G.W. Merchant

[saddiejane]

Hi,
I have Another bottle i could use your help with. it is aG.W. Merchant
Lockport.N.T. on the back the isnt anything but a + sign I an guessing the bottle is 5 inches long.. I have seen bottles like this one but the shoulders of the bottle are squared and this one is rounded.. If you could help me with information on the bottle and the value .
thank you
Sarah

 

[saddiejane]

the botton

 

[bearswede]

Hi Sarah...

I've got the earlier version with an open pontil... I didn't know that some of the later ones also had a "+" on the back...

Ron

 

[bearswede]

Base...

 

[bearswede]

Here's the back, and a quote about Merchant:

The celebrated Gargling Oil, a remedy with a reputation extending throughout the country, has always been manufactured in Lockport. The business was founded in 1833 by George W. Merchant, a reputable druggist in the village, who made the remedy and submitted it particularly to owners of horses. For certain diseases of this animal it soon acquired a wide celebrity as a sure cure. As the demand for the oil increased Mr. Merchant established an extensive manufactory in connection with his drug store, and in course of time accumulated a competency, and in 1853 retired. He disposed of his business to M. H. Tucker, Dr. B. L. Delano, and H. Waibridge. Under the immediate management of Mr. Tucker, the business was greatly increased and the extensive use of the remedy for human ailments inaugurated, in 1858 a stock company was organized, of which Mr. Tucker was chosen secretary. He died in 1860 and was succeeded by John Hodge. This energetic business man made the oil known almost throughout the globe and greatly increased its sale. The business was under his immediate management until his death.

Ron

 

[saddiejane]

So how old is the one we have? seam does not run threw the top. The top is very crude. there is a small chip on the inside of the top. the glass itself has white pits in the glass you can not feel them on the out side..
This bottle belonged to my mother -in-law and I do not want my
father-in-law to sell it in the auction if he can get more money for it buy selling it on line, thanks for you help

 

[DiggerBryan]

Warman's Bottles Field guide lists one at $200-$300 but it doesn't say whether it's open pontil or not....

 

[DiggerBryan]

DUH! I see the date now 1845-1855 so I'd say their version is pontiled.

 

[saddiejane]

Is the chip going to make a big differance in how much he gets out of the bottle?
it is small and on the inside of the lip?
thanks
sarah