Years ago in the mid 1800's through the turn of the century, beer, ginger beer, root beer and soda were distributed in hand-made stoneware bottles. Often, these bottles bore a stamp which identified a brewer, and perhaps a location. These bottles are highly collectible today for several reasons. First, they are beautiful, handmade and unique. The shapes, stains and colors are varied and regional. Some have names stamped that may be the name of a collector. For example, I bought one with the name O'Neil on it which was a family name, although spelled slightly differently. These bottles make wonderful home bar decorative pieces. But why not in the kitchen? or Den? or complementing a small bouquet?
I seek bottles primarily from the state of Wisconsin and surrounding Midwest states. I have in my collection (for sale) bottles from Iowa, Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois (Chicago) and Minnesota. With beer being such a major part of its economic history, Wisconsin, and in particular, Milwaukee, has a high collector base. It was one of these bottles that I bought at auction which first caught my interest. From that point on, I look for these bottles daily. I will feature a couple recently acquired; however, I have many more to choose from in WRCAM where I have a booth with antiques. I will highlight that collection in a few weeks.
These three bottles show the stamped identity of the bottle. A clear, precise stamp increases value. Sometimes value increases because there is an error in the stamping, for example, position, or double stamping. Chips on the opening of the bottle are evident on these examples. That is common; but value increases with fewer flaws. The Chicago and Wisconsin bottles look like they were made by the same hand, while the third bottle (L. Liebsher) has a slightly less rounded, lower, shoulder and a blob top stained blue. Liebsher used this stamp around 1859 in Milwaukee. In 1865 his stamp changed to include a partner named Berg.
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| Left to right: J.B. Ferstl, Paul Pohl, L. Liebsher |
Whether displayed singly or as part of a collection, these old stoneware bottles connect us to an age of industry when items were made by skilled hands of immigrants and small businesses were supporting local economies. Call Woolbright's River City Antique Mall at 920-295-3475 to arrange for purchase and shipment.
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