| Quart |
32 ounces |
Most common size for household delivery |
| Pint |
16 ounces |
Popular for smaller households |
| Half-Pint |
8 ounces |
Often used for cream or school milk programs |
| Gill/Half-Gill |
4 ounces/2 ounces |
Less common, used for cream |
| Quart and a Half |
48 ounces |
Rare size, highly collectible |
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Manufacturing Techniques
According to a detailed analysis of bottle manufacturing on the Society for Historical Archaeology website, production methods evolved significantly:
- Hand-Blown (pre-1905): Early bottles show pontil marks on the base and irregular seams.
- Semi-Automatic Machine (1905-1920s): More uniform with visible mold lines that don’t extend through the lip.
- Fully Automatic Machine (post-1920s): Consistent size and shape with mold lines extending through the entire bottle.
The presence of a seam running all the way through the lip generally indicates a machine-made bottle from after 1920, making this an important dating feature.
Bottle Identification Checklist
Use this checklist to assess key identification features
Bottom Codes
The most common dating method involves embossed numbers on the bottle base:
- Two-Digit Numbers: A two-digit number (like “44”) typically represents the year of manufacture (e.g., 1944).
- One-Digit Numbers: Some earlier bottles have a single digit representing the last digit of the year.
According to a discussion on FindMall, these bottom marks are one of the most reliable indicators of age: “Usually the bottom of a milk bottle will have 2 digits emboss on it.. for example a 44 would be 1944.”
Rim Codes
Pacific Coast states used a unique dating system involving numbers embossed on the upper surface of the finish (rim):
According to a dedicated study published by the Society for Historical Archaeology:
“Milk bottles from the western United States sometimes exhibit embossed numbers on the upper surface of the finish. Physical and historical evidence indicate that these numbers are date codes that follow specific patterns.”
These rim codes were particularly common in California, Oregon, and Washington, and they follow a pattern that can help identify the exact year of manufacture.
Heel Codes
The heel of the bottle (the lower part where the body meets the base) often contains valuable dating information:
- “SEALED” Marks: Bottles marked “SEALED” were generally manufactured after regulations requiring this marking were enacted (typically 1910s-1920s, varying by state).
- “REGISTERED” Marks: According to SHA research, “The earliest date code we have found for a milk bottle that also had a ‘REGISTERED’ heelmark was 1940.”
- Manufacturer’s Marks: Many bottles include marks identifying the glass manufacturer, which can be cross-referenced with known production dates.
The Wisconsin numbering system, described in The Mysterious Number System, required specific markings:
“By at least 1912, Wisconsin required the word ‘SEALED’ plus the name, initials, or trade mark ‘in the side or bottom of the bottle,’ along with a number assigned to the specific dairy.”
Clear Glass
The vast majority of milk bottles were produced in clear glass to allow consumers to see the cream line (the visible separation between cream and milk before homogenization became standard).
Amber Glass
As noted in the El Paso Dairies documentation, “amber bottles were used by some dairies to differentiate product types.” Specifically:
- Amber bottles often indicated vitamin D-fortified milk
- Some dairies used amber glass for homogenized milk (which didn’t show a cream line)
- In certain regions, amber bottles indicated Jersey or Guernsey milk with higher butterfat content
Green Glass and Other Colors
- Green Glass: Extremely rare in milk bottles, these can command premium prices from collectors
- Blue Glass: Primarily found in specialized cream tops rather than full bottles
- Purple or Amethyst Glass: Clear glass that has turned purple over time due to manganese content and sun exposure - indicates pre-1920 manufacture
Dairy Names and Locations
Most milk bottles prominently feature the name of the dairy that used them, often accompanied by location information:
- Local Dairies: Bottles from small town dairies are often more valuable due to their rarity
- Large Commercial Dairies: Bottles from major national brands like Borden’s may be more common but can still be collectible with the right features
Special Markings
According to Dr. Lori’s antique appraisal guide, several markings can help identify milk bottles:
- Store Markings: Some bottles indicate they were for sale in specific stores rather than for delivery
- Warning Text: Phrases like “This Bottle Not To Be Sold” or “Property Of” indicate bottles meant to be returned to the dairy
- Capacity Information: Legal requirements often meant capacity information was embossed on the bottle
Decorative Elements
Beyond functional markings, decorative elements enhance collectibility:
- Logos: Distinctive dairy logos or mascots (like Borden’s Elsie the Cow)
- Slogans: Advertising copy or slogans embossed on the glass
- Pictorial Elements: Images of cows, farms, or other dairy-related graphics
- War-Related Markings: Bottles with patriotic slogans or war-related messages from WWII are particularly collectible
According to BottleStore.com’s collecting guide, “Bottles bearing slogans from World War II, like ‘Buy War Bonds,’ are particularly popular, as are ones with well-known characters on them.”
Condition
Condition is paramount in determining value. LoveToKnow’s guide to antique milk bottles emphasizes condition as a primary valuation factor:
Condition Rating Factors
Features that affect the condition rating of milk bottles
Rarity
Rarity significantly impacts value. Factors affecting rarity include:
- Geographic Origin: Bottles from small towns or short-lived dairies
- Production Period: Bottles from earlier periods (pre-1920) are generally rarer
- Special Features: Unusual shapes, colors, or decorative elements
- Commemorative Bottles: Special editions created for events or anniversaries
Embossing and Design
According to Collectors Weekly:
“Most milk-bottle manufacturers embossed logos onto the bottles they produced, which makes it relatively easy for collectors to differentiate among the plethora of bottles made.”
Bottles with distinctive designs, elaborate embossing, or unique features generally command higher prices.
Historical Significance
Bottles connected to significant historical events or themes can be particularly valuable:
- War-Related: WWII slogans or patriotic themes
- Famous Dairies: Connections to well-known historical businesses
- Technological Innovations: Early examples of particular bottle designs or closures
Vintage Milk Bottle Value Ranges
General price ranges for different types of milk bottles (2023 market)
| Category |
Price |
Notes |
| Common Quart Bottles (1940s-50s) |
$5-$25 |
Good condition, standard embossing |
| Small Town Dairy Bottles |
$20-$100+ |
Depending on rarity and condition |
| Pre-1920 Bottles |
$30-$150 |
Higher for excellent condition |
| Colored Glass Bottles |
$50-$200+ |
Especially amber and green examples |
| Pyro-Glazed (Painted) Bottles |
$75-$300+ |
With minimal paint loss |
| Rare Shapes/Designs |
$100-$500+ |
Unusual sizes or decorative features |
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Regional Collections
Many collectors focus on bottles from specific geographic areas:
- Local Collections: Bottles from the collector’s hometown or region
- State Collections: Comprehensive collections from a specific state
- Rural vs. Urban: Some collectors specialize in either city dairies or rural operations
Era-Specific Collections
Others focus on particular time periods:
- Pre-1920 Era: Early milk bottles with primitive embossing and manufacturing characteristics
- Depression Era: Bottles from the 1930s, often featuring distinctive designs
- WWII Period: Bottles with war-related themes and slogans
- Baby Boomer Era: 1950s bottles representing the peak of home delivery
Specialty Types
Specialized categories attract dedicated collectors:
- Baby Bottles: Specialized milk bottles designed for infant feeding
- Cream Tops: Bottles with special cream-extracting tops
- School Bottles: Half-pint bottles used in school milk programs
- Advertising Specialties: Bottles with unique promotional content
Closure Types
The caps and lids used to seal glass milk bottles represent another collecting category:
According to BottleStore.com:
“The caps and lids used to seal glass milk bottles came in many different designs. For instance, the Thatcher bottle had a stopper held in place with wire.”
Common closure types include:
- Cardboard Disks: The most common type from the 1930s onward
- Foil Caps: Used particularly for cream and specialty products
- Crown Caps: Similar to beer bottles, used on some early designs
- Wire Bail Closures: The Thatcher “Common Sense” milk bottle used a glass stopper held by wire
Modern Reproduction Indicators
Watch for these telltale signs of reproduction bottles:
- Too Perfect: Reproduction bottles often lack the minor flaws and wear found in genuine antiques
- Incorrect Dating Methods: Reproductions may attempt to mimic dating codes but often get details wrong
- Artificially Aged: Some reproductions are artificially stained or aged to appear older
- Modern Glass Composition: Reproduction glass often has a different weight and feel than vintage glass
- Incorrect Embossing Style: The depth and style of embossing on reproductions often differs from period-authentic bottles
Glass Composition
Authentic older milk bottles (pre-1920) that have been exposed to sunlight may develop a purple tint due to the manganese content in the glass. This natural aging process is difficult to replicate and can be a good indicator of authenticity.
Weight and Feel
Genuine vintage milk bottles typically have variations in glass thickness and often feel heavier than modern glass containers. Reproductions tend to have more uniform glass distribution.
Cleaning
Milk bottles should be cleaned carefully to avoid damage:
- Gentle Cleaning: Use warm water and mild dish soap for basic cleaning
- Avoiding Damage: Never use abrasive brushes or harsh chemicals that can scratch or etch the glass
- Stubborn Residue: For mineral deposits, a solution of vinegar and water can be effective
- Interior Stains: Fill the bottle with dry rice and soapy water, then gently swirl to clean hard-to-reach areas
Display Considerations
How you display your bottles affects both their appearance and preservation:
- UV Protection: Keep bottles away from direct sunlight to prevent color changes and deterioration of any paper labels
- Secure Shelving: Use sturdy display shelves with lips or guards to prevent bottles from falling
- Temperature Control: Avoid areas with extreme temperature fluctuations that can stress the glass
- Dust Protection: Consider display cases with doors to minimize dust accumulation
Cataloging Your Collection
Maintaining records of your collection enhances both enjoyment and value:
- Provenance Documentation: Record where and when each bottle was acquired
- Photography: Take detailed photos of embossing, markings, and any damage
- Research Notes: Keep notes on the history of each dairy and bottle design
- Valuation Updates: Periodically update estimated values based on recent sales
Finding Vintage Bottles
Milk bottles can be found through various channels:
- Antique Shops: Local antique stores often carry regional milk bottles
- Bottle Shows: Specialized bottle collector shows feature vendors with extensive inventory
- Online Marketplaces: eBay, Etsy, and Ruby Lane are popular for milk bottle sales
- Estate Sales: Particularly in rural areas, estate sales can yield unexpected finds
- Bottle Digger Networks: Connect with people who excavate old dump sites legally
- Collector Forums: Online communities like the Milk Bottle Collectors Forum facilitate private sales
Selling Considerations
If you choose to sell bottles from your collection:
- Accurate Description: Provide detailed information about condition, age, and origin
- Quality Photography: Include clear images of embossing and any damage
- Research Comparable Sales: Check recent auction results for similar bottles
- Consider Specialty Auctions: Bottles with significant value may do better in specialized bottle auctions
- Target Regional Buyers: Local historical societies or collectors may pay premium prices for bottles from their area
Price Research
According to LoveToKnow’s guide:
“For very valuable bottles or if you’re planning to sell one, it’s a good idea to get your pieces professionally appraised. Appraisers consider factors like market trends, condition, manufacturer, material, desirability, and more when setting a price.”
Common Questions About Milk Bottles
What makes a milk bottle valuable?
Several factors determine the value of vintage milk bottles:
- Rarity: Bottles from small town dairies or short-lived operations tend to be more valuable
- Age: Generally, older bottles (pre-1920s) command higher prices
- Condition: Bottles without chips, cracks, or excessive case wear are more valuable
- Special Features: Distinctive embossing, unusual colors (amber, green), or unique shapes increase value
- Historical Significance: Bottles with World War II slogans (like "Buy War Bonds") or featuring famous characters (like Borden’s Elsie the Cow) are particularly sought after
- Completeness: Original caps, especially unusual closure types, can add significantly to value
According to BottleStore.com, bottles with wartime slogans or well-known characters can be especially desirable to collectors.
How do I know if my old bottles are valuable?
To determine if your milk bottles have significant value:
- Research the Dairy: Look up the specific dairy name online to learn about its history and rarity
- Check Dating Features: Use base codes, rim codes, or heel marks to determine the age
- Assess Condition: Examine carefully for chips, cracks, and case wear
- Look for Special Features: Note any unusual colors, shapes, or embossing
- Check Online Auction Sites: Search for similar bottles that have sold recently
- Consult Reference Books: Specialized milk bottle collecting guides often include price information
- Seek Professional Appraisal: For potentially valuable bottles, consider having them professionally evaluated
Professional appraisers consider market trends, condition, manufacturer, material, desirability, and other factors when determining value.
How can you tell what year a bottle is?
Several methods can help determine the age of a milk bottle:
- Bottom Codes: Most bottle manufacturers molded the year into the glass at the bottom in 2-digit format (e.g., "44" for 1944)
- Rim Codes: Bottles from Western states often have date codes on the upper rim surface
- Heel Marks: Look for "SEALED" (generally post-1910s) or "REGISTERED" (generally post-1940) marks
- Manufacturing Techniques: Machine-made bottles with seams through the lip date after 1920
- Glass Color: Purple tint from sun exposure indicates manganese in the glass (pre-1920)
- Bottle Shape: Round bottles are generally older than square ones
- Embossing Style: The style and complexity of embossing changed over time
According to the Society for Historical Archaeology, these dating methods can be used in combination to establish a reliable date range for most milk bottles.
Are old milk bottles worth anything?
Yes, many old milk bottles have monetary value to collectors. The value ranges widely:
- Common Bottles: Basic milk bottles from the 1940s-50s typically sell for $5-25
- Small Town Dairies: Bottles from small local dairies can fetch $20-100+
- Pre-1920 Bottles: Early examples in good condition often sell for $30-150
- Colored Glass: Amber or green milk bottles can command $50-200+
- Rare Features: Bottles with unique shapes, sizes, or embossing may sell for $100-500+
- Exceptional Examples: The rarest bottles with historical significance can exceed $1,000
Even common bottles have some value, especially to collectors focusing on specific regions or dairies. The milk bottle collecting community is active and growing, supporting a robust market for these historical items.
How do I clean old milk bottles?
Cleaning vintage milk bottles requires care to avoid damage:
-
Basic Cleaning:
- Use warm (not hot) water with mild dish soap
- Fill the bottle halfway and gently swirl to clean interior
- Use a soft bottle brush for stubborn residue
- Rinse thoroughly with clean water
-
For Mineral Deposits:
- Create a solution of equal parts white vinegar and warm water
- Let the bottle soak for several hours
- Rinse thoroughly afterward
-
For Hard-to-Remove Interior Stains:
- Add a handful of dry rice or aquarium gravel with soapy water
- Gently swirl to allow the abrasive material to scrub the interior
- Rinse thoroughly
-
What to Avoid:
- Dishwashers (extreme temperatures can damage glass)
- Harsh chemicals like bleach (can etch glass)
- Metal brushes or scouring pads (can scratch glass)
- Excessive force (can break thin areas or stress cracks)
Remember that some signs of age and use are expected in vintage bottles and contribute to their character. Excessive cleaning that removes all signs of age can actually reduce collector value.
External Resources for Milk Bottle Collectors
guide
Society for Historical Archaeology Bottle Dating
Comprehensive guide to dating milk bottles based on physical characteristics, manufacturing techniques, and historical markers.
article
Milk Bottle Heelcodes and Numbering Systems
Detailed explanation of the "REGISTERED" heelmark system and date codes found on milk bottle heels.
guide
Vintage Milk Bottle Collecting Guide
Comprehensive overview of milk bottle collecting, including valuation factors and what makes certain bottles more collectible.
video
Milk Bottle History Video
Educational video covering the history of milk distribution and how to identify historic milk bottles.
article
Dr. Lori's Milk Bottle Valuation Guide
Expert tips on how to identify milk bottles, determine their origin, and date them by shape, label, color, and markings.
article
Pacific Coast Rim Codes Article
Specialized research on the dating system used on milk bottles from western United States, focusing on rim codes.
gallery
Collectors Weekly Milk Bottle Gallery
Visual gallery of milk bottles with information about manufacturers, logos, and collecting categories.
article
Wisconsin Bottle Numbering System
Detailed explanation of the "SEALED" marking requirements and numbering system used in Wisconsin and other states.
Conclusion
Vintage milk bottles offer a fascinating window into America’s dairy heritage, combining historical significance with the appeal of tangible artifacts from everyday life. By understanding the key identification features, dating methods, and valuation factors outlined in this guide, you’ll be better equipped to build a meaningful collection or determine the significance of bottles you’ve discovered.
Whether you’re drawn to the regional history of small dairy operations, the evolution of packaging technology, or simply the aesthetic appeal of these utilitarian objects, milk bottle collecting offers something for everyone. Each bottle tells a story—of the dairy that filled it, the family that used it, and the changing landscape of American food distribution.
As you continue your journey into milk bottle collecting, remember that the community of fellow enthusiasts is a valuable resource. Bottle shows, collector forums, and local historical societies can provide both knowledge and connections that enhance your appreciation of these everyday treasures from America’s past.
