Dr Hofstetter error on base?

[John Mount]

Hello! I just picked up this Dr . Hofstetter stomach bitters bottle. I just thought it looked cool and it was $15 I think. I hadn't noticed but now I see there appears to be a weird embossing error on the base. It has an A, C and W, but the C looks like it dripped itself into almost a G. Then there are two J's and a few other not so easily identifiable markings. I'm curious if this is common. Also how do you tell if the color is regular brown or 'dark amber'? It just looks brown to me but it seems a little darker than some others I've seen. Well if you have a few moments please look at the photos and let me know what you think. Thank you!

 

[hemihampton]

I've seen lots of bottles with the base messed up like that but usually not to that extent, yours is more severe than most. LEON.

 

[John Mount]

I've seen lots of bottles with the base messed up like that but usually not to that extent, yours is more severe than most. LEON.

yeah it seems someone at the plant was having a bad day! or a liquid lunch

 

[Len]

Hi John,

I believe there are five or six official shades of brown. ...Yup, that base looks like more than a ghosting. That worker probably helped himself to a few nips. If memory serves, H's had a higher alcohol % and a few grains of opium in their Bitter's mix. The company also had a contract for the Union army. Hmmm.