Antique Identification Glass Bottle Markings Bottom
Antique glass bottles are fascinating and can be valuable collectibles. One of the most important things to know when identifying an antique glass bottle is to look at its markings, particularly at the bottom of the bottle. These markings can give you valuable information about the bottle's age, origin, and manufacturer. In this article, we will guide you on how to identify antique glass bottles by their markings on the bottom.
What to Look for in Antique Glass Bottle Markings
There are several things that you should look for when examining the markings on the bottom of an antique glass bottle. These include:
- The presence or absence of a pontil mark
- The type of pontil mark
- The embossed or raised lettering
- The maker's mark or logo
- The bottle's capacity or volume measurement
Pontil Marks on Antique Glass Bottles
A pontil mark is a scar left on the bottom of a bottle after it has been blown and detached from the blowpipe. The presence or absence of a pontil mark can be a good indicator of the bottle's age. Bottles made before the mid-19th century were usually handmade and had pontil marks, while those made after the 1860s were commonly made by machines and did not have pontil marks.
If a bottle has a pontil mark, you should also look at the type of mark. A rough or crude pontil mark indicates that the bottle was likely made in the early 1800s or earlier, while a smooth or polished mark suggests that it was made in the mid-1800s or later.
Embossed or Raised Lettering on Antique Glass Bottles
Many antique glass bottles have embossed or raised lettering on the bottom. This can be the manufacturer's name, location, or a patent date. If you see embossed lettering, you can use it to identify the bottle's maker and narrow down its age. For example, if the bottle has the words "Pittsburgh, PA" embossed on the bottom, you know that it was made by a Pittsburgh-based glass company.
Maker's Marks or Logos on Antique Glass Bottles
Another important thing to look for in antique glass bottle markings is the maker's mark or logo. Many glass companies used specific logos or symbols to identify their products. By identifying the maker's mark, you can determine the manufacturer and the age of the bottle.
Capacity or Volume Measurement on Antique Glass Bottles
Some antique glass bottles have capacity or volume measurements embossed on the bottom. This can be in ounces, pints, or quarts. This information can be useful for identifying the bottle's original purpose or use, such as a medicine bottle or a liquor bottle.
Conclusion
By examining the markings on the bottom of an antique glass bottle, you can learn a lot about its age, origin, and manufacturer. Remember to look for pontil marks, embossed or raised lettering, maker's marks or logos, and capacity or volume measurements. With this knowledge, you can start building your collection of antique glass bottles and appreciate their history and beauty.