UNIQUE NEHI SODA BOTTLE

[SODAPOPBOB]

I recently acquired the Nehi soda bottle pictured below, which is dated 1955 and is from ...

Nehi Beverage Co., of Hawaii
Honolulu, T.H.

The Territory of Hawaii became a state on August 21, 1959

But what is most unique about the bottle is the "Wood Arrow" that it contains.

I'm sure there is a simple explanation as to how the wood arrow was "placed" through the bottle, but at present I have been unable to figure out exactly how it was done. However, I can tell you the following ... (Which is the result of my having closely examined the bottle and arrow with a powerful magnifying glass under good light).

1. The section of wood is one piece. This is evident because the wood is aged and the grain pattern is
unbroken and consistant.
2. There is absolutely no indication of a seam or glued-together joint in the wood. No portion of the
grain appears to be disturbed or sliced and then refitted.
3. The original seam in the glass itself runs through the "painted label" and does not appear to be
disturbed whatsoever.
4. Where the holes in the glass are located on both sides there is no seam of any kind.
5. The holes were cleanly bored or drilled in some manner, but I'm not sure what was used.

The antique dealer I got the bottle from said he had it for at least 20 years and that he was never able to figure out how it was done either. The only reason he sold it to me is because he knows I collect soda bottles and knew I would like this particular one.

If you have seen others like it or know how the placement of the arrow was achieved, please let us know because I am totally stumped. I can assure you the arrow was not "carved" after it was placed through the bottle. That would have been impossible!

Thanks for stopping by. All comments and questions are welcomed. But first, please check out the pictures.

SODAPOPBOB

* If you are viewing this "live" please allow me time to post all 5 pictures before commenting. Thanks.

[ 1 of 5 Pictures ]

 

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[ 2 of 5 Pictures ][ Back ]

 

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[ 3 of 5 Pictures ][ Close Up Front ]

 

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[ 4 of 5 Pictures ][ Close Up Back ]

 

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[ 5 of 5 Pictures ][ Close Up of one Hole ][ No seam around it or the other hole ]

Thanks again.

SPB

 

[epackage]

The arrows pointed end is carved and then soaked in boiling water, it is then placed in a vice and squeezed until it's small enough to fit thru the hole drilled in the bottle. When it dries it swells back to it's normal size and there you have it Bob...

 

[epackage]

Here's the Great Roy Underhill from the Woodrights Shop showing how it's done on PBS...

http://www.pbs.org/woodwrightsshop/video/2900/2906.html

 

[SODAPOPBOB]

epackage ~

Thank you. I guess I'm not a wood person because something like that never even entered my mind. But that's definitely how it was done! I knew there had to be a simple explanation because I was certain there were no seams or joints in either the wood or the bottle itself.

And for those who would like to jump right to the bottle part on the video, just slide the bar-deal at the bottom to 18 minutes. The arrow trick runs from about the 18 minute position to about the 20 minute portion.

Thanks again epackage ... you solved the mystery! []

SPB

 

[epackage]

My pleasure Bob, I saw it when it ran on TV a few years ago and thought it was very cool...

 

[ironmountain]

that's pretty cool.