SODAPOPBOB
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CalKid ~ [8D]
Here's a newbie's tool box I put together to get you started on dating bottles, etc. Starting with this link to a "Bottle Makers Marks" website. But please note - many bottles were made in one state at a glass plant, and then shipped to another state where the bottler was located. A lot of the soda bottles were made by the Owens-Illinois Glass Co. Their mark is easily recognized by a circle inside of a diamond shape. (See below). With the two number date typically being on the right side of the symbol. This site doesn't have all of the makers marks, but it has a lot of them. Go to Owens-Illinois for most of what you found, and "Maywood Glass Co.", Compton, Ca. for the beer bottle.
Link : http://myinsulators.com/glass-factories/bottlemarks.html
Regarding how to clean the inside of a bottle, I have a special metal rod, but you can also use a wire coat hanger. Just straighten it out with a slight curve to it for reaching the inside/sides of the bottle, and then bend back the very tip of it for a rounded (non scratching) cleaning end. I used to crimp a little piece of rag on the tip, but anymore I just use a small piece of paper towel that can be easily removed and disposed of. And for some of the crustier stuff, you can use the rolled-tip to gently work the crud loose. Plus I use warm water and dish detergent. Rinse/dry and you got it! [8|]
It's kind of a long story as to why I personally don't dig dumps much anymore, which is where most of the good stuff is, but these days, (especially in Calif.) it almost takes an act of Congress to gain access to some of those properties. Plus, I'm older now, and I prefer finding my bottle laying on the ground like what I call the "Easter egg hunt method." I seek out old paved highways that I know were around in the 1920s and 30s, (and likely still used today like Route 66). In my case I prefer old Hyw 80 that used to run coast to coast from San Diego to, I believe, Georgia. Of course, I pretty much stick with S.D. county, and try to find places with lots and lots of heavy brush. The brush would have cushioned the bottles when they landed. It's a lot of crawling around on your hands and knees, but I guarantee there are bottles under there! I primarily do this between Thanksgiving and Easter when the snakes are hibernating and it's not so dang hot. Sure, you will find some newer stuff, as most of those old highways are still open, but there is old stuff to be found for sure. I carry a long-handled garden rake, (The narrow type with only four prongs) and use it to reach and dig around with. Plus it makes a great walking staff.
So there you have it - Bob's tool box of bottle hunting along old highways and identifying bottle ideas.
Good luck - and good hunting!
SPB
Here's a newbie's tool box I put together to get you started on dating bottles, etc. Starting with this link to a "Bottle Makers Marks" website. But please note - many bottles were made in one state at a glass plant, and then shipped to another state where the bottler was located. A lot of the soda bottles were made by the Owens-Illinois Glass Co. Their mark is easily recognized by a circle inside of a diamond shape. (See below). With the two number date typically being on the right side of the symbol. This site doesn't have all of the makers marks, but it has a lot of them. Go to Owens-Illinois for most of what you found, and "Maywood Glass Co.", Compton, Ca. for the beer bottle.
Link : http://myinsulators.com/glass-factories/bottlemarks.html
Regarding how to clean the inside of a bottle, I have a special metal rod, but you can also use a wire coat hanger. Just straighten it out with a slight curve to it for reaching the inside/sides of the bottle, and then bend back the very tip of it for a rounded (non scratching) cleaning end. I used to crimp a little piece of rag on the tip, but anymore I just use a small piece of paper towel that can be easily removed and disposed of. And for some of the crustier stuff, you can use the rolled-tip to gently work the crud loose. Plus I use warm water and dish detergent. Rinse/dry and you got it! [8|]
It's kind of a long story as to why I personally don't dig dumps much anymore, which is where most of the good stuff is, but these days, (especially in Calif.) it almost takes an act of Congress to gain access to some of those properties. Plus, I'm older now, and I prefer finding my bottle laying on the ground like what I call the "Easter egg hunt method." I seek out old paved highways that I know were around in the 1920s and 30s, (and likely still used today like Route 66). In my case I prefer old Hyw 80 that used to run coast to coast from San Diego to, I believe, Georgia. Of course, I pretty much stick with S.D. county, and try to find places with lots and lots of heavy brush. The brush would have cushioned the bottles when they landed. It's a lot of crawling around on your hands and knees, but I guarantee there are bottles under there! I primarily do this between Thanksgiving and Easter when the snakes are hibernating and it's not so dang hot. Sure, you will find some newer stuff, as most of those old highways are still open, but there is old stuff to be found for sure. I carry a long-handled garden rake, (The narrow type with only four prongs) and use it to reach and dig around with. Plus it makes a great walking staff.
So there you have it - Bob's tool box of bottle hunting along old highways and identifying bottle ideas.
Good luck - and good hunting!
SPB