Bottles and Flasks

Case Bottle, 1760-1850

Case bottle

Case bottles were designed for easy and efficient transportation. Their square bodies with flat, rectangular sides packed neatly into wooden boxes or cases. Case bottles were common from the 1600s into the 1900s and usually held gin or other alcoholic or medicinal spirits.

Crystal Palace Premium Soda Water Bottle, 1853-1856

Water bottle

Wine Bottle, 1760-1800

Wine bottle

Water Bottle, 1860-1890

Water bottle

Flask, 1850-1870

Flask (Bottle)

Glass factories in America began producing inexpensive, mold-formed flasks in the early 1800s. These figured flasks, often decorated with symbols of national pride, appealed to America's common man. This Baltimore-made flask contains an image of a sheaf of grain above crossed agricultural tools. This symbol of America's agriculture bounty probably also referred to the flask's content of grain-based alcohol.

Flask, 1790-1825

Flask (Bottle)

L.Q.C. Wishart's Pine Tree Tar Cordial, 1859-1880

Medicine bottle

Cologne Bottle, 1850-1865

Bottle

Bottle, 1815-1840

Bottle

Decanter, 1810-1844

Decanter

Calabash Bottle, 1851-1855

Bottle

Glass factories in America began producing inexpensive, mold-formed flasks in the early 1800s. These figured flasks often were decorated with symbols of national pride. Other flasks, like this one, contain images of foreign newsmakers. Many Americans embraced Louis Kossuth, a mid-century Hungarian patriot and revolutionist. Kossuth arrived in the U. S. in 1851 after a failed attempt to set up a democratic Hungarian state.

Cologne Bottle, 1850-1865

Bottle

Dr. Townsend's Sarsaparilla, 1849-1900

Medicine bottle

Flask, 1846-1850

Flask (Bottle)

Whether depicted as commander-in-chief, the first president of the United States, or a symbol of the republic, George Washington is a common likeness on early American flasks. Washington appears on 72 recorded flask designs--more than any other person. This example depicts Washington as a classical statesman with major general Zachary Taylor, who became the 12th United States president in 1849.

Flask, 1857-1869

Flask (Bottle)

Glass factories in America began producing inexpensive, mold-formed flasks in the early 1800s. These figured flasks, often decorated with symbols of national pride or political or cultural affiliation, appealed to America's common man. Many flasks, like this one, contain images of an eagle -- a traditional symbol for America.

Wine Bottle, 1810-1850

Wine bottle

Flask, 1820-1835

Flask (Bottle)

Glass factories in America began producing inexpensive, mold-formed flasks in the early 1800s. These figured flasks, often embellished with symbols of national pride or political or cultural affiliation, appealed to America's common man. Purely decorative flasks, however, were another option. These flasks -- like this sunburst-pattern one -- held alcohol just as well as those with images of great men or patriotic emblems.

Flask, 1824-1828

Flask (Bottle)

Glass factories in America began producing inexpensive, mold-formed flasks in the early 1800s. These figured flasks, often decorated with symbols of national pride or political or cultural affiliation, appealed to America's common man. Some of these flasks contain images of revered Revolutionary War-era patriots. Benjamin Franklin -- writer, philosopher, statesman and diplomat -- adorns this flask from the early 1800s.

Porter Bottle, 1850-1865

Bottle

Bottle, 1815-1840

Bottle

Bottle, 1800-1850

Bottle

Pickle Bottle, 1840-1880

Bottle

Americans in the mid-to-late 19th century purchased a variety of pickled and preserved foods in inexpensive, commercially made glass containers. Though cheap, some of these utilitarian bottles were distinctive in their decorations. This gothic-inspired bottle with its pointed arches and trefoils appealed to the tastes of many 19th-century middle class Americans and was found sitting on pantry and cupboard shelves, or atop kitchen tables.

Flask, 1859-1875

Flask (Bottle)

Glass factories in America began producing inexpensive, mold-formed flasks in the early 1800s. These figured flasks, often decorated with symbols of national pride or political or cultural affiliation, appealed to America's common man. Those who dreamed of striking it rich also found their aspirations molded in glass. This flask contains an image of a prospector bound "For Pikes Peak" -- an area rumored with gold.

Chestnut Bottle, 1780-1830

Chestnut bottle

Bottle, 1800-1840

Bottle

Wine Bottle, circa 1820

Wine bottle

Chestnut Bottle, 1780-1830

Chestnut bottle

Food Storage Bottle, 1875-1900

Bottle

Decanter, 1810-1844

Decanter

Oak Orchard Acid Springs Water Bottle, 1850-1870

Water bottle

People have explored the health benefits of spring water for thousands of years. Natural springs became travel destinations and the restorative waters were touted as cures for everyday ill. As interest in these waters' potential curative powers grew in the nineteenth-century, entrepreneurs captured the perceived health-giving liquid in affordable glass bottles and sold it to consumers both near and far.

Cologne Bottle, 1830-1860

Bottle

Bottle, 1770-1830

Bottle

Bottle, 1790-1830

Bottle

Schnapps Bottle, 1860-1880

Bottle

Flask, 1825-1835

Flask (Bottle)

Glass factories in America began producing inexpensive, mold-formed flasks in the early 1800s. These figured flasks, often decorated with symbols of national pride or political or cultural affiliation, appealed to America's common man. The inverted cornucopia found on the front of this flask alludes to America's bounty. The other side has a decorative star-shape design.

Bottle, 1815-1840

Bottle

Flask, 1858-1870

Flask (Bottle)

Glass factories in America began producing inexpensive, mold-formed flasks in the early 1800s. These figured flasks, often decorated with symbols of national pride or political or cultural affiliation, appealed to America's common man. This flask contains an image of a sheaf of grain -- a symbol for agriculture. The image also may refer to the flask's original content of grain-based alcohol.

Pickle Bottle, 1844-1863

Bottle

Cologne Bottle, 1855-1880

Bottle

Flask, 1850-1870

Flask (Bottle)

Glass factories in America began producing inexpensive, mold-formed flasks in the early 1800s. These figured flasks often were decorated with symbols of national pride or political or cultural affiliation. Other flasks provided advertisement for the glass company. Owners of the Isabella Glass Works in New Brooklyn, New Jersey, molded their name and an image of their factory on this flask.

Bottle, 1840-1860

Bottle

Jar, 1845-1860

Jar

Flask, 1840-1855

Flask (Bottle)

Glass factories in America began producing inexpensive, mold-formed flasks in the early 1800s. These figured flasks appealed to America's common man. Many of these flasks contained symbols of national pride or political or cultural affiliation. Embellishments on other flasks, like this one, were purely decorative.

Wine Bottle, 1810-1830

Wine bottle

Flask, 1855-1865

Flask (Bottle)

Glass factories in America began producing inexpensive, mold-formed flasks in the early 1800s. These figured flasks, often embellished with symbols of national pride or political or cultural affiliation, appealed to America's common man. Purely decorative flasks, however, were another option. These flasks -- like this simple ribbed-pattern one -- held alcohol just as well as those with images of great men or patriotic emblems.

Flask, 1859-1865

Flask (Bottle)

Glass factories in America began producing inexpensive, mold-formed flasks in the early 1800s. Many figured flasks were decorated with symbols of national pride and images of famous individuals -- or in this case a famous racehorse. Flora Temple won 95 harness races during the 1850s and 1860s. Not only was this "bob-tailed" mare immortalized in glass, but also in the song "Camptown races."

Pocket Flask, 1800-1840

Flask (Bottle)

American glass factories produced flasks, like this one, from the late 1700s well into the mid-1800s. The pint-sized flask could hold water but more likely contained alcoholic beverages. Its textured decorative exterior -- formed when the hot glass was dipped into a pattern mold before it was blown -- made the flask easier to grasp. And its flattened shape fit nicely into pockets providing ready access to the liquid refreshment.

Bitters Bottle, 1850-1860

Bitters bottle

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, cabins, and even pineapples.

Medicine Bottle, 1843-1855

Medicine bottle

Dr. George Merchant founded the Merchant's Gargling Oil Company in 1833 in Lockport, New York. The company claimed the liniment (not really for "gargling") eased a variety of aches and pains common to "man and beast"--it bottled one version for humans and another for animals.

Flask, 1846-1850

Flask (Bottle)

Glass factories in America began producing inexpensive, mold-formed flasks in the early 1800s. These figured flasks, often decorated with symbols of national pride, appealed to America's common man. This flask pairs Mexican War hero General Zachary Taylor with America's founding father, George Washington. The inscription around Taylor's image refers to his order to fire more artillery rounds -- and alluded to the flask's alcoholic content.

Medicine Bottle, 1840-1860

Medicine bottle

Flask, 1842-1845

Flask (Bottle)

Glass factories in America began producing inexpensive, mold-formed flasks in the early 1800s. These figured flasks, often embellished with symbols of national pride or political or cultural affiliation, appealed to America's common man. Purely decorative flasks, however, were another option. These flasks -- like this sunburst-pattern one -- held alcohol just as well as those with images of great men or patriotic emblems.

Medicine Bottle, 1800-1850

Medicine bottle

Pickle Bottle, 1840-1880

Bottle

Americans in the mid-to-late 19th century purchased a variety of pickled and preserved foods in inexpensive, commercially made glass containers. Though cheap, some of these utilitarian bottles were distinctive in their decorations. This gothic-inspired bottle with its pointed arches and trefoils appealed to the tastes of many 19th-century middle class Americans and was found sitting on pantry and cupboard shelves, or atop kitchen tables.

Bottle, 1840-1860

Bottle

Calabash Bottle, 1850-1855

Bottle

Glass factories in America began producing inexpensive, mold-formed flasks in the early 1800s. These figured flasks, often decorated with symbols of national pride or political or cultural affiliation, appealed to America's common man. Nineteenth-century Americans revered George Washington -- Revolutionary War hero, President and Father of His Country. Washington's likeness adorns at least seventy-two flask designs -- more than any other person.

Flask, 1846-1855

Flask (Bottle)

Glass factories in America began producing inexpensive, mold-formed flasks in the early 1800s. These figured flasks, often decorated with symbols of national pride, appealed to America's common man. This flask contains images of two American heroes of the Mexican War -- General Zachary Taylor ("Rough and Ready") and Major Samuel Ringgold, one of the first casualties of the war.

Flask, 1865-1875

Flask (Bottle)

Glass factories in America began producing inexpensive, mold-formed flasks in the early 1800s. These figured flasks, often decorated with symbols of national pride or political or cultural affiliation, appealed to America's common man. The clasping hands, shield and eagle represent the Union -- a cause many Americans fought to uphold during the Civil War.

Flask, 1825-1835

Flask (Bottle)

Glass factories in America began producing inexpensive, mold-formed flasks in the early 1800s. These figured flasks, often decorated with symbols of national pride or political or cultural affiliation, appealed to America's common man. Many flasks, like this one, contain images of an eagle -- a traditional symbol for America.

Decanter, 1818-1830

Decanter

Water Bottle, 1849-1866

Water bottle

Wine Bottle, 1780-1800

Wine bottle

Flask, 1890-1930

Flask (Bottle)

Flask, 1820-1845

Flask (Bottle)

Whether depicted as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army, the first president of the United States, or a symbol of the republic, George Washington is a common likeness on early American flasks. Washington appears on 72 recorded flask designs--more than any other person. This example shows Washington with later politician, Henry Clay. Both are depicted as classical statesmen.

Flask, 1815-1830

Flask (Bottle)

Glass factories in America began producing inexpensive, mold-formed flasks in the early 1800s. These figured flasks, often decorated with symbols of national pride or political or cultural affiliation, appealed to America's common man. Membership in the Freemasons grew in the early decades of the 1800s. Supporters of the Masonic order would recognize the ritualistic symbols on this and other similar flasks.

Bottle, 1815-1840

Bottle

Bottle, 1932-1942

Bottle

Flask, 1846-1850

Flask (Bottle)

Whether depicted as commander-in-chief, the first president of the United States, or a symbol of the republic, George Washington is a common likeness on early American flasks. Washington appears on 72 recorded flask designs--more than any other person. This example depicts Washington as a classical statesman with major general Zachary Taylor, who became the 12th United States president in 1849.

Flask, 1851-1855

Flask (Bottle)

Glass factories in America began producing inexpensive, mold-formed flasks in the early 1800s. These figured flasks, often decorated with symbols of national pride, appealed to America's common man. The Swedish singer, Jenny Lind, caused a sensation when she toured America from 1850-1852. Her name and image adorned a number of everyday objects -- like this flask -- for years to come.

Pocket Flask, 1810-1830

Flask (Bottle)

American glass factories produced flasks, like this one, from the late 1700s well into the mid-1800s. The pint-sized flask could hold water but more likely contained alcoholic beverages. Its textured decorative exterior -- formed when the hot glass was dipped into a pattern mold before it was blown -- made the flask easier to grasp. And its flattened shape fit nicely into pockets providing ready access to the liquid refreshment.

Flask, 1846-1850

Flask (Bottle)

Whether depicted as commander-in-chief, the first president of the United States, or a symbol of the republic, George Washington is a common likeness on early American flasks. Washington appears on 72 recorded flask designs--more than any other person. This example depicts Washington as a classical statesman with major general Zachary Taylor, who became the 12th United States president in 1849.

Flask, 1850-1855

Flask (Bottle)

Glass factories in America began producing inexpensive, mold-formed flasks in the early 1800s. These figured flasks, often decorated with symbols of national pride or political or cultural affiliation, appealed to America's common man. Many flasks, like this one, contain images of an eagle -- a traditional symbol for America.

Chestnut Bottle, 1780-1830

Chestnut bottle

Flask, 1860-1875

Flask (Bottle)

Glass factories in America began producing inexpensive, mold-formed flasks in the early 1800s. These figured flasks, often decorated with symbols of national pride or political or cultural affiliation, appealed to America's common man. Many flasks, like this one, contain images of an eagle -- a traditional symbol for America.

Decanter, 1810-1844

Decanter

Chestnut Bottle, 1780-1830

Chestnut bottle

Flask, 1859-1875

Flask (Bottle)

Glass factories in America began producing inexpensive, mold-formed flasks in the early 1800s. These figured flasks, often decorated with symbols of national pride or political or cultural affiliation, appealed to America's common man. Those who dreamed of striking it rich also found their aspirations molded in glass. This flask contains an image of a prospector bound "For Pikes Peak" -- an area rumored with gold.

Flask, 1800-1835

Flask (Bottle)

American glass factories produced flasks, like this one, from the late 1700s well into the mid-1800s. The pint-sized flask could hold water but more likely contained alcoholic beverages. Its textured decorative exterior -- formed when the hot glass was dipped into a pattern mold before it was blown -- made the flask easier to grasp. And its flattened shape fit nicely into pockets providing ready access to the liquid refreshment.

Flask, 1840-1855

Flask (Bottle)

Glass factories in America began producing inexpensive, mold-formed flasks in the early 1800s. These figured flasks appealed to America's common man. Many of these flasks contained symbols of national pride or political or cultural affiliation. Embellishments on other flasks, like this one, were purely decorative.

Bottle, 1800-1850

Bottle

Wine Bottle, 1850-1900

Wine bottle

Cologne Bottle, 1850-1865

Bottle

Flask, 1859-1875

Flask (Bottle)

Glass factories in America began producing inexpensive, mold-formed flasks in the early 1800s. These figured flasks, often decorated with symbols of national pride or political or cultural affiliation, appealed to America's common man. Those who dreamed of striking it rich also found their aspirations molded in glass. This flask contains an image of a prospector bound "For Pikes Peak" -- an area rumored with gold.

Flask, 1850-1862

Flask (Bottle)

Glass factories in America began producing inexpensive, mold-formed flasks in the early 1800s. These figured flasks, often decorated with symbols of national pride or political or cultural affiliation, appealed to America's common man. Other images, like the ones on this flask, were purely decorative. To some, the imagery -- whether patriotic or pretty -- mattered little as long as the flask could hold liquid.

Flask, 1840-1855

Flask (Bottle)

Glass factories in America began producing inexpensive, mold-formed flasks in the early 1800s. These figured flasks appealed to America's common man. Many of these flasks contained symbols of national pride or political or cultural affiliation. Embellishments on other flasks, like this one, were purely decorative.

Nursing Bottle, 1880-1910

Nursing bottle

Flask, 1845-1855

Flask (Bottle)

Glass factories in America began producing inexpensive, mold-formed flasks in the early 1800s. These figured flasks, often decorated with symbols of national pride or political or cultural affiliation, appealed to America's common man. Other images, like the tree, may have been purely decorative. Variation of this design include a tree in bloom (summer) and a tree without leaves (winter).

Medicine Bottle, 1865-1890

Medicine bottle

Flask, 1836-1840

Flask (Bottle)

Glass factories in America began producing inexpensive, mold-formed flasks in the early 1800s. These figured flasks, often decorated with symbols of national pride or political or cultural affiliation, appealed to America's common man. Many flasks, like this one, contain images of an eagle -- a symbol for America. The grapes, on the reverse, refer to agriculture and perhaps the flask's alcoholic content.

Flask, 1825-1835

Flask (Bottle)

Glass factories in America began producing inexpensive, mold-formed flasks in the early 1800s. These figured flasks, often decorated with symbols of national pride or political or cultural affiliation, appealed to America's common man. Many flasks, like this one, contain images of an eagle -- a traditional symbol for America.

Flask, 1820-1835

Flask (Bottle)

Glass factories in America began producing inexpensive, mold-formed flasks in the early 1800s. These figured flasks, often embellished with symbols of national pride or political or cultural affiliation, appealed to America's common man. Purely decorative flasks, however, were another option. These flasks -- like this sunburst-pattern one -- held alcohol just as well as those with images of great men or patriotic emblems.

Medicine Bottle, 1840-1855

Medicine bottle

Pickle Bottle, 1840-1880

Bottle

Americans in the mid-to-late 19th century purchased a variety of pickled and preserved foods in inexpensive, commercially made glass containers. Though cheap, some of these utilitarian bottles were distinctive in their decorations. This gothic-inspired bottle with its pointed arches and trefoils appealed to the tastes of many 19th-century middle class Americans and was found sitting on pantry and cupboard shelves, or atop kitchen tables.

Flask, 1815-1840

Flask (Bottle)

American glass factories produced flasks, like this one, from the late 1700s well into the mid-1800s. The pint-sized flask could hold water but more likely contained alcoholic beverages. Its textured decorative exterior -- formed when the hot glass was dipped into a pattern mold before it was blown -- made the flask easier to grasp. And its flattened shape fit nicely into pockets providing ready access to the liquid refreshment.

Barber Bottle, 1870-1910

Bottle

Calabash Bottle, 1851-1855

Bottle

Glass factories in America began producing inexpensive, mold-formed flasks in the early 1800s. These figured flasks, often decorated with symbols of national pride, appealed to America's common man. The Swedish singer, Jenny Lind, caused a sensation when she toured America from 1850-1852. Her name and image adorned a number of everyday objects -- like this flask -- for years to come.

Flask, 1830-1845

Flask (Bottle)

Glass factories in America began producing inexpensive, mold-formed flasks in the early 1800s. These figured flasks, often decorated with symbols of national pride or political or cultural affiliation, appealed to America's common man. The overflowing cornucopia and urn found on either side of this flask alludes to America's agricultural bounty.

Flask, 1815-1825

Flask (Bottle)

Glass factories in America began producing inexpensive, mold-formed flasks in the early 1800s. These figured flasks, often embellished with symbols of national pride or political or cultural affiliation, appealed to America's common man. Purely decorative flasks, however, were another option. These flasks -- like this sunburst-pattern one -- held alcohol just as well as those with images of great men or patriotic emblems.

Pocket Bottle, 1800-1840

Bottle

Bottle, 1824-1834

Bottle

Flask, 1820-1830

Flask (Bottle)

Glass factories in America began producing inexpensive, mold-formed flasks in the early 1800s. These figured flasks, often embellished with symbols of national pride or political or cultural affiliation, appealed to America's common man. Purely decorative flasks, however, were another option. These flasks -- like this simple ribbed-pattern one -- held alcohol just as well as those with images of great men or patriotic emblems.

Bottle, 1840-1870

Bottle

Flask, 1847-1852

Flask (Bottle)

Glass factories in America began producing inexpensive, mold-formed flasks in the early 1800s. These figured flasks, often decorated with symbols of national pride, appealed to America's common man. This flask paid homage to Mexican War hero General Zachary Taylor. His order to fire more "grape" (artillery rounds) during battle found its way onto this flask. "Grape" also alluded to the alcoholic content of the flask.

Pocket Bottle, 1800-1840

Bottle

Flask, 1890-1920

Flask (Bottle)

Flask, 1846-1850

Flask (Bottle)

Whether depicted as commander-in-chief, the first president of the United States, or a symbol of the republic, George Washington is a common likeness on early American flasks. Washington appears on 72 recorded flask designs--more than any other person. This example depicts Washington as a classical statesman with major general Zachary Taylor, who became the 12th United States president in 1849.

Flask, 1822-1837

Flask (Bottle)

Glass factories in America began producing inexpensive, mold-formed flasks in the early 1800s. These figured flasks, often decorated with symbols of national pride or political or cultural affiliation, appealed to America's common man. Many flasks, like this one, contain images of an eagle -- a traditional symbol for America. The overflowing cornucopia found on the other side of this flask alludes to America's bounty.

L.Q.C. Wishart's Pine Tree Tar Cordial, 1859-1880

Medicine bottle

Cologne Bottle, 1847-1857

Bottle

Bottle, 1815-1835

Bottle

Sauce Bottle, 1850-1870

Bottle

Nineteenth-century American glassmakers experimented with new methods to create products for a growing consumer market. In the 1820s, pressing glass into metal molds by machine was perfected, and by the mid-1800s, manufacturers were creating a variety of inexpensive pressed glass housewares. America's middle-class consumers could now decorate their homes with attractive glass bowls, creamers, dishes, plates, vases, and other tableware.

Wine Bottle, 1685-1730

Wine bottle

Flask, 1800-1840

Flask (Bottle)

American glass factories produced flasks, like this one, from the late 1700s well into the mid-1800s. The pint-sized flask could hold water but more likely contained alcoholic beverages. Its textured decorative exterior -- formed when the hot glass was dipped into a pattern mold before it was blown -- made the flask easier to grasp. And its flattened shape fit nicely into pockets providing ready access to the liquid refreshment.

Pickle Bottle, 1840-1880

Bottle

Americans in the mid-to-late 19th century purchased a variety of pickled and preserved foods in inexpensive, commercially made glass containers. Though cheap, some of these utilitarian bottles were distinctive in their decorations. This gothic-inspired bottle with its pointed arches and trefoils appealed to the tastes of many 19th-century middle class Americans and was found sitting on pantry and cupboard shelves, or atop kitchen tables.

Flask, 1820-1830

Flask (Bottle)

Glass factories in America began producing inexpensive, mold-formed flasks in the early 1800s. These figured flasks, often embellished with symbols of national pride or political or cultural affiliation, appealed to America's common man. Purely decorative flasks, however, were another option. These flasks -- like this sunburst-pattern one -- held alcohol just as well as those with images of great men or patriotic emblems.

Bottle, 1815-1840

Bottle

Flask, 1893-1916

Flask (Bottle)

Flask, 1815-1825

Flask (Bottle)

Glass factories in America began producing inexpensive, mold-formed flasks in the early 1800s. These figured flasks, often embellished with symbols of national pride or political or cultural affiliation, appealed to America's common man. Purely decorative flasks, however, were another option. These flasks -- like this sunburst-pattern one -- held alcohol just as well as those with images of great men or patriotic emblems.

E.G. Booz's Old Cabin Whiskey Bottle, 1860-1875

Bottle

H.J. Heinz Bottle, circa 1925

Bottle

In the late 19th century, when many foods were still sold in bulk, H.J. Heinz developed a strong name-brand image and individual packages for his products. Heinz's clear glass bottles allowed customers to see the quality of the product. The crackled appearance of this bottle would have made this Heinz product stand out among others on a grocer's shelf.

Chestnut Bottle, 1780-1830

Chestnut bottle

Heinz & Noble Bottle, 1869-1872

Bottle

When Henry J. Heinz started his processed food business in 1869, he believed that consumers deserved only the best in quality. His competitors often used colored glass containers to hide impurities and disguise attempts to stretch the product. Heinz sold his goods in clear glass containers to show the purity and superiority of his products.

Flask, 1810-1830

Flask (Bottle)

American glass factories produced flasks, like this one, from the late 1700s well into the mid-1800s. The pint-sized flask could hold water but more likely contained alcoholic beverages. Its textured decorative exterior -- formed when the hot glass was dipped into a pattern mold before it was blown -- made the flask easier to grasp. And its flattened shape fit nicely into pockets providing ready access to the liquid refreshment.

Flask, 1846-1850

Flask (Bottle)

Whether depicted as commander-in-chief, the first president of the United States, or a symbol of the republic, George Washington is a common likeness on early American flasks. Washington appears on 72 recorded flask designs--more than any other person. This example depicts Washington as a classical statesman with major general Zachary Taylor, who became the 12th United States president in 1849.

Flask, 1830-1834

Flask (Bottle)

Glass factories in America began producing inexpensive, mold-formed flasks in the early 1800s. These figured flasks appealed to America's common man. Many of these flasks contained symbols of national pride or political or cultural affiliation. Embellishments on other flasks, like this one, were purely decorative.

Water Bottle, 1849-1866

Water bottle

Spirits Bottle, 1865-1885

Bottle

Dr. Wistar's Balsam of Wild Cherry, 1850-1870

Medicine bottle

Calabash Bottle, 1850-1855

Bottle

Glass factories in America began producing inexpensive, mold-formed flasks in the early 1800s. These figured flasks, often decorated with symbols of national pride, appealed to America's common man. This calabash -- a gourd-like form popular in the mid-19th century -- contains an image of a sheaf of grain. This symbol of agriculture also may allude to the flask's content of grain-based alcohol.

Water Bottle, 1840-1860

Water bottle

Flask, 1820-1835

Flask (Bottle)

Glass factories in America began producing inexpensive, mold-formed flasks in the early 1800s. These figured flasks, often embellished with symbols of national pride or political or cultural affiliation, appealed to America's common man. Purely decorative flasks, however, were another option. These flasks -- like this sunburst-pattern one -- held alcohol just as well as those with images of great men or patriotic emblems.

Flask, 1875-1920

Flask (Bottle)

Dr. Beard's Alternative Tonic & Laxative Bitters, 1870-1890

Bitters bottle

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.

Flask, 1790-1830

Flask (Bottle)

American glass factories produced flasks, like this one, from the late 1700s well into the mid-1800s. The pint-sized flask could hold water but more likely contained alcoholic beverages. Its textured decorative exterior -- formed when the hot glass was dipped into a pattern mold before it was blown -- made the flask easier to grasp. And its flattened shape fit nicely into pockets providing ready access to the liquid refreshment.

Bottle, 1815-1835

Bottle

Chestnut Bottle, 1780-1830

Chestnut bottle

Pepper Sauce Bottle, 1850-1870

Bottle

Sauces and condiments enhance the flavor of food. In the 19th century, Americans used these garnishments to season bland fare or hide the taste of poor-quality foods. Homemakers could create their own pourable flavorings or, increasingly, buy them from companies specializing in ready-made sauces.

Bottle, 1820-1850

Bottle

Gin Bottle, 1861-1864

Bottle

Abraham Bininger established a grocery business in New York City in the late 1700s. Family descendants carried on the trade into the late 1800s, selling alcoholic spirits in bottles with a variety of shapes. The bottles were often embossed with Bininger's name and description of the contents.

Bottle, 1800-1830

Bottle

Chestnut Bottle, 1780-1830

Chestnut bottle

Flask, 1830-1860

Flask (Bottle)

Flask, 1800-1840

Flask (Bottle)

American glass factories produced flasks, like this one, from the late 1700s well into the mid-1800s. The pint-sized flask could hold water but more likely contained alcoholic beverages. Its textured decorative exterior -- formed when the hot glass was dipped into a pattern mold before it was blown -- made the flask easier to grasp. And its flattened shape fit nicely into pockets providing ready access to the liquid refreshment.

Flask, 1825-1840

Flask (Bottle)

American glass factories produced flasks, like this one, from the late 1700s well into the mid-1800s. The pint-sized flask could hold water but more likely contained alcoholic beverages. Its textured decorative exterior -- formed when the hot glass was dipped into a pattern mold before it was blown -- made the flask easier to grasp. And its flattened shape fit nicely into pockets providing ready access to the liquid refreshment.

Bottle, 1815-1840

Bottle

Flask, 1820-1835

Flask (Bottle)

Glass factories in America began producing inexpensive, mold-formed flasks in the early 1800s. These figured flasks, often embellished with symbols of national pride or political or cultural affiliation, appealed to America's common man. Purely decorative flasks, however, were another option. These flasks -- like this sunburst-pattern one -- held alcohol just as well as those with images of great men or patriotic emblems.

Frederick Stearns & Co. Medicine Bottle, 1920-1929

Medicine bottle

Flask, 1800-1840

Flask (Bottle)

American glass factories produced flasks, like this one, from the late 1700s well into the mid-1800s. The pint-sized flask could hold water but more likely contained alcoholic beverages. Its textured decorative exterior -- formed when the hot glass was dipped into a pattern mold before it was blown -- made the flask easier to grasp. And its flattened shape fit nicely into pockets providing ready access to the liquid refreshment.

Bitters Bottle, 1880-1895

Bitters bottle

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.

Bottle, 1821-1829

Bottle

Flask, 1800-1840

Flask (Bottle)

American glass factories produced flasks, like this one, from the late 1700s well into the mid-1800s. The pint-sized flask could hold water but more likely contained alcoholic beverages. Its textured decorative exterior -- formed when the hot glass was dipped into a pattern mold before it was blown -- made the flask easier to grasp. And its flattened shape fit nicely into pockets providing ready access to the liquid refreshment.

Water Bottle, 1860-1875

Water bottle

Flask, 1823-1830

Flask (Bottle)

Glass factories in America began producing inexpensive, mold-formed flasks in the early 1800s. These figured flasks, often decorated with symbols of national pride or political or cultural affiliation, appealed to America's common man. Andrew Jackson -- soldier, farmer, politician and U.S. President -- was a hero to many early 19th-century Americans. Like other well-known Americans of that time, his likeness found its way onto flasks.

Beer Bottle, 1870-1910

Bottle

Flask, 1815-1840

Flask (Bottle)

American glass factories produced flasks, like this one, from the late 1700s well into the mid-1800s. The pint-sized flask could hold water but more likely contained alcoholic beverages. Its textured decorative exterior -- formed when the hot glass was dipped into a pattern mold before it was blown -- made the flask easier to grasp. And its flattened shape fit nicely into pockets providing ready access to the liquid refreshment.

Flask, 1790-1815

Flask (Bottle)

American glass factories produced flasks, like this one, from the late 1700s well into the mid-1800s. The pint-sized flask could hold water but more likely contained alcoholic beverages. Its textured decorative exterior -- formed when the hot glass was dipped into a pattern mold before it was blown -- made the flask easier to grasp. And its flattened shape fit nicely into pockets providing ready access to the liquid refreshment.

Flask, 1840-1855

Flask (Bottle)

Glass factories in America began producing inexpensive, mold-formed flasks in the early 1800s. These figured flasks appealed to America's common man. Many of these flasks contained symbols of national pride or political or cultural affiliation. Embellishments on other flasks, like this one, were purely decorative.

Bottle, 1815-1840

Bottle

Burr & Waters Ale Bottle, 1845-1875

Bottle

Bottle, 1815-1840

Bottle

Flask, 1833-1835

Flask (Bottle)

Glass factories in America began producing inexpensive, mold-formed flasks in the early 1800s. These figured flasks often were decorated with symbols of national pride or political or cultural affiliation. Other flasks provided advertisement for the glass company. Owners of Wheat, Price and Company in Wheeling, West Virginia, molded their name and an image of their factory on this flask.

Flask, 1850-1870

Flask (Bottle)

Glass factories in America began producing inexpensive, mold-formed flasks in the early 1800s. These figured flasks, often decorated with symbols of national pride or political or cultural affiliation, appealed to America's common man. Many flasks, like this one, contain images of an eagle -- a traditional symbol for America.

Flask, 1815-1840

Flask (Bottle)

American glass factories produced flasks, like this one, from the late 1700s well into the mid-1800s. The pint-sized flask could hold water but more likely contained alcoholic beverages. Its textured decorative exterior -- formed when the hot glass was dipped into a pattern mold before it was blown -- made the flask easier to grasp. And its flattened shape fit nicely into pockets providing ready access to the liquid refreshment.

Barber Bottle, 1871-1880

Bottle

Medicine Bottle, 1840-1860

Medicine bottle

Bottle, 1815-1835

Bottle

Beer Bottle, 1845-1875

Bottle

Case Bottle, 1760-1850

Case bottle

Case bottles were designed for easy and efficient transportation. Their square bodies with flat, rectangular sides packed neatly into wooden boxes or cases. Case bottles were common from the 1600s into the 1900s and usually held gin or other alcoholic or medicinal spirits.

Bottle, 1800-1840

Bottle

Drake's Plantation Bitters, 1862-1890

Bitters bottle

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.

Flask, 1800-1840

Flask (Bottle)

American glass factories produced flasks, like this one, from the late 1700s well into the mid-1800s. The pint-sized flask could hold water but more likely contained alcoholic beverages. Its textured decorative exterior -- formed when the hot glass was dipped into a pattern mold before it was blown -- made the flask easier to grasp. And its flattened shape fit nicely into pockets providing ready access to the liquid refreshment.

Flask, 1860-1875

Flask (Bottle)

Flask, 1822-1835

Flask (Bottle)

Glass factories in America began producing inexpensive, mold-formed flasks in the early 1800s. These figured flasks, often decorated with symbols of national pride or political or cultural affiliation, appealed to America's common man. Membership in the Freemasons grew in the early decades of the 1800s. This flask combines Masonic imagery (arch and pavement) with an emblem of America's agrarian roots (farm tools and grain).

Preston & Merrill Medicine Bottle, 1870-1890

Medicine bottle

Superior Mineral Water Bottle, 1850-1858

Water bottle

Flask, 1860-1875

Flask (Bottle)

Coon Hollow Bourbon Whiskey Bottle, 1875-1920

Flask (Bottle)

Doyle's Hops Bitters, 1872-1900

Bitters bottle

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.

A.M. Bininger & Co. Bourbon Bottle, 1859-1861

Bottle

Abraham Bininger established a grocery business in New York City in the late 1700s. Family descendants carried on the trade into the late 1800s, selling alcoholic spirits in bottles with a variety of shapes. The bottles were often embossed with Bininger's name and description of the contents.

Flask, 1830-1848

Flask (Bottle)

Glass factories in America began producing inexpensive, mold-formed flasks in the early 1800s. These figured flasks, often decorated with symbols of national pride or political or cultural affiliation, appealed to America's common man. Americans' fascination with railroads began in the late 1820s when rail lines began connecting distant communities. Early flasks depicted horses, an alternative to steam engines, hauling freight down railway...

Flask, 1800-1840

Flask (Bottle)

American glass factories produced flasks, like this one, from the late 1700s well into the mid-1800s. The pint-sized flask could hold water but more likely contained alcoholic beverages. Its textured decorative exterior -- formed when the hot glass was dipped into a pattern mold before it was blown -- made the flask easier to grasp. And its flattened shape fit nicely into pockets providing ready access to the liquid refreshment.

Flask, 1815-1840

Flask (Bottle)

American glass factories produced flasks, like this one, from the late 1700s well into the mid-1800s. The pint-sized flask could hold water but more likely contained alcoholic beverages. Its textured decorative exterior -- formed when the hot glass was dipped into a pattern mold before it was blown -- made the flask easier to grasp. And its flattened shape fit nicely into pockets providing ready access to the liquid refreshment.

Flask, 1885-1900

Flask (Bottle)

Flask, 1800-1840

Flask (Bottle)

American glass factories produced flasks, like this one, from the late 1700s well into the mid-1800s. The pint-sized flask could hold water but more likely contained alcoholic beverages. Its textured decorative exterior -- formed when the hot glass was dipped into a pattern mold before it was blown -- made the flask easier to grasp. And its flattened shape fit nicely into pockets providing ready access to the liquid refreshment.

Bottle, 1815-1840

Bottle

Flask, 1820-1835

Flask (Bottle)

Glass factories in America began producing inexpensive, mold-formed flasks in the early 1800s. These figured flasks, often decorated with symbols of national pride or political or cultural affiliation, appealed to America's common man. Nineteenth-century Americans revered George Washington -- Revolutionary War hero, President and Father of His Country. Washington's likeness adorns at least seventy-two flask designs -- more than any other person.

Paine's Celery Compound, 1880-1906

Medicine bottle

Flask, 1821-1829

Flask (Bottle)

American glass factories produced flasks, like this one, from the late 1700s well into the mid-1800s. The pint-sized flask could hold water but more likely contained alcoholic beverages. Its textured decorative exterior -- formed when the hot glass was dipped into a pattern mold before it was blown -- made the flask easier to grasp. And its flattened shape fit nicely into pockets providing ready access to the liquid refreshment.

Bottle, 1815-1840

Bottle

Soft Drink Bottle, 1910-1929

Bottle

Warner's Safe Kidney & Liver Cure, 1879-1900

Medicine bottle

Hulbert Harrington Warner, a wealthy New York fire- and burglar-proof safe manufacturer, purchased a medicinal formula from a local doctor and created a multi-million-dollar patent medicine business in the late 1800s. Warner bottled his "cures" and sold them worldwide. The safe on the front of this bottle referenced Warner's previous business enterprise and alluded to the product's perceived safety.