Holtzerman's Patent Stomach Bitters, 1862-1890

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

1862-1890

Creators

Unknown

Place of Creation

United States, Midwest 

United States, New Jersey 

 On Exhibit

at Greenfield Village in Davidson-Gerson Gallery of Glass

Object ID

2017.0.16.1

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Glass (Material)

Color

Amber (Color)

Dimensions

Height: 9.75 in

Width: 3.75 in

Length: 2.75 in

Inscriptions

on top of back: HOLTZERMANN'S / PATENT / STOMACH / BITTERS

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