Bitters Bottle, 1880-1895

Summary

Bitters is an herb-infused alcoholic mixture. Named for its bitter taste, the liquid was originally developed as a medicinal tonic to help soothe stomach complaints or other digestive disorders. During the late-19th and early-20th centuries, patent medicine dealers bottled and sold the elixir. Americans purchased bitters in simple mold-blown bottles or ones shaped like drums, barrels, or cabins.

Bitters is an herb-infused alcoholic mixture. Named for its bitter taste, the liquid was originally developed as a medicinal tonic to help soothe stomach complaints or other digestive disorders. During the late-19th and early-20th centuries, patent medicine dealers bottled and sold the elixir. Americans purchased bitters in simple mold-blown bottles or ones shaped like drums, barrels, or cabins.

Artifact

Bitters bottle

Date Made

1880-1895

Creators

Unknown

Place of Creation

United States 

 On Exhibit

at Greenfield Village in Davidson-Gerson Gallery of Glass

Object ID

33.36.31

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Glass (Material)

Color

Amber (Color)

Dimensions

Height: 9.5 in

Diameter: 3.5 in

Weight: 1.4 lb

Inscriptions

on front: BOURBON, WHISKEY / BITTERS

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