Is this an onion bottle? What can you tell me about it...

[jschaeffer]

I really appreciate all the information you guys have provided.Thank you

 

[andy volkerts]

Personally, I think that it is an American made whiskey decantor. looks like an iron pontil to me. also applied lip.

 

[jschaeffer]

The center of the bottom is an out ward dimple...is that typical of iron pontil vs graphite?

 

[nhpharm]

Iron pontil is the same thing as graphite. I think most people consider "iron" or "improved" pontil to be the correct term but many people call it a "graphite" pontil as well. You see those little nipples on iron pontil and open pontil bottle bases as well as some smooth bases and I would imagine it is a centering mark for when they machined the mold.

 

[sandchip]

Can you post a straight-on window shot like the one of the Forest Lawn that I posted?

 

[jschaeffer]

Thank you for taking the time to explain.

 

[jschaeffer]

Here is a photo at the window...and one at the ceiling light. Its darker and bottle thickness prevents most light from goung threw.

 

[Harry Pristis]

It's likely that I've been wrong about this bottle, and I am happy to see so many collectors stepping up to set me straight. Keep up the good work!

I searched old auction catalogs and found several similar bottles. One failed to get a bid in a 1991 auction; but, in a 2003 catalog, I found this:

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Despite auction attribution (often wrong when describing an unusual bottle), I still think the bottle could be French. The fact that collectors are reluctant to bid on these bottles (two bids in the 2003 auction) tells me collectors don't trust this bottle to be American-made.

I don't have this prejudice. I think it's an interesting bottle, and would be happy to put it on my shelf.

 

[sandchip]

I rest my case...

 

[RIBottleguy]

Reminds me a lot of this bottle:
https://www.antique-bottles.net/showthread.php?74435-Forest-Lawn-JVH-pontiled-American-globe