Any idea as to what was in it?

[SODAPOPBOB]

The next question is ... How long was the Baltimore Loop Seal used?

 

[Robby Raccoon]

T.O. C. like most others,

 

[SODAPOPBOB]

Okay then, we've narrowed it down from around 1885 to about 1900 - which is fifteen years. At least we're making some progress. But more narrowing-down is called for! I'll be back if/when I find something.

 

[Robby Raccoon]

Super. I satisfy myself for a ten-year period as many of my bottles have been 'narrowed' down to. It might seem large to some collectors, but it's not all that big a time difference. And, so, I am happy if you can tell me that. Yes, yes, your kids can learn English, Spanish, Norwegian, and Dutch on that time, but still. Not that big a difference.

 

[SODAPOPBOB]

Just for the heck of it, and because I have nothing else to go on at the moment, and because they seemed to favor Brewing Co. in their 1897 article, I'm shaving-off another three years, which now puts us between 1885 and 1897 - twelve years. []

 

[Robby Raccoon]

This is fun. Heh.

 

[SODAPOPBOB]

I can't say for certain, but I'm betting the Muskegon Bottling Works (Hutchinson) bottle pictured below has a tooled finish and not an applied finish. I'm also betting it was produced after your Baltimore Loop bottle. Thus, I'm betting your bottle was produced sometime between 1885 and 1889. [ Which is pure conjecture at this point, but I'd bet money on it ] Helpful Information ... Dating notes: True applied finishes on Hutchinson soda bottles date the bottle from about 1880 to 1885. Applied finishes on Hutchinson bottles are relatively uncommon. Tooled finish Hutchinson bottles date from the mid to late 1880s to the effective end of production for this style in the mid 1910s, with most bottles dating between the late 1880s and 1912. It is estimated that at least 90% of Hutchinson bottles have tooled finishes dating them in this range (Elliott & Gould 1988; empirical observations).

 

[Robby Raccoon]

Nonetheless, I have a Hutch-Type Baltimore Loop and not a real Hutch due to it's closure. That doesn't affect your most helpful information any?

 

[SODAPOPBOB]

I'm speculating they discontinued the Baltimore Loop aspect and replaced it with a true Hutchinson closure. But irregardless of the exact dates, I'm of the opinion your bottle was the earlier version. Just for the fun of it, and because tomorrow is the 4th of July, I will exercise my freedom of speech/opinion rights, go out on a limb, and date your bottle to ... Circa 1887 Important Reminder: This is all in fun and I really have nothing more to go on than a loosely based opinion. [] Have a Great 4th. And speaking of betting, I'm heading out right now to meet some friends at our local Indian casino. Bob

 

[Robby Raccoon]

Awesome. I thank you for your time and help, and good luck with you gambling (I believe in banning it, though. Heh.) The old Horse Race Track is being looked into as a new Indian-owned Casino which has created a stir, albeit has quieted recently again. I say no, but others say yes. Either way, no matter what they say, it's bad for the people of Muskegon (especially if you have an addiction like some people I know) and my economics were hardly matched in school. Nonetheless, have fun!