Appraisily

August 16, 2023

Old Bottles Identification: Expert Guide to Dating & Valuing Antique Glass

Learn how to identify old bottles with our comprehensive guide covering dating techniques, markings, manufacturing methods, and value factors for antique glass bottle collectors.

Diverse collection of antique glass bottles showcasing various colors, shapes, and historical manufacturing techniques
By Appraisily Team Last updated August 16, 2023
<h2 class="section-header__title"> 
<span>Introduction to Antique Bottle Identification</span>

</h2>

<div class="section-header__body">Antique bottles are fascinating collectibles that offer a tangible connection to our past. Whether discovered in an attic, dug up from an old site, or inherited from family, identifying these glass treasures requires knowledge of manufacturing techniques, markings, and historical context. This comprehensive guide will help you navigate the world of old bottle identification and understand what makes certain bottles more valuable than others.</div>

Bottle collecting has grown significantly in popularity in recent years, with enthusiasts searching for rare examples from the 19th and early 20th centuries. The appeal lies not only in the aesthetic beauty of these glass vessels but also in their historical significance. Every bottle tells a story about manufacturing processes, consumer habits, and cultural trends of its era.

Whether you’re a seasoned collector or someone who has just discovered an interesting old bottle, understanding how to properly identify and date these artifacts will help you appreciate their true value and historical context.

<h2 class="section-header__title"> 
<span>Key Dating Elements for Antique Bottles</span>

</h2>

<div class="section-header__body">When determining the age of an old glass bottle, several key features provide important clues. Manufacturing methods evolved significantly from the 1800s through the 1900s, leaving distinct marks and characteristics that help establish when a bottle was made.</div>

Evolution of Bottle Manufacturing Methods

  1. Pre-1860

    Free-Blown Bottles

    Made without molds, these bottles feature irregular shapes, asymmetrical features, and pontil marks on the base. Each is unique, as they were individually crafted by glassblowers.
  2. 1860-1880

    Three-Piece Mold Bottles

    Created in sectional molds that left distinct seam lines. Typically, seams run up the sides and around the shoulder but not through the neck and lip, as these parts were still hand-finished.
  3. 1880-1910

    Semi-Automatic Production

    Bottles from this period show mold seams that extend up the neck but stop before the lip. The top was still applied by hand, creating a distinct tooled finish.
  4. Post-1910

    Fully Automatic Machines

    After the Owens Automatic Bottle Machine became widespread, bottles display mold seams running all the way through the lip. Mass production standardized shapes and eliminated many hand-finishing characteristics.

Mold Seams and Manufacturing Marks

The height and appearance of mold seams are crucial for dating bottles. As described by Gozone Pack, between 1905-1920, glass bottles had thicker and higher seams. After 1920, with fully automatic production, seam lines run completely from the base through the lip.

Pontil Marks

A pontil mark is a rough or smooth scar on the base of a bottle where the pontil rod was attached during production. According to the Society for Historical Archaeology, these marks are typically found on bottles made before 1860. Their presence almost certainly indicates a bottle of considerable age and potentially higher value.

Key Dating Indicators

Base Markings

Many antique bottles feature manufacturer marks, numbers, or symbols on their bases. The Antique Trader notes that these trademarks usually appear on the bottom of the bottle, possibly on the label, and sometimes embossed on the face or side. These markings can be cross-referenced with manufacturer databases to determine origin and approximate age.

<h2 class="section-header__title"> 
<span>Bottle Types and Their Historical Context</span>

</h2>

<div class="section-header__body">The shape and design of an antique bottle often reveals its original purpose. Different types of products required specific bottle designs, and understanding these relationships helps identify both the age and original contents of a bottle.</div>

According to the Society for Historical Archaeology’s Bottle Typing Guide, the shape of a historic bottle is usually indicative of what it contained. Here are some common bottle types and their original purposes:

Common Antique Bottle Types

Identifying bottle types by shape and design

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Color and Its Significance

The color of antique glass bottles can help narrow down both age and type. According to bottle identification guides, certain colors were prevalent during specific periods:

  • Aqua: Common in bottles from the 1800s to early 1900s
  • Amber/Brown: Primarily used for beer and medicine bottles to protect contents from light
  • Dark Olive Green: Often seen in early wine and champagne bottles
  • Cobalt Blue: Less common, often used for medicine and poison bottles
  • Purple/Amethyst: Clear glass that turned purple from exposure to sunlight (contains manganese, common from 1880-1914)
  • Black Glass: Actually very dark green or amber, common in early alcoholic beverage bottles

As noted by True Legacy Homes, bottles that have turned purple from sun exposure typically date between 1880 and 1914, when manganese dioxide was used as a clarifying agent in glass production.

<h2 class="section-header__title"> 
<span>Decoding Bottle Markings and Embossing</span>

</h2>

<div class="section-header__body">The markings found on antique bottles provide some of the most definitive clues to their origin, manufacturer, age, and contents. Learning to interpret these markings is essential for accurate identification.</div>

Close-up of embossed lettering and maker’s marks on antique glass bottles

Manufacturer’s Marks

The Society for Historical Archaeology’s Makers Marks Page provides an extensive database of manufacturer marks found on bottles. These marks typically appear on the bottle’s base and can include:

  • Initials or full names of glass companies
  • Symbols or logos
  • Location indicators
  • Date codes or patent numbers

For example, bottles marked with “OWENS” or an “O” in a square indicate production by the Owens Bottle Company, which operated from 1911-1929.

Embossed Product Information

Many antique bottles feature embossed text that identifies:

  • Product names: “Dr. Kilmer’s Swamp Root” or “Coca-Cola”
  • Manufacturer claims: “Warranted Flask” or “Guaranteed Pure”
  • Place of origin: “New York” or “San Francisco”
  • Content volume: “One Quart” or “16 OZ”

These embossed details not only help identify the bottle but often make certain examples more collectible, especially with unusual claims or regional significance.

Dating Codes and Numbers

According to Whiskey ID, many bottle manufacturers molded the year into the glass at the bottom in 2-digit format, often found in the lower right portion when examining the base. This practice became particularly common after 1930.

Bottle Markings Identification Checklist

Use this checklist to locate and identify key markings on your bottle

  • Check the base for manufacturer marks or symbols
  • Look for 2-digit date codes on the bottom
  • Examine sides for embossed product names
  • Identify any city or state names embossed on the bottle
  • Note any patent numbers or dates
  • Check for content volume markings
  • Look for pharmaceutical or producer marks
<h2 class="section-header__title"> 
<span>Evaluating Bottle Condition and Rarity</span>

</h2>

<div class="section-header__body">The value of an antique bottle depends significantly on its condition and rarity. Understanding how these factors are assessed helps collectors make informed decisions about acquisitions and sellers determine fair market prices.</div>

Rare antique bottles in pristine condition on display, showing different colors and forms

Condition Factors

The condition of an antique bottle dramatically affects its value. According to bottle collecting forums like Antique Bottles Forum, collectors assess condition based on these key factors:

  1. Damage: Chips, cracks, and flakes significantly reduce value
  2. Staining: Mineral deposits or “sick glass” (etching from burial)
  3. Clarity: Cloudiness or haziness from content residue or environmental exposure
  4. Original Closures: Presence of original stoppers, corks, or caps increases value
  5. Label Condition: If present, intact original labels can substantially increase value
  6. Cleanliness: Proper cleaning without damage to patina

Rarity Considerations

Rarity is determined by several factors that bottle collectors should consider:

  1. Production Quantity: Limited production runs create scarcity
  2. Survival Rate: Some types were commonly discarded or had high breakage rates
  3. Regional Distribution: Bottles with localized distribution can be highly sought after
  4. Time Period: Generally, older bottles (pre-1870) are rarer due to limited survival
  5. Unusual Features: Distinctive colors, shapes, or manufacturing errors can create rarity

Value Factors for Antique Bottles

How condition and rarity affect bottle values

Category Price Notes
Whiskey/Liquor Flask Flattened shape for pocket carrying; often with decorative patterns 1820-1920
Medicine Bottle Small rectangular or oval shapes; often embossed with product claims 1830-1920
Bitters Bottle Distinctive tall shapes; often in amber or green colors 1850-1910
Soda/Mineral Water Round bottom or torpedo shapes; thick glass for carbonation 1840-1920
Milk Bottle Cylindrical with wide mouth; often embossed with dairy names 1880-1950
Ink Bottle Small, squat designs; often with wide mouths for dipping pens 1830-1920 
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As noted by Yahoo’s article on valuable bottles, bottles suspected of high value should be professionally appraised, as experts consider market trends, condition, manufacturer, material, and desirability when establishing prices.

<h2 class="section-header__title"> 
<span>Most Valuable Antique Bottle Categories</span>

</h2>

<div class="section-header__body">While any antique bottle can have historical significance, certain categories consistently command higher prices in the collector&rsquo;s market. Understanding these categories helps focus collecting efforts and identify potentially valuable finds.</div>

According to Antique Advertising’s bottle guide, these categories tend to be most sought after by serious collectors:

Historical Flasks

Patriotic and historical flasks from the 1820-1870 period feature detailed molded designs of eagles, presidents, and historical scenes. These highly collectible bottles can command prices from several hundred to tens of thousands of dollars for rare examples.

Bitters Bottles

Bitters were medicinal alcoholic preparations sold as health remedies in the 19th century. Their distinctive shapes (often figural or cabin-shaped) and beautiful amber or green colors make them highly collectible, with prices ranging from $100 to $15,000+ for rare examples.

Colored Glass Bottles

Bottles in unusual or rare colors can command premium prices regardless of their original purpose. Certain colors like cobalt blue, deep amethyst, yellow amber, and true red are particularly desirable. Some rare-colored historical flasks have sold for over $50,000.

Regional Soda and Beer Bottles

Early soda and beer bottles from the mid-to-late 19th century, especially those with strong local connections to small towns or short-lived companies, can be highly valuable to collectors focusing on specific regions or brewing history.

Poison Bottles

Distinctive poison bottles with their textured surfaces, unusual shapes, and often cobalt blue or green colors were designed to be identifiable by touch in dark medicine cabinets. Their unique appearance makes them popular with collectors, with prices ranging from $50 to several thousand dollars.

Notable Antique Bottle Auction Results

Recent sales of exceptional antique bottles

Category Price Notes
Mint Condition No damage, original shine, possibly with original closure 100% of potential value
Excellent Minor wear, no damage, possibly light staining 70-90% of potential value
Very Good Some wear, possible tiny chips at base, light staining 50-70% of potential value
Good Noticeable wear, minor chips or flakes, staining 30-50% of potential value
Fair Significant wear or damage, heavy staining 10-30% of potential value
Poor Major damage, cracks, large chips Typically collector interest only 
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<h2 class="section-header__title"> 
<span>Tools and Resources for Bottle Identification</span>

</h2>

<div class="section-header__body">Properly identifying antique bottles requires reference materials and specialized tools. Fortunately, many excellent resources are available to help collectors identify their finds.</div>

Essential Reference Materials

According to collector forums, these references are considered essential for serious bottle identification:

  1. Antique Trader Bottles Identification & Price Guide - As noted on Amazon, this is the only full-color bottle book on the market, with more than 5,000 listings and 700 photographs covering over 50 bottle categories.

  2. The Historic Bottle Website - SHA.org’s bottle website is a comprehensive free resource created by the Society for Historical Archaeology, offering detailed information on dating, typing, and identifying historic bottles.

  3. Specialty collector guides - Many collectors focus on specific types of bottles (medicine, soda, beer) and use specialized guides for those categories.

Digital Identification Tools

Many collectors now use digital tools to help identify bottles:

  1. Online databases - Websites like SHA.org maintain searchable databases of bottle marks and manufacturers.

  2. Mobile apps - Various bottle identification apps allow collectors to search databases or connect with experts by uploading photos.

  3. Collector forums - Sites like Antique-Bottles.net allow collectors to share knowledge and get identification help from experienced collectors.

Physical Examination Tools

For detailed examination of bottles, these tools are recommended:

  1. Jeweler’s loupe or magnifying glass - For examining small maker’s marks and identifying manufacturing details

  2. LED flashlight - For illuminating the interior of bottles and highlighting flaws or features

  3. Digital calipers - For precise measurement of heights, diameters, and other dimensions

  4. UV light - For detecting glass composition changes that might indicate age (manganese glass will fluoresce under UV)

Essential Bottle Identification Resources

Trusted sources for bottle collectors and researchers

<h2 class="section-header__title"> 
<span>Bottle Collecting: Getting Started</span>

</h2>

<div class="section-header__body">For those interested in beginning a bottle collection, understanding the basics of acquiring, cleaning, displaying, and preserving antique bottles is essential to building a meaningful collection.</div>

Finding Antique Bottles

According to experienced collectors on forums like Reddit’s r/BottleDigging, bottles can be acquired through various channels:

  1. Bottle digging - Research and excavate old dump sites, privies, and abandoned building foundations (always obtain proper permissions)

  2. Estate sales and auctions - Often yield interesting bottles from established collections

  3. Antique shops and flea markets - Common sources for moderately priced bottles

  4. Online marketplaces - eBay, Etsy, and specialized collector sites offer vast selections

  5. Bottle shows and collector meets - Excellent for finding quality pieces and networking with other collectors

Proper Cleaning Techniques

Proper cleaning is essential but must be done carefully to avoid damage:

  1. Soak in warm, soapy water - For bottles with minimal dirt
  2. Use soft brushes for internal cleaning - Bottle brushes or cleaning beads can help
  3. Avoid harsh chemicals - These can damage glass patina
  4. Clean stoppers and closures separately - Use appropriate methods for cork, glass, or metal components
  5. Air dry completely - Prevent water spotting by thorough drying

Display and Preservation

To showcase and protect your collection:

  1. Use appropriate shelving - Glass shelves with subtle lighting highlight bottle features
  2. Protect from direct sunlight - UV light can damage or change glass color over time
  3. Control humidity - Extreme conditions can affect labels and closures
  4. Document your collection - Keep records of each bottle’s history, purchase date, and value
  5. Consider insurance - For valuable collections, specialized insurance may be appropriate

Focused Collecting Strategies

Most successful collectors advise focusing collection efforts rather than acquiring randomly:

  1. Regional focus - Bottles from a specific city or state
  2. Type focus - Specialize in medicine, soda, ink, or other specific bottle types
  3. Era focus - Concentrate on bottles from a specific time period
  4. Color focus - Collect bottles in a particular color or range of colors
  5. Manufacturer focus - Collect bottles from a specific glass company

Common Questions About Antique Bottle Identification

How do I identify old bottles? 
The most reliable method for identifying old bottles involves examining several key features:

    

  1. Base markings: Look for manufacturer logos, numbers, and symbols on the bottom
    2. 

  2. Mold seams: The height and appearance of seam lines indicate production era
    3. 

  3. Lip finish: How the top was formed (applied by hand or machine)
    4. 

  4. Pontil mark: A scar on the base indicates pre-1860s production
    5. 

  5. Embossing: Text and designs molded into the glass
    6. 

  6. Color: Certain colors were prevalent in specific eras
    7. 

  7. Shape: Bottle shapes often indicate their original purpose
    8. 



For the most accurate identification, consult reference books or the Society for Historical Archaeology’s bottle website.

How do you date a bottle? 
Dating antique bottles relies on manufacturing characteristics that evolved over time:

    

  1. Mold seams: Their height indicates approximate age; seams running completely through the lip typically indicate post-1910 production
    2. 

  2. Base markings: Many manufacturers included date codes (especially after 1930)
    3. 

  3. Pontil marks: Presence indicates pre-1860s production
    4. 

  4. Color: Certain glass colors were used during specific periods (purple glass from manganese dioxide typically dates 1880-1914)
    5. 

  5. Manufacturing method: Free-blown (pre-1860s), mold-blown with applied finish (1860s-1910s), or machine-made (post-1910)
    6. 

  6. Embossing style: Certain typography and designs were used in specific eras
    7. 

  7. Maker’s marks: Can be cross-referenced with manufacturer databases
    8. 



As noted by Whiskey ID, many bottle manufacturers molded the year into the glass at the bottom in 2-digit format, often found in the lower right portion.

How do I find out how much my old bottles are worth? 
Determining the value of antique bottles requires considering several factors:

    

  1. Consult price guides: References like the Antique Trader Bottles Identification & Price Guide provide value ranges
    2. 

  2. Check online auction results: Sites like eBay (completed listings) show real market values
    3. 

  3. Join collector forums: Communities like Antique-Bottles.net often help with valuations
    4. 

  4. Attend bottle shows: Compare similar bottles and speak with dealers
    5. 

  5. Get professional appraisals: For potentially valuable bottles, professional appraisal is recommended
    6. 



As Yahoo’s article notes, professional appraisers consider factors like market trends, condition, manufacturer, material, desirability, and rarity when establishing values.

How can I tell how old my liquor bottle is? 
Liquor bottles have specific dating features:

    

  1. Glass date codes: As noted by Bourbon Sippers, many liquor bottles have two-digit embossed numbers on the bottom corresponding to the year (e.g., 99 for 1999)
    2. 

  2. Tax stamps: If present, U.S. tax stamps changed design over the years and can help date the bottle
    3. 

  3. Label designs: Liquor brands updated label designs periodically
    4. 

  4. Bottle technology: Manufacturing features like seams and base markings apply to liquor bottles as well
    5. 

  5. Government warnings: Mandatory warning labels were introduced at specific times
    6. 

  6. UPC codes: Their presence indicates post-1980s production
    7. 



For collectible whiskey bottles in particular, bottle shape, label design, and tax stamps are especially useful for dating.

Are old bottles worth any money? 
The value of old bottles varies tremendously based on several factors:

    

  1. Rarity: Uncommon bottles command higher prices
    2. 

  2. Age: Generally, pre-1900 bottles are more valuable
    3. 

  3. Condition: Mint condition bottles with no damage are worth significantly more
    4. 

  4. Color: Unusual colors (cobalt blue, true red, yellow) often command premiums
    5. 

  5. Historical significance: Bottles with important historical connections are more valuable
    6. 

  6. Embossing/design: Elaborate embossing or unique designs increase value
    7. 

  7. Collector interest: Current collecting trends affect prices
    8. 



While many common bottles might be worth only $5-20, rare examples can sell for thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. Historical flasks, rare bitters bottles, and certain colored glass bottles tend to be most valuable.

Is there an app that can identify old bottles? 
Several apps and online tools can help with bottle identification:

    

  1. Google Lens: Can match bottle images with similar examples online
    2. 

  2. Collector apps: Some specialty apps focus on bottle identification
    3. 

  3. Online forums: Not apps per se, but sites like Reddit’s r/BottleDigging allow uploading photos for expert identification
    4. 

  4. Auction house apps: Some major auction platforms have identification features
    5. 



However, no app currently provides comprehensive bottle identification with complete accuracy. Most collectors still rely on reference books, websites like the SHA Bottle Website, and consultation with experienced collectors for definitive identifications.

What does a pontil mark look like on a bottle? 
A pontil mark (or scar) appears on the base of a bottle and indicates hand-blown production, typically pre-1860s. Pontil marks come in several varieties:

    

  1. Open pontil: A rough, circular scar with sharp edges
    2. 

  2. Sand pontil: A grainy, sandpaper-like texture in a circular area
    3. 

  3. Iron pontil: A smooth, often reddish or graphite-colored deposit
    4. 

  4. Improved pontil: A smoother variant with less pronounced scarring
    5. 



The presence of any pontil mark usually indicates a bottle of considerable age and potentially higher value. The SHA Bottle Bases page provides detailed images and descriptions of different pontil types.

Why do some old bottles turn purple? 
The purple coloration in old clear glass bottles is caused by a chemical reaction:

    

  1. Manganese dioxide: From approximately 1880 to 1914, glassmakers added manganese dioxide to glass batches as a decolorizing agent to produce clear glass
    2. 

  2. Sunlight exposure: When exposed to ultraviolet light for extended periods, the manganese in the glass undergoes a chemical reaction
    3. 

  3. Color change: This reaction causes the clear glass to gradually turn varying shades of purple or amethyst
    4. 

  4. Dating significance: The presence of this "sun-purpled" glass typically indicates production between 1880 and 1914
    5. 



As noted by True Legacy Homes, this purple coloration helps date bottles to this specific period. After World War I, manganese (which was primarily sourced from Germany) was replaced with selenium as a glass decolorizer, which does not produce the purple effect.

<h2 class="section-header__title"> 
<span>Conclusion: The Enduring Appeal of Antique Bottles</span>

</h2>

<div class="section-header__body">Identifying and collecting antique bottles connects us to a tangible piece of history. Each bottle tells a story of manufacturing innovation, consumer culture, and everyday life from bygone eras. By understanding the key identification features outlined in this guide, collectors can better appreciate the historical significance and potential value of these glass artifacts.</div>

Whether you’re just beginning your collecting journey or are a seasoned enthusiast looking to refine your identification skills, the resources and techniques shared in this guide provide a solid foundation for exploring the fascinating world of antique bottles. From pontil-marked medicines of the mid-19th century to machine-made sodas of the early 20th century, each bottle represents a unique chapter in our material culture history.

As you develop your expertise, remember that bottle collecting is as much about preservation and historical appreciation as it is about ownership. By properly identifying, documenting, and caring for these glass treasures, collectors play an important role in preserving industrial and commercial history for future generations.

Happy collecting, and may you find that rare and special bottle that has eluded collectors for years!

Item Price Date Auction House
Gen. Jackson/Eagle Historical Flask $176,670 January 2021 Glass Works Auctions
Albany Glass Works Eagle Flask $88,500 November 2020 Norman C. Heckler & Co.
E.G. Booz's Old Cabin Whiskey $37,600 March 2021 American Bottle Auctions
Drake's Plantation Bitters Cabin $15,525 July 2022 Glass Works Auctions
Figured Cobalt Blue Poison Bottle $9,360 August 2021 Norman C. Heckler & Co.