Collection: Bottles
For an experienced antique dealer, every bottle represents an opportunity to delve into history. Knowledge of manufacturing methods, such as free-blowing, mold-blowing, or later automation with Owens machines, is vital to accurately date and identify these timeless artifacts. In addition, understanding the cultural and commercial context of specific bottles adds depth to their stories—whether they were designed for a purveyor of patent medicines in the Victorian era or crafted as a utilitarian jug for farmhouse cider. Some of the most exciting moments come with uncovering rare or undocumented bottles, surprising even seasoned collectors with a new facet of glass-making history. These discoveries highlight the vast and ever-shifting nature of the antique bottle market, proving that there is always something new to learn and appreciate in this captivating niche of collecting.