train engine bottle information

[rogerdrake]

Can anyone tell me any information on this glass train engine bottle?
I dug it up in my back yard. There is still some mud inside. I didn't want to scrub it too hard.
The bottle is clear with a slight " carnivale glass" sheen.
The bottle also stands on its end and has a cork type opening.
It is 2 3/4" long, 1 1/4" tall and 7/8" wide.
There is a seem in the bottle and some half worn away letters on the bottom.

3 DR
________

S. J. CO.

I'm very curious about it's original use, origin and value.

 

[woody]

It was probably a candy container.

 

[Sam_MaineBottles]

Sweet little bottle, rogerdrake! I'd say it was a candy container as well, even though most candy containers of that type were in two halves (base and cover). Hope you can make some other nice discoveries in your backyard!

-Sam

 

[woody]

On second thought, after noticing the size, I'd say it was probably an ink bottle.
That particular size would seem to be too small for most candy containers I've seen.

 

[David E]

Bottle pricing guide by Hugh Cleveland (1993)
Picture shows same as yours
Candy Clear 4 1/2"
$8.00 to $12.00 but I would guess more value due to age of pricing book

Also not carnival glass, coloring may be from the exposure to earth (minerals) and water.

Dave

 

[woody]

The problem is that his container is only 2 3/4" long, hence I think it is too small for a candy container.[]

 

[S.C. Warner]

Whew, I'd have to agree with both of you here. If Dave has a picture, then maybe measurement is wrong? Woody is right about that being a bit small for candy, from my limited experience. Or could it have been a Salesman's sample? Very interesting indeed. Also I agree about weathering giving the iridescence. Kind of looks like the Canada Dry Carnival glass.
best.
sc

 

[drjhostetters]

Hey Dave E...

I have a 2004 Hugh Cleveland, updated..my book shows $65 to $75 for 4 inch clear candy train...I don't think it is a candy either...unless was minature or sample...
but it is beautiful anyway regardless and a neat find.

The Doc...[X(]

 

[David E]

You are right Woody, I to missed the small size.
Dave

 

[bigkitty53]

This is a poser,all right![>:]
It seems too small for a candy yet it appears that the mouth is at the back of the engine cab, and that the bottle can't stand on the cowcatcher up front-so it can't be an ink.The smokestack can't have a big enough opening for a typical pen nib if the bottle is only 7/8" wide the stack opening can't be more than 1/4".(allowing for the glass thickness.)[>:][>:][>:]So what is it? I'll have to go with Doc and S.C.,miniature or sample candy container.[]

Neat little bottle!

KAT