Widemouth Case Gin

[Ye Olde Prospector]

This is one of my favorite bottles I dug here in Bath,Maine a few years ago. I posted a photo when I first joined the forums but took some better pictures since. Thought some of the newer members would like to see them. From what I have been able to find out this bottle is probably Dutch and dates from 1770-1800 and they were sometimes used to ship apothecary goods or even certain food items. Surprisingly a large stoneware crock was completely crushed lying beside this bottle yet this bottle survived in nearly mint condition. There is a little wear on the base and the edges of the shoulders but not a chip or scratch anywhere. I have yet to see any of these bottles at bottle shows but have heard of a couple in glass museums. I don't plan to part with it any time soon, unless I dig up something better. Enjoy.

Cliff

 

[Ye Olde Prospector]

Here's another view.

 

[Ye Olde Prospector]

Here's the pontil base.

 

[Ye Olde Prospector]

Nice flared lip. Bottle is 9 1/2 in tall and 4 in. square at the shoulder. Must have been good quality glass as only needed to wash it with soap an water after digging it.

 

[Gunsmoke47]

Hey Cliff, that's a wonderful bottle. Isn't it amazing how something with that fragile of a lip could survive even the toss to the pit much less everything on top of it including the dirt! I believe I would put that in my keeper stash as it would be hard to dig another one like it. [] Great dig!! Kelley

 

[Mainepontil]

That bottle is a legend Cliff. I've heard the story of you digging it from several different people, some that don't even know you. It's great to see it again.

Joel

 

[Ye Olde Prospector]

Hi Joel,

Think it will be a while before I dig any better bottles than that one. Amazing how it ever survived damage. Just about as likely as winning the lottery. Just gotta keep on diggin.

Cliff

 

[capsoda]

Hey Cliff, that is an extraordinary case bottle you got there. I've only seen pieces of those. We used to call them case gin gone wild when we dug up those odd tops. Check the local museum, sometimes they have a picture catologue of old bottle types.

 

[bearswede]

That's one fine bottle, my friend... And an incredible story, to boot!!!

Thanks for sharing, Cliff...

Ron

 

[Miles]

That's a wonderful bottle!
Did you dig that in the town?