Amber Flask Date ?

[lblackvelvet]

Hello, I picked up a cool looking 1/2 pint amber flask today, I think they call it a strap sided ? It has no markings on it other than an anchor embossed on the front. If anyone can help me to put a date on this bottle and possibly a rough value to see if I paid a fair price for this bottle. I paid 8.00 for it! Thanks, Kevin....

 

[cowseatmaize]

That's a good deal. It looks like a Baltimore flask 1870-90. It might be listed in McKearin but I'd have to look. Usually the anchor is tilted more and amber is more preferred than aqua. I wouldn't want to speculate a price but I'd say quite a bit more that $8.

 

[epackage]

You did well at that price Kev, nice find

 

[lblackvelvet]

Thanks Eric and Jim , I figured for 8.00 it would be a good candidate to practice on tumbling. Was I correct about the side strap ? I found a honey hole today for bottles, Picked up a mint Celery Cola- 3.00 A Star-Boy made by Celery-Cola mint for 4.00 and several other nice bottles for next to nothing!! Thanks as always, Kevin....

 

[cowseatmaize]

Was I correct about the side strap ?

I missed that part and didn't see first it the straight shot but I think so. You may want to push the earlier from 1870 up to 1880, otherwise, no change. It's about a half inch band going down the sides?

 

[lblackvelvet]

Thanks Eric, Here is a picture of the side and the bottom. Thanks, Kevin....

 

[cowseatmaize]

Most definitely.McKearin calls them wide bands or something but they are called strap sided by most people now.

 

[lblackvelvet]

Last question!!! Should I tumble it or leave it as is ???

 

[cowseatmaize]

That's a matter of personal preference.It's not a $100 bottle and if you own a tumbler you may want to. I wouldn't pay the cost myself to have it done.I once had a bottle tumbled and I've regretted it ever since. It just didn't look right to me. It's not that it was a bad job, I just didn't like it afterward.

 

[lblackvelvet]

Thanks for your honesty Eric. I do own a tumbler but I have been told that some bottles are best left alone. I know it's not a 100.00 bottle but it's older than most of my bottles and I don't want to reduce the value. Thanks again, Kevin.....