J.L.Kelly SARSAPARILLA

[Ye Olde Prospector]

My friend Larry found this one with the base sticking out of the leaves. Open pontil, embossed on front "J.L.KELLY & CO/ CHEMISTS/ PORTLAND ME left side KELLY & CO right side SARSAPARILLA" This one measures 8 1/4 in tall, and appears to be a long neck varient of the Kelly's listed as rare in DeGrafft's American Srasaparilla book. No cracks or damage but needs serious cleaning, lots of the contents stuck to the inside. Any ideas on value or other info would be appreciated. More details about the find in my post from yesterday update on Early 1800's cellar hole thread. Took this picture right where it was pulled out of ground.

 

[BRIAN S.]

Hi Cliff,
I have 2 examples selling at public auction in the Auction Report .
" J.L. KELLEY & CO. / CHEMISTS / PORTLAND ME. - SARSAPARILLA - KELLEY & CO. "
12/91 HARMER ROOKE AUCTION : Aqua , 8" tall , Open pontil , Tapered collar lip , Perfect ...... $ 176.00
11/93 GLASSWORKS AUCTION : Aqua , 7 3/4" tall , Pontil scar , Applied mouth , Tiny flake off side of lip , About perfect ..... $ 242.00
I don't see any selling recently . Hope this helps , Brian

 

[kastoo]

Well I guess congrats to Larry..get it tumbled and make $$$ OR set it out for display

 

[Ye Olde Prospector]

Hi Brian,
Thanks for the auction info.Guess the Kelly's sarsaparilla's are pretty scarce these days.
Cliff

 

[portland med. man]

nice find cliff and larry we have been finding some good stuff just alittle wet water table still high for now... no more piles to dig threw and my computer and car died so im using back up computer wish i had a back up car.... keep up the good work on your diggin peace....

 

[portland med. man]

oh yeah nice sasparilla i`ve seen one or two they are pretty scarce last i thought i saw a 250 price tag on one.....cheers.... killa edition to a pontil maine collector or just a sasparilla collecter....sounds like a ebay battle waiting to happen[]

 

[portland med. man]

it is the same mold as the pontil h.h hays with an extended neck...... sweet............wonder if it was blown locally...