American Bottle Auctions' next big sale will be held April 27-May 6 Bottles, bottles, who’s got the bottles? American Bottle Auctions, that’s who – around 175 bottles, many of them rare and vintage examples in a broad variety of categories, to be sold at auction soon.
The other is a Pineapple Bitters (one of two in the sale), made by W. & Co. (N.Y.) and graded a robust, near-mint 9.8 (est. $3,000-$6,000). The bottle has a richer green color than its counterpart in the sale, plus it boasts a rare open pontil. The only wear is on the base (typical, as these bottles were typically used extensively). Overall, it would be hard to find a better example.
Western whiskey bottles were also known as “fifths” as they held a fifth of a gallon. But whiskeys also came out of the East, too. The sale will feature a very rare Mohawk whiskey and Pharazyyn bitters in the shape of Indian queens. Both are from the East Coast. The best of the West promises to be an Old Pioneer Whiskey bottle with an embossed bear (est. $3,000-$6,000).
The Old Pioneer bottle, graded a tip-top 10, has loads of whittle and a beautiful texture to the glass, which has a lovely yellowish amber hue. It is listed as Thomas-5 variant A, and was made by Wm. H. Spears & Co. (A. Fenkhausen, Sole Agents). The interesting nature of this bottle, combined with its overall beauty and mint-on-the-shelf look, makes it highly desirable.
Medicines will be well-represented and include a Wynkoop’s sasparilla in blue, a Morse’s Celebrated Syrup in green and many other rare and early pieces. The Morse’s medicine (est. $1,000-$2,000), 9 inches tall and with an applied top and pontil, is a great example of an early green, 170-year-old medicine bottle. Its overall whittle and crudity add up to a 9.5 grade.
From the gins comes a London Jockey Clubhouse bottle with embossed horse and rider, graded 9.6 (est. $2,000-$3,000). This pretty bottle has an applied top, iron pontil and great bluish turquoise color. Also featured in the auction will be beautifully colored and very early flasks, Pitkin flasks, some very rare corset-waisted scroll flasks and a nice selection of blown glass.
American Bottle Auctions is always accepting quality consignments for future sales. To consign a single bottle or an entire collection, you may call them toll-free, at 1-800-806-7722; or, you can e-mail them, at info@americanbottle.com. To learn more about American Bottle Auctions and the April 27-May 6 Internet and catalog sale, log on to www.americanbottle.com.
