Early torps

[deepbluedigger]

I never intended to collect early torpedos but a few have come along recently that I've ended up acquiring. The black one in the first pic was bought with the idea of using it as a high end swap, or maybe selling it on for a small profit. When it arrived I realised it would be a hard one to part with. It's much better than I expected. Dates to around 1810 - 20.

The patent embossing is why British collectors call torpedos 'hamiltons'. The patent was for the method of making the drinks these bottles contained, but early UK collectors applied the term to the bottles, and it stuck.

The other side is embossed "Sold by R. Johnston, 15 Greek St, Soho, London.

 

[deepbluedigger]

The same black bottle alongside a slightly later bottle from Schweppes. The Schweppes is smooth base, and probably dates roughly 1840s. Quite a common bottle in aqua or pale green, but very rare in this dark bottle green color. Arrived today, and another one that's nicer than I expected [] Happy!

 

[glass man]

WOW THOSE ARE BEAUTIFUL!I never intended to collect torps either...but those change my mind about them!JAMIE

 

[deepbluedigger]

The black one (again!) alongside another pontiled but slightly later one, also from Johnston. The later one, with the iridescent area near the base, is an 1820s - 30s bottle and has been posted on here before. Instead of 7 lines of embossing like the black one it has 4 lines evenly spaced around the bottle:

Hamiltons Patent
Aerated Waters & C
Sold by R. Johnston
15 Greek St London

This later style of Johnston, and pontiled Schweppes in an almost identical style (same bottle shape, with 4 evenly spaced lines of embossing), are the two least rare UK pontiled torpedos.

All three of these came along in the past few months. I've been very lucky to be able to get them. Right place right time. Seems like that's 90% of the battle sometimes, and often down to luck.

 

[deepbluedigger]

Thanks Jamie.

One day they'll probably have to go, to support my pontil meds habit, but it will be a wrench when they do.

 

[epackage]

Just beautiful examples Jerry, nice stuff....Jim

 

[bostaurus]

Very beautiful...some bottles just reek of history. Look at those and imagine Pitt, Wilberforce, War of 1812, beginnings of the Industrial Revolution...on and on.

 

[JOETHECROW]

Those are really great! Great embossing, form and colors!

 

[luckiest]

Those are insanely nice.

 

[div2roty]

What does something like that sell for? They are really nice. I'd have a hard time letting them go as well.