Malt Bitters, 1870-1890

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

1870-1890

Creators

Malt Bitters Company 

Place of Creation

United States 

Creator Notes

Made for Malt Bitters Company by an unknown manufacturer.

 On Exhibit

at Greenfield Village in Davidson-Gerson Gallery of Glass

Object ID

00.694.27

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Glass (Material)

Color

Green

Dimensions

Height: 8.75 in

Diameter: 3.25 in

Weight: 1.333 lb

Inscriptions

on bottom: MALT BITTERS CO.

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