virginia, youngest son of Capt. John O. Goddin and Roxana Ford. Her husband, N.A.H. Goodin was at that time a Methodist minister in Enfield, and shortly after their marriage they removed to Wilson, North Carolina (where her brother Alpheus P. Branch, of BB&T Bank fame, had settled). Here they would become parents to two known children: James W. Goddin (1857-aft 1880), and Ida Goddin, who died in infancy about 1859.

When the Civil War broke out, her husband enlisted and was commissioned Captain with Company G. of the North Carolina 5th. The 5th North Carolina Infantry Regiment was organized at Halifax, North Carolina in July 1861. Ordered to Virginia and joined with General Longstreet when they arrived at Manassas on July 19th, 1861, and fought in the Battle of First Manassas. It later was brigaded under Generals: Early, Garland, Iverson and R. D. Johnston. It served in the Army of Northern Virginia in the campaigns from Williamsburg (1862) to Cold Harbor (June 1864); and served under General Early during the Shenandoah campaign in August 1864, later Petersburg and Appomattox campaigns.

In 1861, Ellen took sick and her husband resigned his commission on August 17, 1861 to return to her side. She lasted but a few months, and died on December 4, 1861. She was only 24 years old. She is buried here with her infant child, Ada, and memorialized on the same monument erected for her brother, Alpheus P. Branch.

After Ellen’s death, her husband returned to Enfield where he would later marry Ellen’s older sister in 1862, Rebecca Branch (1829-1895), the widow of Edward Tillery of Enfield, Halifax County. Rebecca came to the marriage with two Tillery children – Olivia Tillery (1850-1897) and Mary Eliza Tillery (1853-aft 1880). Rebecca would raise her nephew, James; and she and Rev. Goddin would have 2 sons together – Wellington L. Goddin (1863-1883) and Norman Avery (1867-1883). Rev. Goddin was known to still be in Enfield as late as 1867, where he performed marriages.

For reasons unknown, Rev. Goddin left the ministry, and by 1870, had returned to Richmond, VA where he became involved in the patent medicine business, and later opened a drug store under the name Goddin & Tribbett. From this point forward he was referred to as Dr. Goddin; however, whether he ever received a medical degree is not known. It is known he had several patented medicines, or “bitters” as they were known. [Find a Grave]

I think the above information may be incorrect regarding Goddin & Tribett. Norman Avery Harwood Goddin was a physician in Richmond and I can not find a link to him and Goddin & Tribbett who were grocers. His father was Capt. John Otey Goddin (b 1780 – d 22 Feb 1865). Capt. John Goddin owned Goddin’s Tavern (pictured below).

Goddin’s Tavern. Built about 1791 and demolished in 1912, Richmond, Virginia. Capt. John Otey Goddin ran it for two decades.

Other records show a John Marshall Goddin being a partner of Goddin & Tribbitt (see obit below). As to who put out the Goddin’s Compound Gentian Bitters, I can not confirm at this point if it was John Marshall Goddin or Norman Avery Harwood Goddin. I also wonder why the older amber Goddin bottle pictured above is embossed M.A.M. GODDIN? Could this embossing really be ‘N A M’ for Norman Avery Harwood Goddin? So many questions…

John Marshall Goddin obituary – Richmond Dispatch, October 2, 1886

J T Wiggins Gentian Bitters

Where this gets really interesting is when you know that there is another brand, J T Wiggins Gentian Bitters that is very similar in many ways. The Wiggins is an extremely rare, amber bottle in almost the exact mold. I have only seen and held one example and that was with Howard Crowe (Gold Hill, North Carolina), when he had the bottle under his table a few years back at the Baltimore Antique Bottle Show. His bottle is perfect and was the only known example (that I am aware of) until one showed up on ebay a few years back. This was snagged by Jeff Burkhardt in Cedarburg, Wisconsin. That bottle is pictured in this post (top of post with the Dr. Goddin’s Compound Gentian Bitters and both pictures below).

W 108.3: J T Wiggins Gentian Bitters – Burkhardt Collection

J T Wiggins Gentian Bitters – Burkhardt Collection

“J.T. WIGGINS / GENTIAN BITTERS”, (Ring/Ham, W-108.3), American, ca. 1865 – 1875, amber semi-cabin, 9 7/8”h, smooth base, applied mouth. A 1/4” by 3/8” milky iridescent bruise is on a side panel. Another is on a shoulder panel above the vertical ribbing. Rated as extremely rare, probably one of only two or three, known examples! – Glass Works Auctions (January 2014) – Meyer Collection

“J. T. WIGGINS / GENTIAN BITTERS”, America, 1870 – 1880. Golden amber, semi-cabin with beveled roof edges, 2 sides with 3 vertical columns each, applied sloping collar – smooth base, ht. 9 ¾”; (a little light exterior wear including a few open surface bubbles, approx. 1/8″ to 3/8″; a bit of very faint spotty haze, primarily on the back label panel and in the base). R/H #W108.3. Extremely rare, believed to be one of only two known examples, the other being sold back in 1991.- American Glass Gallery | Auction #22

Very little is known about the J T Wiggins Gentian Bitters except a clue from Howard Crowe relayed to Jeff Burkhardt. Jeff relates the following:

“The bottle would appear to be from exactly the same mold as the aqua DR. GODDIN’S COMPOUND GENTIAN BITTERS, a Richmond, Virginia bottle. In speaking to Howard Crowe regarding the rarity and origin of the bottle, Howard told me research done by the original owner of his example indicated it may be from Wilmington, North Carolina”

“The bottle is extremely rare. To Howard’s knowledge, mine and his are the only two known examples. Howard has shown his to Jim Hagenbuch, who replied “I’ve never seen this one before”. The bottle was not listed in Carlyn Ring’s book, but is W-108.3 in Ham’s 1st volume, Bitters Bottles. Bottom line: Two known examples, maybe a 3rd exists.”

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

W 108.3 J T WIGGINS GENTIAN BITTERS

J T WIGGINS / GENTIAN BITTERS // 3 vertical ribs // f // 3 vertical ribs
9 3/4 x 3 (7 1/8) 1/2
Fancy Square, Amber, LTC, Applied mouth, Extremely rare
See GENTILIAN BITTERS and DR. GODDINS COMP GENTIAN BITTERS

CLUE #1: Starting with the Wilmington, North Carolina clue, I find the following advertisement (see below) for a Wiggin’s Pure Herb Bitters represented by Adrian & Vollers, Wholesale Dealers and Commission Merchants listed in the 1871 Wilmington, North Carolina Directory. Bingo.

“J.T. WIGGINS / PxUxRxE / HERB BITTERS”, (W-108.5), American, ca. 1875 – 1885, amber, 9 3/4”h, smooth base, applied mouth. A 1/2” in size corner base chip has been polished out. Glass Works Auctions auctioned this bottle in 1995. At that time it was thought to be unique.

The Ring and Ham listing for the Wiggin’s Pure Herb Bitters (see above) is as follows:

W 108.5 J T WIGGINS PURE HERB BITTERS

J T WIGGINS / P x U x R x E /HERB BITTERS // f // f // f //
9 3/4 x 2 1/2 (7) 3/8
Square, Amber, LTC, Applied mouth, Extremely rare

Adrian and Vollers – Wiggins’ Pure Herb Bitters noted – 1871 Wilmington, North Carolina Directory

This next advertisement below, actually ties the two brands together. Wow! The Goodins Compound Gentian Bitters is linked to J. T. Wiggins, Proprietary Wholesale Agent as noted in The Old North State, Salisbury, North Carolina, December 10, 1869.

Goddin’s Compound Gentian Bitters linked to James T. Wiggins, Proprietary Wholesale Agent – The Old North State, Salisbury NC, Dec. 10, 1869

Dr. Worthington’s sold by James T. Wiggins – The Wilmington Morning Star, 21 December 1869

So, we now have Richmond and Norfolk, Virginia and Wilmington, North Carolina linking in this story.

James Thomas Wiggins – Wilson, North Carolina

James T. Wiggins was born 1844 in Henderson, Granville County (now Vance County), North Carolina, the youngest of three known surviving children (1 girl/2 boys) born to farmer Thomas T. Wiggins and his wife, Lucy Ann Lewis.

He was the paternal grandson of Thomas Wiggins (1777-1815) and Cealy Mitchell; and great grandson of Frederick Wiggins (ca. 1748-1836) and his (1st) wife Sarah Smith, all of Henderson, Granville County. On his mother’s side, he was the maternal grandson of Joseph Lewis and Elizabeth Walker of Granville County.

James’ father died before 1850 and his mother struggled to support her family. When the Civil War came, James would serve as a Sergeant with the North Carolina 54th; while his older brother, Joseph, served and died with the North Carolina 24th. His sister died in 1862, so by the wars end, James was the sole surviving sibling.

James T. Wiggins built this charming Italianate cottage in 1872 for himself and his wife.

In 1868, James married Ella Bland Gilliam, daughter of Thomas Booth Gilliam and Julia Foster of Virginia, who had settled in Wilson which was a quaint southern town located 40 miles east of Raleigh, North Carolina. The couple settled in Wilson, and although they had a long marriage, it was childless. Wiggins built the above charming Italianate cottage in 1872 for himself and his wife.

James was a retail merchant and ran a general store for some years where I would suspect the J T Wiggins Gentian Bitters was manufactured and sold around 1869 or so. He was also a tobacco planter, ran the town’s sawmill and helped develop the local school system. He would eventually become the Mayor of Wilson in 1899, but he eventually settled into real estate.

James T. Wiggins died in 1926 at the age of 81. His wife of 58 years would survive him 9 years. Ella died in 1935 at age 84.

It is important to note here that we now have record of Goddin and Wiggins both being in Wilson, North Carolina during the same tome period.

CLUE #2 is that both brands use the word “Gentian“.

Gentian is a herb. The root of the plant and, less commonly, the bark are used to make medicine. Gentian is used for digestion problems such as loss of appetite, fullness, intestinal gas, diarrhea, gastritis, heartburn, and vomiting. It is also used for fever, hysteria, and high blood pressure. Some people use gentian to prevent muscle spasms, treat parasitic worms, start menstrual periods, and as a germ killer. Gentian is applied to the skin for treating wounds and cancer. Gentian is used in combination with European elderflower, verbena, cowslip flower, and sorrel for treating symptoms of sinus infections (sinusitis). It is used in combination with other products for malaria. In foods and beverages, gentian is used as an ingredient. In manufacturing, gentian is used in cosmetics.

Alrich Adrian & Henry Vollers, Wilmington, North Carolina

1865: ADRIAN & VOLLERS, Wholesale Grocers and Liquor Dealers, Commission Merchants and Provision Dealers, Corner of Dock and Front Streets.

Standing prominently forward among the great commercial houses of this city, this extensive and veteran house has claims upon the attention of the reviewer of the business interests of Wilmington that are possessed by few houses in the city. The high character earned by nearly twenty years of honorable business enterprise, the great resources and facilities accumulated and acquired during that time, the experience of the wants of the trade, gained by long observation of its requirements, and the energy, business ability and liberality that characterizes all operations of the house, command for it a conspicuous and honored position among the mercantile institutions of the country. The establishment was founded by its present proprietors in 1865, and has from the start exerted a wholesome and continually increasing influence in the support and promotion of the interests of the City of Wilmington as a center of supply for the large area tributary to the city, particularly in the lines to which the house is specially devoted. They supply a heavy and growing trade throughout both North and South Carolina, their annual transactions in all lines amounting to more than half a million of dollars. Their stock of groceries and liquors is probably the largest in the city, being of an average value of $60,000. They also transact a large general commission business, and are extensive dealers in all kinds of provisions. Their business premises are centrally located, large and commodious, the building being a two-story structure, 60×150 feet in dimensions. In the different departments of the house, they employ eighteen assistants and keep two traveling salesmen constantly on the road.

The individual members of the firm are Messrs. A. Adrian and H. Vollers, both natives of Germany and residents of Wilmington thirty and thirty-five years, respectively. Each of these gentlemen have at different times been members of the City Board of Aldermen. They employ a large capital in their business, and the aggregate of their trade constitutes an important factor in the commercial wealth and progress of Wilmington.

Adrian & Vollers advertisement – The Wilmington Morning Star, 8 January 1868

1885: ADRIAN COMPANY, Wholesale Grocers, Front and Dock Streets.

The largest proportion of the wholesale grocery trade of Wilmington is with merchants away from the city, and almost exclusively in heavy groceries. The business of the above named house differs from others in this respect, inasmuch as it supplies chiefly the trade of the city and adjacent towns, not only with staple goods, but with every description of groceries. The business was founded some forty years ago as Adrian & Vollers. It was incorporated under its present designation about six years ago. The company occupy central premises at the above address, consisting of a store, with a warehouse at the rear. Here they carry a complete and most diversified line of staple and fancy groceries, making a specialty of case goods, table delicacies, etc.

Alrich Adrian

Alrich Adrian (1834-1897); and wife, Christine Fraas (1850-1937), natives of Germany. Adrian was a city alderman and co-owner of Adrian & Vollers, wholesale grocery.

Alrich Adrian built the Tuscan Villa style house in 1875 in Wilmington, North Carolina. Adrian was a city alderman and co-owner of Adrian & Vollers, wholesale grocery.

Henry Louis Vollers

Portrait of Henry Vollers. Henry Louis Vollers (1859-1922) was born in Wilmington, North Carolina, the son of German immigrants. Vollers was in the grocery business, a member of the firm of Turrentine, Vollers & Company in 1889. He opened his own wholesale grocery business, H. L. Vollers Company, several years later and was also President of the Independent Manufacturing Company, which operated a shingle mill in Castle Hayne, North Carolina. Vollers served as a member of the Board of County Commissioners from 1900 to 1912, and was director of both the Wilmington Savings Bank and Trust Company and the Murchison National Bank. He was an active member of St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, where he served as secretary of the Church Council for 28 years. He is buried in Oakdale Cemetery.

1890: VOLLERS & HASHAGEN, Wholesale Provisions, Cigars, Etc. A. C. L. Crossing.

The transactions of this city in grain, provisions and other staple food products are very large and are annually expanding. The above named enterprise serves to forcibly illustrate the character and magnitude of the business. This enterprise was founded in 1890 and has since steadily developed and grown. The firm occupy extensive premises at the above indicated address, comprising a warehouse 300×30 in area. It is admirably located for the receipt and shipment of goods, the railroad tracks entering the premises, so that goods can be loaded and unloaded at the doors. The firm are extensive handlers of salted meats, corn, oats, hay, flour, etc. They are in direct connection with the products of leading packers and flour mills of the West and obtain their supplies under the most favorable conditions. Goods are obtained in car load lots direct from the mills, elevators and packers to destination without breaking bulk. The business of this house in its particular department is perhaps equal to any other in this locality. At any rate it is certain that no similar establishment has better inducements to offer the trade. As regards flour, the firm sell this staple under their own brands. Of these we would mention “Q,” a fancy straight, “Silver Corn,” a fancy straight and “Stock’s Best,” a fancy patent flour. All of the above are in demand with the public and therefore with the trade. A special department of the business of this firm is their cigar trade. Messrs. Vollers & Hashagen are exclusive handlers throughout North and South Carolina of the celebrated goods made by the former house of Powell, Smith & Co., New York, which is now merged into the American Cigar Co. Of these in especial demand and standard on the market are “Cuban Blossom,” “Renown,” “Topical Twist,” and “Cremos,” five-cent cigars of the very best quality and of established popularity. The firm do a very large trade in these and probably sell about three-quarters of all cigars sold in this city. The individual members of the firm are H. L. Vollers and F. C. Hashagen, both of whom are well known business men. Mr. Vollers is a director of the Atlantic National Bank and of the Wilmington Savings and Trust Company. Mr. Hashagen is a director of a building and loan association and generally identified with the material welfare of the city. The firm, with all facilities and ample capital, is in every way in a position to attract and hold its full share of legitimate patronage.

Constantly in store and transit large supplies of PROVISIONS, GROCERIES, Liquors, Foreign and Domestic, Cigars and Tobacco, Also Agents for Udolpho Wolfe’s Celebrated Scheidam Schnapps, Imported Wines and Liquors.

Excerpt

From merchants in New York, Baltimore and Philadelphia. Additional contributions were made by a number of Wilmington citizens who gave building material, furniture, and books. Mr. W. P. Clyde, proprietor of the Clyde Line, donated $50 and made no charge for freight on many articles procured in the North, such as stained glass windows, the bell, carpet, etc. The ladies of the congregation, partly by collections and partly by a fair, raised a large sum of money. Messrs. Adrian and Vollers donated the bell, of 1,000 pounds weight, on which are cast the following inscriptions in raised letters:

On one side – Presented by Adrian and Vollers to the St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church Wilmington, N. C, 1868 And on the other side – “I TO THE CHURCH THE LIVING CALL AND TO THE GRAVE I SUMMON ALL.” – History of St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, Wilmington, North Carolina, 1858-1958 (1958)

CLUE #3: Mold Similarity (from Jeff Burkhardt)

I have compared the embossing “GENTIAN BITTERS” on both the Wiggins and Goddin’s, and find the embossed characters and position of same, to be identical. This leads me to believe that the “slugged-out” characters before the word GENTIAN on the Wiggins bottle, were once the embossing “COMP.” from the Goddin’s mold.

Attached are pictures of the faint “slug-out” and embossing of each. This means the Goddin’s is earlier, the mold for which was later modified and used by Wiggins. From your research, it appears James T. Wiggins was the link between these two bitters. Did Goddin’s sell the rights to his product to Wiggins? Did J. T. then go with a modified amber version of Goddin’s bottle to further market the product as his own? If so, couldn’t have been too successful as attested to by the rarity of the Wiggins mold.

Slugged-out characters before the word “GENTIAN” on the Wiggins bottle, were once the embossing “COMP.” from the Goddin’s mold – Photo Jeff Burkhardt

Partial embossing on the J T WIGGINS GENTIAN BITTERS – Photo Jeff Burkhardt

Partial embossing on the DR. GODDIN’S COMP GENTIAN BITTERS – Photo Jeff Burkhardt

Posted in Bitters, Civil War, History, Medicines & Cures, Questions, Tonics | Tagged Adrian, Alrich, bitters, Burkhardt, Compound, Crowe, Gentian, Gilliam, Goddin, grocer, Hashagen, Henry, Herb, Hinsley, James, Meyer, Norfolk, North Carolina, Richmond, Tribett, Virginia, Vollers, Wiggins, Wilmington, Wilson | Leave a comment

From clear to purple or brown, that’s how irradiation runs

Posted on 1 December 2013 by Ferdinand Meyer V

From clear to purple or brown, that’s how irradiation runs

by Ken Previtali

01 December 2013

Regarding the post on “Artificially Purpled Glass” with the link to David Whitten’s fantastic website:

David also mentions the effects radiation has on bottles containing selenium. “Clear glass that was originally decolorized by using selenium as the active ingredient instead of manganese (the use of selenium was particular prevalent in the 1920s and 1930s and later) may turn strange shades of “burnt amber” or “smoky dull dark brown” under irradiation. . .”

Here’s an Art Deco example from the late 20s or early 30s made by the F. E. Reed Glass Company, Rochester, NY (ginger ale, of course). Green Mountain Ginger Ale Company, Manchester, NH (a noteworthy location in July 2013). The irradiated bottle (on right) was a gift from Carl Pratt a few years ago.

In his article, David describes the un-articifical way clear glass will turn purple: “Glass containing enough manganese may naturally slowly turn some shade of very light to medium purple after several years of exposure to the rays of the sun.” Bottles with selenium content from the same period can have a subtle overall tint in a light yellowish brown or “straw” color, which I believe is a result of the same natural process David describes for “sun-colored amethyst”. They are not very common (or perhaps overlooked), and I don’t know how long it takes for the chemical change to take place. Anyone for “sun-colored straw”?

A long time southern collector I knew for many years (now passed on), was fond of selling irradiated bottles. He was very strict in labeling the bottles and clearly telling buyers that the bottles had been altered and were not the original color. I asked him one day how he turned his bottles. Here’s the story pretty much as he told it:

“I live near a poultry processing plant and the manager was a friend of mine. Since I knew that chickens were routinely irradiated I asked him if he could “zap” my bottles, and he said sure bring ’em on down. I brought about ten boxes of ones I thought would turn. He told me ‘Set the boxes here at the head of the conveyor line and my guys will plop ’em on the belt. You go way down to the other end of the plant and pick ’em off the line when they come through.’ Well, with my white visitor’s coat on, I went down as he said and waited. There were a couple of fellas there watching the production line. I said nothing, and I guess they figured I was an inspector or something. It was chicken, chicken, chicken, chicken, chicken on the belt for a while. Then came chicken, chicken, box, chicken, chicken, box, chicken, chicken, box and so on. I pulled them off as they came through. The fellas didn’t know what to make of it as their boss hadn’t told them. The look on their faces when those boxes came through! I told them what was going on, and gave each a nice purple bottle when it was all over.”

From clear to purple or brown that’s how irradiation runs. . . whether by machine or by sun.

Posted in Advice, Collectors & Collections, Color, Ginger Ale, Questions, Scams & Frauds, Soda Bottles, Soft Drinks, Technology | Tagged Ale, brown, Ginger, green, irradiation, manganese, Mountain, purple, selenium | 2 Comments

Snyder’s Celebrated Bitter Cordial and H. G. Leisenring

Posted on 1 December 2013 by Ferdinand Meyer V

Snyder’s Celebrated Bitter Cordial and H. G. Leisenring

01 December 2013 (R•053115) (R•090219)

I spotted a dug, Snyder’s Celebrated Bitter Cordial on eBay and it lead me to thinking about the bottle, the fancy “Snyder’s” script and H. G. Leisenring. This bitters product appears only momentary in time, in a blink of an eye, and vanishes just like the fancy proprietor, Harry G. Leisenring did when he disappeared after his wax show failed at the Centennial International Exposition. It seems that old Harry had been afflicted with “Centennial enterprise fever” and used company funds and other investors money to create life-size and life-like wax models of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. When this exhibit failed, the money and Harry disappeared.

The Centennial International Exhibition of 1876, the first official World’s Fair in the United States, was held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, from May 10 to November 10, 1876, to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia. Officially named the International Exhibition of Arts, Manufactures and Products of the Soil and Mine, it was held in Fairmount Park along the Schuylkill River on fairgrounds. About 10 million visitors attended, equivalent to about 20% of the population of the United States at the time. [Wikipedia]

Yellow amber Snyder’s Celebrated Bitter Cordial – Meyer Collection

This is also a post that finds three (3) H. G. Leisenrings co-existing in the latter part of the 19th century. Unfortunately, I can not link the three, though it seems to be more than just a coincidence. The three Leisenrings include:

1) H. G. Leisenring (Harry) of Snyder’s Celebrated Bitter Cordial fame.

H. G. Leisenring & Co., Patent Medicines advertisement noting Snyder’s Celebrated Bitter Cordial, 927 Sansom Street – Philadelphia City Directory 1875

Harry was the sole proprietor of this product and operated as H. G. Leisenring & Co., patent medicines, 927 Sansom Street in Philadelphia. He marketed heavily during 1875 and 1876 in Philadelphia, New York and Indianapolis which surprised me. I believe the Snyder name came from Indianapolis as you will see from a few of the advertisements below. The Ring and Ham Bitters Bottles book notes the Philadelphia Public Ledger mentioning the product in 1869, which seems too early as absolutely nothing can be found prior to 1875. I am still looking. The book also notes a pontiled example. Somebody must have an example and I would love to add a picture to this post and quite frankly, have it in my collection.

Snyder’s Celebrated Bitter Cordial – Shindler, Snyder & Co., general agents, Indianapolis – The Indianapolis News, 29 March 1875. Could this be the Snyder?

Snyder’s Celebrated Bitter Cordial – Shindler, Snyder & Co., general agents, Indianapolis – The Indianapolis News, 25 January 1875

Another Outlet for Snyder – The Times (Philadelphia) 15 May 1875

Rev. William R. Work testimonial – The Times (Philadelphia) 24 July 1875

Gigantic 3/4 page repeating column advertisement for Snyder’s Celebrated Bitter Cordial, The Daily Graphic, New York, February 24, 1875

6″ X 9″ Handbill advertising Snyder’s Celebrated Bitter Cordial from the 1876 International Exhibition (see reverse side below) – Joe Gourd Collection

6″ X 9″ Handbill advertising Snyder’s Celebrated Bitter Cordial from the 1876 International Exhibition (see front side above) – Joe Gourd Collection

“SNYDER’S – CELEBRATED / BITTER CORDIAL – H.G. LEISENRING & CO / PHILADA PA”, America, 1870 – 1875. Bright, light golden amber, square with beveled corners, applied sloping collar with bevel – smooth base, ht. 9 5/8″, sparkling attic mint! R/H, p.508. A very unusual, and very rare bitters. It is noted in the Ring / Ham book, according to an 1869 ad in the Philadelphia Public Ledger, it “Cures everything”. Also, note the usage of several very different font styles. – American Glass Gallery Auction 14

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

SNYDER’S // CELEBRATED / BITTER CORDIAL // H. G. LEISENRING & CO / PHILAD. PA // f //
9 5/8 x 2 3/4 (6 5/8) 1/4
Square, Amber, LTCR, Applied mouth, With and without Metallic pontil mark, 3 sp
Public Ledger (Philadelphia) June 12, 1869, Cures everything.

The new listing in Bitters Bottles Supplement 2:

S 136.5 SNYDER’S // CELEBRATED / BITTER CORDIAL // H. G. LEISENRING & CO / PHILAD. PA // f //
9 5/8 x 2 3/4 (6 5/8) 1/4
Square, Amber, LTCR, Applied mouth, With and without metallic pontil mark, 3 sp
FRE 593, TMS 387
Public Ledger (Philadelphia) June 12, 1869, Cures everything. See page 508 in Bitters Bottles and s2S 136.5

Broadside
S 136.5 SNYDER’S CELEBRATED BITTER CORDIAL, No. 927 Sansom Street, Philadelphia, Pa. Illustration Main Exhibition Building, 1776 International Exhibition, Philadelphia U. S. America, April 19th to October 19th 1776. Reverse primarily testimonials. Snyder’s Bitter Cordial is only $1.00 per bottle. For Sale by Druggists and at the Laboratory 927 Sansom St. Philadelphia. See page 508 in Bitters Bottles and s2S 136.5

Select Listings

1875: H. G. Leisenring & Co., The Philadelphia Medical Register and Directory

1875: book, The Results of Snyder’s Celebrated Bitter Cordial Have Been Incalculable …

1876: book, The Great Vegetable Remedy. Snyder’s Celebrated Bitter Cordial, H.G. Leisenring & Co – 1876

1876: The Little Queer Book for 1876. Snyder’s Celebrated Bitter Cordial (pictured above)

Read: In collecting Bitters, do you need the ‘S’?

Harry priced his product at $1 a bottle and said it cured just about everything under the sun including asthma, bowel complaints, cholera infantum, cholera morbus, cramps, debility, diarrhea, dysentery, dyspepsia, fever & ague, indigestion. kidney disease, liver complaints, loss of appetite, rheumatism, sick headache and sick stomach. The product sold quite well during this period and had acquired a considerable reputation. Harry Leisenring even issued an almanac with the odd name, “The Little Queer Book for 1876“, “Snyder’s Celebrated Bitter Cordial” (see below). Go figure.

Cover – The Little Queer Book for 1876. Snyder’s Celebrated Bitter Cordial – Meyer Collection

Inside Page – The Little Queer Book for 1876. Snyder’s Celebrated Bitter Cordial – Meyer Collection

Inside Page – The Little Queer Book for 1876. Snyder’s Celebrated Bitter Cordial – Meyer Collection

Then came his failed wax exhibit at the 1876 World’s Fair. From the papers of Ulysses Simpson Grant, January 1 – October 31, 1876:

Also on May 23, H. G. Leisenring, Philadelphia, addressed USG. “The honor of your company is respectfully requested on the evening of May the 29th at 8 o’clock at the Hall 609 Chestnut St. north side, at the unveiling of the life-like representations of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence executed in wax full size, by distinguished artists…”

Harry then disappears when the financial component of the exhibit fails. I can not find but scarce information after this odd episode. Read article below.

Leisenring’s Wax Works – The Times, 21 June 1876

2) H. G. Leisenring’s Steam Power Printing House

This H. G. Leisenring (Henry) owned a very well established printing company located at 237 and 239 Dock Street in Philadelphia. Many important prints, on a national basis, can be traced back to Henry G. Leisenring. The time period seems to center around 1865.

H. G. Leisenring’s Steam Power Printing House, Nos. 237 and 239 Dock Street, Philadelphia – 1865

3) Dr. H. G. Leisenring of Wayne, Nebraska

This H. G. Leisenring (also a Henry) was a physician practicing around 1900 in Wayne, Nebraska. He once tried using Carrier Pigeons to alert him of ailing patients that needed house calls (see advertisement below). He also had a number of patents including one for a surgical chair (see below), horse bridle-bit and Trap net.

Major Clue (Douglas County, State of Nebraska)

P. S. LEISENRING, M. D., (Peter Shindel Leisenring) physician and surgeon, came to Omaha June 1, 1878, and has been in active practice ever since. He is a member of the State Medical Society and the Omaha Pathological Society. He was born in Sunbury, Pa., May 22, 1829, and educated at the Pennsylvania College, at Gettysburg, Pa. In March, 1852, he graduated from the Pennsylvania Medical College at Philadelphia and practiced at Altoona, Pa., before coming to Omaha.

He has been City Physician for the past three years and Secretary of the Board of Health. He was married at Hampton Furnace, Lehigh Co., Pa., January 31, 1856, to Emma E. Sigmund, a native of Berks County, Pa. They have ten children, Louisa S., Frederick G., Harry G. (could this be the Harry G. of the Snyder’s Bitter Cordial? Probably not.), Albert M., Lizzie N., Matilda, Bertha, Frank, Martin Luther and Sadie Bell. The Doctor is a professor of obstetrics and diseases of women in the Omaha Medical College. He is a Royal Arch Mason, K. of P., Medical Examiner for the U. B. of Pennsylvania, A. O. U. W., Northwestern A., F. & A. M. and Mutual Aid Society of Ohio. He is also a member of the Home Circle and Secretary of the Board of Health, director of the Y. M. C. A. and Douglas County Bible Society.

A Doctor’s Carrier Pigeons notice – The Philadelphia Medical Journal, 1900

Leisenring Surgical Chair, Patent No. 513,584. – Jan. 30, 1894

Posted in Advertising, Bitters, Cordial, eBay, History, Medicines & Cures, Questions, Technology | Tagged bitter, centennial, Cordial, exposition, Harry, Henry, Indianapolis, Joe Gourd, Lehigh, Leisenring, Meyer, nebraska, omaha, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, queer, Shideler, Snyder, Snyder's, wax | Leave a comment

Daily Dose December 2013

Posted on 1 December 2013 by Ferdinand Meyer V

D e c e m b e r 2 0 1 3

Tuesday, 31 December 2013 (New Years Eve)

Can you believe it? Another year. Father times goes too fast. I sit here nursing a cup of coffee with a fire in the fireplace, three grandchildren asleep around here somewhere and six dogs moving into sleeping positions near my feet as they know it is time to eat their morning meal soon. In a few minutes they will each take turns, in order, reminding me of the task at hand. Elizabeth is out of town for a week with her family. I’m good if you know what I mean. This will be my 14th day with this flu strain I picked up. One day was horrible two weeks ago, the other 13 days, lots of head and chest congestion. Like pulling a boulder around all day. Need some bitters.

Having a great time sorting through the white milk glass bitters and related bottles. I’ve learned so much just in the past days. Collecting bottles is just too much fun. Having Gary Katzen, Joe Gourd and other authorities helping out is a real plus and adds to my excitement. Look at that row of bottles from Gary’s collection!

Sunday, 29 December 2013

You know, you have other options than taking bitters…

Saturday, 28 December 2013

From Gary Katzen regarding the 14 December Daily Dose (see further below):

As with many bottles there were numerous molds and most likely more that one house that made these Lion Colognes. The milk glass variant has very weak or perhaps a poorly slugged out Greek Key design on both sides of the bottle which at first glance is barely discernible.

Gary

Read: Why White? or How the %$#@! did you choose that Category?

Friday, 27 December 2013

Clairvoyant Medicine Bottles

Ferdinand,

Saw your post today about Madam Ross and thought you might like to see the attached two bottles…I always liked these. Best Regards,

Brandon DeWolfe, P.E.

Wednesday, 25 December 2013

Thank you for the warm Christmas wishes. Waiting for the grandchildren. A month of decorating and wrapping will disappear in organized chaos here shortly.

Sunday, 22 December 2013

I like this full page, single column advertisement in the 1863 Santa Cruz Sentinel for Dr. Roback’s Stomach Bitters.

Read: Barrel Series – Roback’s Stomach Bitters (the smaller ones)

Read: Barrel Series – Roback’s Stomach Bitters (the big boys)

Saturday, 21 December 2013

Seasons greeting F,

A few shots of a small show here earlier today that may interest members. Small half day event free to the public in the Botanical Gardens. 3 item displays only before a chicken and champagne lunch. See Pics

Greg Dean

Hi, Ferdinand

Just a thought; After reading the comments in the bottle and glass magazines for the past several years and some buzz on Facebook about trying to get the younger generation involved in bottle and glass collecting. I have been attending several bottle and jar shows yearly for a long time; I can remember when the hair color of the collectors wasn’t all gray unlike it is today.

My son grew up around antique bottle collecting and my wife and I encouraged him to start collecting at the age of ten. Now he just graduated from IPFW University and now is the age of 24. He is still a bottle collector and attends bottle shows with me when he can. But he does notice that his age group at these shows is like an old bottle that is very rare.

Here are his thoughts, from a 24 year old antique bottle collector. Have Bottle and Glass shows held at Colleges. Promote the shows to the students and professors. These young target adults are the future medical and nursing students, archeologists and Anthropologists students. Let’s not forget the partiers who may find old beers, whiskey and flasks interesting. These kids are the future of this hobby.

Being in the Auto Restoration business for over 35 years, I can remember when a Ford Model A car was the hottest thing to get restored. Now it’s just a thing of the past. Just my thoughts for what it’s worth.

Frank & Frank Jr.
Bottlepickers.com

Friday, 20 December 2013

Finishing up the day here at the studio in downtown Houston. Mild, cloudy and moist. Colder air in tomorrow night. Happy days are days when the fireplace is burning logs.

Enjoyed my trip up to Denver Wednesday to see Sandor Fuss’s collection again. Wow, what an experience. Even met his son Jackson (pictured above). No, his son does not collect glass…….yet.

What about that Pasquier’s French Bitters. Triangular to boot. Pictured above in the center flanked with two other Kentucky bitters.

Read: F. Pasquier’s French Hygienic Bitters – Louisville

Wednesday, 18 December 2013

Wow, time is flying by. Christmas is a week from today. Find myself having coffee at my hotel in Denver. Headed over to see Sandor Fuss and his great collection. My fourth trip up here since we met. Can’t wait to see his new custom shelves for his bottles.

Bill Ham revising the listing for the Rivaud’s Imperial Bitters.

??Revised listing ???
R 69 RIVAUD’S / IMPERIAL BITTERS // VICTOR RIVAUD’S // sp // LOUISVILLE, KY.
10 1/2 X 3 (8 1/2)
Square- semi cabin, Amber, LTC, Applied mouth, 4sp, Extremely rare
Example found in a basement in Lafayette, Indiana, and one dug New Orleans.

Monday, 16 December 2013

In Augusta, Georgia. Feel like I have the Zombie Flu. Zu-Lu drummers pounding on my head all day. Hope I feel better tomorrow afternoon as I need to get to Denver. Somebody also was charging stuff on one of my credit cards in the UK. Had to straighten that out and cancel the card. Always something not to mention a full day of meetings.

Working on some fun posts for Walker’s Tonic Bitters, Germania Root & Herb Bitters and Rivaud’s Imperial Bitters. Stay tuned.

Sunday, 15 December 2013

Off to Columbia, SC here shortly for business. Last trip of the year. I’ll find myself in Denver Wednesday meeting up with Sandor Fuss again to see his collection and to catch up on a few of his exciting additions.

Did you catch the Katzen Milk Glass post? I like to see peoples collections. I have to admit, I’m scratching my head on this one as a glass piece on his shelf looks familiar yet odd. An antique milk glass bug sprayer? You decide.

Saturday, 14 December 2013

I just rescued this gem from the earth today in West Newton, Pa. Out of an ancient hole that went down 12 feet !! This is the coveted early American lion cologne bottle attributed to the Glassboro, New Jersey, Solomon H. Stanger glass works. It is open pontiled and would date from around 1830. The embossing is unusually well defined and ornate. Very cool with the gladiator type of lion on the bottle … Eddie Kuskie

Major Post development on the C.C.C. Read: The little C.C.C. – Certain Chancre Cure from Palestine, Texas

Friday, 13 December 2013

Yes, Friday the 13th. Watch your step. I’m watching this C.R. Thomasson Certain Chancre Cure on ebay from Palestine, Texas. One rare bird. I can not find a thing about this bottle using the usual sources.

Wednesday, 11 December 2013

You’all, I’m puzzled here for a number of reasons. First, I can not find the Bottle of St. Jacob’s Bitters on this trade card from the Joe Gourd collection. I see two or three images that might be the bottle but oddly enough, they are not as visible as the other ‘hidden’ images that I could find. Second, and this is driving me bananas, are there two different manufacturers of St. Jacobs Bitters? One being the St. Jacob’s Bitters from St. Louis and the second being the Saint Jacob’s Bitters from Cincinnati. Two different patent dates, “St.” vs. “Saint”, basically same time period. Also, who has the labeled example that Ring & Ham reference?

Tuesday, 10 December, 2013

Thanks to Joe Gourd for the Against Prohibition trade card post yesterday. On the reverse of one of the cards was some valuable and elusive information on the manufacturers of St. Jacob’s Bitters. Look for a post expansion on Julius Falke.

J. FALKE, Manufacturer and Importer of Perfumery, Excelsior Pure Fruit, Flavoring Extracts, Carmine and Violet Inks, Olive Oil, & c., also Manufacturer of the Kah-Kas-Kee Hair Restorative and Eureka Safe Hair Dye, 505 Walnut Street, St. Louis, Mo.

Monday, 09 December 2013

Hi Ferd, It was interesting to read the article about artificially colored glass on your site and I thought some viewers would like to see a couple of demijohns colored naturally by the sun. The large example has turned from clear to a smokey or steel or almost a black color actually. The demijohn on the right is perfectly clear and is shown for comparison. The bottle on the left was crystal clear last spring but after spending 6 or 7 months on the roof of my house getting a suntan it has now been transformed into a lavender or pink color. Never have I seen a bottle turn color so quickly by the sun, must be a lot of manganese in this one. (Demi)Gene A. (Ainsworth)

Sunday, 08 December 2013

Michael George – Is there a glass factory that offer a wider range of color diversity than the Boston & Sandwich factories?

Information update on J T Wiggins Gentian Bitters and James T. Wiggins. Wiggins lived in the cottage pictured above in Wilson, North Carolina.

Also J T Wiggins Gentian Bitters and Dr. Goddin’s Comp Gentian Bitters embossing comparison update by Jeff Burkhardt.

Saturday, 07 December 2013

More on Is there really a Swindle’s Texarkana Bitters?

Your fellow collector,

Wayne

Dear Sir,

Regards,

Marty Loschen, Spring Street Director, Museum Division

Golden Bitters advertisement added to historical post.

Friday, 06 December 2013

Elijah Baker of Baker’s Premium Bitters lived above the shop at this corner house in Richmond, Virginia. Post Updated.

Aromatic Catawba Bitters post updated with new advertisement.

FM asking Joe Gourd if he has any Brady’s Family Bitters trade cards in his collection:

While I don’t have a trade card in my collection for this bitters, I do have an image of a trade card that I obtained from the collection of John Kemler in my “wanted” database. It’s interesting that the information on the card would lead one to think that the bitters were manufactured in Cincinnati, Ohio by J. A. Sangston & Co. Is this another mystery?

FM: Brady’s Family Bitters was made by D. C. Brady in Louisville, Kentucky. The brand was being shipped to many places and even sold big time in Houston. Some records I looked at earlier note crates of bottles being on manifests of trains and boats leaving St. Louis (Charles P. Higgins was selling). Yes ,the Cincinnati trade card for J.A. Sangston is interesting. Could be the formula was used by these agents to make Brady’s Family Bitters on premise or it all came out of Louisville. A very surprising twist for this popular bitters. Need to connect the dots and years.

Thursday, 05 December 2013

Looks like it will drop 50 or 60 degrees today with this monster cold from. I am on the east coast so I will fly into it tomorrow. Thought is was interesting to find out that both Dr. D. B. Wiggins (Wiggins’ Tonic Bitters) and John and Francis Root (John Roots Bitters) were both located on Seneca Street in Buffalo, NY during the same time period.

Wednesday, 04 December 2013

Headed east later today. Ever heard of a Swindle’s Texarkana Bitters? Dewey, Cheatem & Howe were sole agents and represented the brand.

In developing the J T Wiggins Gentian Bitters post, Joe Gourd has provided a Dr. D. B. Wiggins trade card to assist in a post. Looks like he put out a tonic bitters. Looks to be unlisted. Working on digging up some info.

Tuesday, 03 December 2013

Well the Glass Works auction closed last night. Lots of us were watching various lots. Of course the blue Duffy Crescent Saloon pig was getting a lot of attention. As of 6:32 am CST the bottle is in call-backs at $16k.

125. “DUFFY” / (rooster) / “CRESCENT / SALOON / 204 / JEFFERSON – STREET / LOUISVILLE”, (Denzin, DUF-22), Kentucky, ca. 1870 – 1880, deep cobalt blue figural pig, 7 1/2” long, smooth base, rough sheared and unfinished lip. A very faint 3/16” in manufacturing stress fissure is located on the tip of the pig’s snout. Extremely rare, one of only two known examples in this deep vibrant blue color! An important bottle that appeals to collectors of not only whiskey bottles but also figural bottles, pig bottles, and cobalt blue bottles. A ‘WINDOW VIEW’ HAS BEEN ADDED TO THIS LOT.
Current Bid: $ 16,000 (8 Bids)

Monday, 02 December 2013

Back in the grind of things. Liking this odd little Almanac I snagged on ebay relating to Snyder’s Celebrated Bitter Cordial.

Look for a post later today relating to Part 2: Medicines from the Gary Katzen milk glass collection. Got some great pics in that Jesse Sailer took.

Added 6″ X 9″ handbill advertising Snyder’s Celebrated Bitter Cordial from the 1876 International Exhibition from the Joe Gourd Collection.

Sunday, 01 December 2013

Ferdinand, I Thought you might like to post this bottle on your site. The bottle is a green, open pontiled, teepee, from the same mold as the Harvey sodas from Rhode Island. I got the bottle from a fellow digger. As far as I can tell it is probably unique in this color. – Chris Raezer

I guess it seemed like a good idea at the time….? The Philadelphia Medical Journal, 1900

Just wanted to send a couple of pictures that Scott took of our hair bottles in our new display cabinet. When the sun comes up in the morning, the colors just light up the living room… – Pam Selenak

Posted in Daily Dose, News | Tagged Daily Dose, news | Leave a comment

November 2013 – Antique Bottle & Glass Photo Gallery

Posted on 30 November 2013 by Ferdinand Meyer V

Having fun in the bottle room with mirrors, lights and camera. Not the
best quality photo, should have used a phone! – Gene Ainsworth

Here we go with the November 2013 group of pictures culled from a few of the Facebook sites. It looks like color is really dominating the collection this month.

November 2013 – Antique Bottle & Glass

P H O T O G A L L E R Y

30 November 2013

See: August 2013 – Antique Bottle & Glass Photo Gallery

See: September 2013 – Antique Bottle & Glass Photo Gallery

See: October 2013 – Antique Bottle & Glass Photo Gallery

Brighten Up Your Day – Dave Olson

Thanksgiving bottles and thankful to all my bottle friends and wonderful hobby. Just took these pics. Sun is out but snow on ground time to finish an outhouse now. – James Campiglia

A few nice Pa sodas on a cold day – Tim Henson

Warner’s Artist’s Album – Aaron Hanshew

Bottle Collectors Facebook Group Photo, Mike Brauser collection – Rick DeMarsh

Wanted to share a somewhat fuzzy picture of a few demijohns, some are rather ordinary and some are not so ordinary. Hey Dale, you gotta have a lot of room to collect demijohns! – Gene Ainsworth

Trying to arrange an autumn colored line-up of Drake’s to go along with the season, so I left the 7-up green and cobalt examples out of the picture.Also thinking of asking the neighbors if I can knock their house down so my bottle pictures come out better (: – Gene Ainsworth

Blue Bottles – Keefert Peggy

John Ryan Bottles – Mike Newman

Pleased to add this little blue blown three mold GII-15 inkwell to my collection! Love these little BTM inks… lots of beauty in a tight little package!
– Michael George

Abrabesque Drake’s Plantation Bitters – Tim Henson

Decided to post some diminutive and crude pontils. For size reference, the Chestnuts measure approximately 7 and 5 1/2 inches in height. – Mike Newman

German influence, and probably all from there. But… I still keep coming back to the fact that many American glass factories in the US during the mid-late 18th century were comprised of German glassblowers, and of such traditions. It doesn’t matter really where they were made… it’s just funny that the one on the right is a new acquisition (yesterday!) and came from Manchester CT, one in the center was from a Maine estate, and the one on the left was found in NH by Boo Morcom. They all have differences, but a very similar style… miniature glob with slightly flattened sides. Dark 6:00am pic… – Michael George

Fancy Colognes – Charles Flint

Someone mentioned recently that aqua pieces should not be dismissed.
I agree. – Woody Douglas

One mold maker obviously thought that there should be a sun (or bullseye) in the center of a sunburst! Here are a few of them. – Michael George

These amaze me – look at the darker lips, look at the crudity of the body. And what amazes me, you ask? The gentleman who owns these (150 of them) – doesn’t want to sell them because he still uses them for transporting grape and lemon juice to market!!! They are very likely 20th century – the quality of the glass and the method of lip finish show that. But fascinating that they still weave protective fabric and move product around in these bottles. – Phil Culhane

After giving it a lot of careful thought and consideration I’ve come to the conclusion that I have developed a fondness for early American glass. – Woody Douglas

More Inks – Tom Marshall

The many colors of Hostetter’s. Just some of a few I have gathered. It was my first bottle my grandma gave me. 35 years ago. – James Campiglia

A few umbrella inks I dug in Union Army camps near Charleston, S.C. – Robert E. Bohrn

Morning Sun – Tom Marshall

Posted in Collectors & Collections, Display, Photography | Tagged Ainsworth, Bohrn, Brauser, Campiglia, Culhane, DeMarsh, Flint, gallery, George, GII-15, Hanshew, Keefert, Marshall, Newman, November, Olson, photography, Ryan, Tim Henson | 1 Comment

M. McDonald Melbourne Australian Hop Bitters

Posted on 29 November 2013 by Ferdinand Meyer V

M. McDonald Melbourne Australian Hop Bitters

29 November 2013

Bill Ham tipped me off to an extremely rare, M. McDonald Melbourne Australian Hop Bitters on ebay. At first I thought I had not seen the bottle before, but later recognized that I had seen it on one of the Aussie sites or on Travis Dunn’s ABCR site. As a matter of fact, there are two examples on Pinterest that take you to David Bruce and ABCR Auctions. Both are pictured at the top of this post and are different variants. Notice the difference in the typography and the indented panel (left – A 139.7) and flat panel (right – A 139.6).

Many of us bitters collectors are aware of the Australian hop bitters products like Dr. Soules Hop Bitters and others with names from United States cities like the Philadelphia Hop Bitters, New York Hop Bitters and the extremely rare, Boston Hop Bitters. Some US collectors have elected to collect these examples while others have stayed with strictly United States bitters. I really see very little difference as these bottles are part of bottle history and do have the words bitters on them. A number of them grace my shelves.

The Carlyn Ring and Bill Ham listing in Bitters Bottles Supplement for the two bottles is as follows:

(A 139.4 not pictured in post)

A 139.4 AUSTRALIAN / HOP BITTERS // MDELBOURNE // f // M. McDONALD //
9 3/4 x 3 3/8 x 1 7/8
Rectangular, Aqua and Honey Amber, LTC, Applied mouth, 3 sp, Extremely rare
Michael McDonald and Company was in business at 18 Franklin Street West, Melbourne, beginning in 1875. In 1883, the E. J. Prevot Factory at 11 Madeline Street, North Melbourne was purchased. A branch was established at 53 Errard Street in Ballarat. McDonald left the firm sometime between 1890 and 1893.
Broken examples found in Honey Amber. An Australian bitters.

A 139.6 Crown motif / TRADE / MARK / AUSTRALIAN / HOP / BITTERS // MELBOURNE // f // M. McDONALD //
9 3/4 x 3 3/8 x 2
Rectangular, Aqua, LTC, Applied mouth, 3 sp, Extremely rare
An Australian bitters

A 139.7 Crown motif / TRADE / MARK / AUSTRALIAN / HOP / BITTERS // MELBOURNE // f // M. McDONALD //
9 7/8 x 3 3/8 x 2
Rectangular, Aqua, LTC, Applied mouth, 3 sp, Extremely rare (indented panel, smaller copy)
An Australian bitters

M. McDonald Melbourne Australian Hop Bitters – ebay

The ebay listing reads as follows:

Perfect Condition, Blobby Lip McDonalds Melbourne Bitters – Medicine Shape

These rare bottles are a break away from the ‘cabin shape’ used by 19th c Bitters proprietors in Australia. This is quite a tall, heavy bottle with numerous bubbles throught & it is in perfect condition (needs a bit more of a clean internally) Ive taken photos without a flash in natural outdoor light to highlight this is a mint example. I dont collect junk, nor do I sell it.. Note the bottle stands 10″ (25.5cm) high & 3 5/8″ (8.7cm) wide – it is embossed ‘Australian Hop Bitters’ on the front panel underneath a large crown. ‘M.McDonald/ Melbourne’ on the 2 recessed panels. No base mark. The brown ‘Cabin’ is embossed Boston Hop Bitters (see below) with a Flag TM & will be for sale at $2,350 at a later date – perfect, attic mint condition. – ribbon seal (100%)

Boston Hop Bitters (B 163.5) – ebay

References

‘McDonald & Co’ (M. McDonald & F. J. O’Brien, Carlton) – see bottle example below

1888: M. McDonald, Madeline street, Carlton – Hop bitters, Official Record of the Centennial International Exhibition Melbourne: 1888-1889

‘McDonald & Co’ (M McDonald & F.J. O’brien, Carlton) crown Trademark, Cordial – 26oz, amethyst, square body with fancy shoulder – GDL Auctions

Posted in Auction News, Bitters, Cordial, eBay, Questions | Tagged ABCR, Australian, Ballarat, bitters, Boston, Carlton, Cordial, David Bruce, Dunn, Hop, McDonald, McDonald & Co, Melbourne, O'Brien, Prevot, Travis | Leave a comment

Tracking the Botanic Iron Tonic Bitters – Botanic Medicine Company

07 December 2013

BOTANIC IRON TONIC BITTERS

B. I. T. B.

A GREAT REMEDY FOR

Loss of Appetite, General Debility, Nervous Prostration, etc., etc.

Botanic Iron Tonic Bitters

Botanic Medicine Company

H. W. Williams & Co., Sole Agents, Fort Worth Texas

The 99 Maiden Lane, New York Connection

T. R. Legett, Druggist, Sherman, Texas (stamped in purple on front of trade card)

Why it may have been tough to sell Botanic Iron Tonic Bitters in Fort Worth

Key West Revisited – Another Quest to Dive For Bottles | Bottles and Extras Cover Layers

06 December 2013

Bottles and Extras

Original Images

Background Image @ 100%

Layer #1 – Bottles @ 80% Saturation

Layer #2 – Coral @ 37% Saturation

Layer #3 – Photograph from Diving Boat @ 45% Saturation

Layer #4 – Diver Photo @ 45% Saturation

Layer #5 – Graphics and Typography

Final Cover

Dr. D. B. Wiggins had a Tonic Bitters in Buffalo, New York

A Puzzle that will Puzzle you.

05 December 2013 (R•091919)

Dr. D. B. Wiggins

Is there really a Swindle’s Texarkana Bitters?

04 December 2013 (120713•Major update at bottom of post)

TEXas, ARKansas, and nearby LouisiANA

Another story mentions a storekeeper in 1869 named Swindle who ran a general store in Red Land, Bossier Parish, Louisiana who concocted a medicinal drink called “Texarkana Bitters“.

So is there really a Swindle’s Texarkana Bitters? I doubt it. But I am looking!

There is a Texarkana Bitters!

07 December 2013

“the receipt was given to me back in the 70’s by the great niece of the man whose name is on the receipt. Timothy Okley died in 1911 and is buried in a small country cemetery not far from my house here in Springhill”

Swindle, Crawford and Company – J. J. Swindle, J. B. Crawford and Wilson Covington – Red Land, Louisiana

Are the J.T. Wiggins Gentian Bitters and Dr. Goddin’s Compound Gentian Bitters related?

03 December 2013 (R•120813 – J T Wiggins info update) (R•120813 – Embossing Comprison) (R•120813 – JT Higgins Pure Herb Bitter added) (R•012414 – Glass Works Auctions 3rd Example appearance) (R•032019)

Dr. Goodin’s Compound Gentian Bitters

G 51 DR. GODDIN’S COMP GENTIAN BITTERS

DR. GODDIN’S / COMP GENTIAN BITTERS // 3 vertical ribs / f // 3 vertical ribs // 9 5/8 x 3 (7 1/8) 1/2 Square, Aqua, LTC, Applied mouth, Extremely rare

G 52 DR. GODDIN’S COMPOUND GENTIAN BITTERS

DR GODDIN’S / COMPOUND / GENTIAN BITTERS / RICHMOND. VA. // three vertical ribs // f // 3 vertical ribs // 9 5/8 x 3 (7 1/8) 1/2 Fancy square, Aqua, LTC, Applied mouth, Extremely rare Compound abbreviated on the G.51 variant. G 52 has Richmond, Va. embossing.

Reverend Norman Avery Harwood Goddin ‘aka’ Dr. Goddin

J T Wiggins Gentian Bitters

James Thomas Wiggins – Wilson, North Carolina

Alrich Adrian & Henry Vollers, Wilmington, North Carolina

Alrich Adrian

Henry Louis Vollers

Excerpt

From clear to purple or brown, that’s how irradiation runs

by Ken Previtali

01 December 2013

Snyder’s Celebrated Bitter Cordial and H. G. Leisenring

01 December 2013 (R•053115) (R•090219)

1) H. G. Leisenring (Harry) of Snyder’s Celebrated Bitter Cordial fame.

SNYDER’S // CELEBRATED / BITTER CORDIAL // H. G. LEISENRING & CO / PHILAD. PA // f // 9 5/8 x 2 3/4 (6 5/8) 1/4 Square, Amber, LTCR, Applied mouth, With and without Metallic pontil mark, 3 sp Public Ledger (Philadelphia) June 12, 1869, Cures everything.

Select Listings

1875: H. G. Leisenring & Co., The Philadelphia Medical Register and Directory

1875: book, The Results of Snyder’s Celebrated Bitter Cordial Have Been Incalculable …

1876: book, The Great Vegetable Remedy. Snyder’s Celebrated Bitter Cordial, H.G. Leisenring & Co – 1876

1876: The Little Queer Book for 1876. Snyder’s Celebrated Bitter Cordial (pictured above)

2) H. G. Leisenring’s Steam Power Printing House

3) Dr. H. G. Leisenring of Wayne, Nebraska

Major Clue (Douglas County, State of Nebraska)

D e c e m b e r 2 0 1 3

Tuesday, 31 December 2013 (New Years Eve)

Sunday, 29 December 2013

Saturday, 28 December 2013

Friday, 27 December 2013

Clairvoyant Medicine Bottles

Wednesday, 25 December 2013

Sunday, 22 December 2013

Saturday, 21 December 2013

Friday, 20 December 2013

Wednesday, 18 December 2013

Monday, 16 December 2013

Sunday, 15 December 2013

Saturday, 14 December 2013

Friday, 13 December 2013

DR. GODDIN’S / COMP GENTIAN BITTERS // 3 vertical ribs /
f // 3 vertical ribs //
9 5/8 x 3 (7 1/8) 1/2
Square, Aqua, LTC, Applied mouth, Extremely rare

DR GODDIN’S / COMPOUND / GENTIAN BITTERS / RICHMOND. VA. // three vertical ribs // f // 3 vertical ribs //
9 5/8 x 3 (7 1/8) 1/2
Fancy square, Aqua, LTC, Applied mouth, Extremely rare
Compound abbreviated on the G.51 variant. G 52 has Richmond, Va. embossing.

SNYDER’S // CELEBRATED / BITTER CORDIAL // H. G. LEISENRING & CO / PHILAD. PA // f //
9 5/8 x 2 3/4 (6 5/8) 1/4
Square, Amber, LTCR, Applied mouth, With and without Metallic pontil mark, 3 sp
Public Ledger (Philadelphia) June 12, 1869, Cures everything.

A 139.6 Crown motif / TRADE / MARK / AUSTRALIAN / HOP / BITTERS // MELBOURNE // f // M. McDONALD //
9 3/4 x 3 3/8 x 2
Rectangular, Aqua, LTC, Applied mouth, 3 sp, Extremely rare
An Australian bitters

A 139.7 Crown motif / TRADE / MARK / AUSTRALIAN / HOP / BITTERS // MELBOURNE // f // M. McDONALD //
9 7/8 x 3 3/8 x 2
Rectangular, Aqua, LTC, Applied mouth, 3 sp, Extremely rare (indented panel, smaller copy)
An Australian bitters