Attempt ID Glass Bottles w/ Glass Cork, Cap in Metal/Leather Case

[ncmountie]

I am attempting to identify some small bottles I found while sorting through property belonging to my mom and dad who have now passed away. I believe these bottles belonged to my maternal grandparent(s) who lived near Philadelphia from 1940's - 1975. My grandfather worked for Westinghouse Combustion Turbine Systems Division. He also during his non-working hours repaired televisions, radios, constructed radios, made knives and created electrical devises of various descriptions. I suspect these belonged to him; however, they could have belonged to my grandmother, a homemaker, who did a lot of sewing, crafts and ceramics.

I have asked my uncle if he recognized the bottles with negative results.

I am at a loss as to the origin or function of these bottles. I really do not know how to narrow the search criteria due to the unusual design. My research led me to the antique-bottles.net website.

As shown in the photo, there are 6 glass bottles currently although the metal container bound in leather, originally held 8 bottles. Each bottle measure approx 3.5" tall / bottom 1 3/16" diameter, with a glass "cork" and having aluminum "screw on" caps. These bottles are secured inside a metal rectangular container bound in black leather and measures approx 11"x5"x2". The only identifying marks are on the snap closure of the container that reads, "Knickerbocker Case Co. Chicago."

Research indicated that Knickerbocker Case Co. in Chicago manufactured many types of baggage, cases, etc. and the company does not seem to be associated with the purpose or function of the items contained in the case manufactured by Knickerbocker.

Additional photos available.

Thank you for any assistance regarding these unique bottles.

Steve (ncmountie)

 

[ncmountie]

Additonal photo... Still have others, but new to the site and unless I'm missing something, only one photo was allowed per post. Thanks. Steve

 

[surfaceone]

Hey Steve,

Welcome to these parts, and thanks for showing us these bottles.

Do they have ground lips? Are there any markings on the bases? How high in the bottle do the stoppers sit?

Sorry to have more questions than answers, just now.

Salesman's samples, some sort of chemical testing kit, perhaps...

Is the clipped tray of aluminum as well? What's the rest of the case look like? Any signs of previously attached instructions, descriptions, etc?

From.

 

[ncmountie]

If I understand your question correctly, the bottles have polished lips; however, the inner surface of the neck is abraded/rough, as are the lower exterior surfaces of the glass "cork," apparently so that when inserted, this creates a more secure fit.

I knew but failed to mention that there is the number, "1294" imprinted into the bottom of each bottle. On some bottles, there appears to be a partial "double strike" or partial double image of this number. The photo included of this number is a single, clear strike during manufacture apparently.

I've included a photo of the corks inserted. The corks measure approx 1" tall and insert approx 5/8" into the opening, so that the abraded areas of the surfaces meet.

 

[ncmountie]

Here's the photo of number "1294" referenced in the previous reply... Steve

 

[ncmountie]

Here's an overall photo of the exterior of the case and yes, the metal surface of the case is aluminum...

 

[ncmountie]

Also, I failed to mention and this is illustrated in the photos, the cylinder areas of the bottles have a flattened area for laying the bottles on their sides to prevent rolling.

The spots in the glass bottles' surfaces shown in the above photos are imperfections, i.e. bubbles.

I had considered these being storage containers for a chemical as you mentioned; however, the glass "corks" or "stoppers" and metal lids seem to me lacking the necessary fit to contain any type of caustic liquid or powder. It does seem the best guess is that these were for some type of chemical storage; however, I haven’t the experience to give myself confidence in that speculation.

Again, thanks for your assistance.

Steve

 

[botlguy]

Hey Steve: Welcome to this terrific site. I have to comment that your presentation for a first timer is absolutely top notch. Your questions are concise and the pictues excellent. Thank you.

I can add little to nothing more than what has been already propsed. I think they are chemical rather than perfume or such due to the diameter of the opening. The less than positive fit would be taken care of by the screw on metal caps. Salesman samples seems possible as does a traveling physician / healer kit. Other than that I really don't know, Hope we find a more logical answer.

 

[ncmountie]

Thanks for the responses and information. Even responses in which the author can't provide conclusive information is helpful in that an author on this site may have many, many years of experience (such as "botlguy") and hasn't seen these type bottles in the past. That alone sheds light on this item indicating their origin is not common. Again, thanks and I would appreciate any additional input!

 

[ncmountie]

Also, "surfaceone" thanks for the photos and link above. I did look more closely at the link provided and can see what you guys were referring to relative to these possibly being used for chemicals. I see the similarities of my item and those with the “leather sample case for chemicals." The bag shown in your link even has a similar design of metal brackets holding the bottles in place within the bag. Very interesting. Thanks.