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.

Decanter, 1815-1840

Decanter

Bottle, 1815-1840

Bottle

Chestnut Bottle, 1780-1830

Chestnut bottle

Flask, 1840-1855

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. This Baltimore-made flask's slogan while referencing the alcoholic content also points to the importance of the Maryland city in the world grain trade.

Snuff Bottle, 1760-1850

Snuff bottle

Bottle, 1815-1840

Bottle

Flask, 1932-1942

Flask (Bottle)

Calabash Bottle, 1850-1855

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.

Flask, 1825-1840

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 or civic pride, appealed to America's common man. Citizens of Baltimore, Maryland, would have recognized the image of the city's Washington Monument on this locally made flask. And the sloop would have been a familiar sight to those living in this port city.

Wine Bottle, 1821-1830

Wine bottle

Pocket Bottle, 1821-1829

Bottle

Bottle, 1815-1850

Bottle

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.

Beer Bottle, 1845-1875

Bottle

Bininger's Bourbon Whiskey 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.

Flask, 1824-1840

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 traditional symbol for America. The overflowing cornucopia found on the other side of this flask alludes to America's bounty.

Whiskey Bottle, 1855-1870

Bottle

Flask, 1815-1825

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.

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.

Pocket Bottle, 1800-1840

Bottle

Bottle, 1815-1835

Bottle

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.

Jar, 1850-1870

Jar

Water Bottle, 1857-1876

Water bottle

Wine Bottle, 1735-1800

Wine bottle

Medicine Bottle, 1800-1850

Medicine bottle

Flask, 1855-1870

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, 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.

Wine Bottle, 1810-1830

Wine bottle

Bottle, 1830-1850

Bottle

Flask, 1815-1835

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.

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.

Swaim's Panacea, 1829-1900

Medicine bottle

Beer Bottle, 1845-1875

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, 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, 1810-1830

Bottle

Shecut's Southern Balm, 1840-1860

Medicine bottle

Wine Bottle, 1810-1850

Wine bottle

Chestnut Bottle, 1780-1830

Chestnut bottle

Flask, 1857-1873

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, 1850-1855

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, 1800-1830

Bottle

Charles London Cordial Gin Bottle, 1860-1875

Bottle

Flask, 1855-1880

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, 1870-1890

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. This late-century flask with its image of a hunting dog on the reverse may have appealed to hunters and sportsmen.

Flask, 1824-1825

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. In the mid-1820s, General Lafayette, a French aristocrat who helped America win its independence, revisited the United States. His image adorned flasks commemorating his tour.

Carter Ink Bottle, 1900-1920

Ink bottle

Flask, 1822-1835

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, 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 and shield represent the Union -- a cause many Americans fought to uphold during the Civil War.

Cologne Bottle, 1840-1880

Bottle

Decanter, 1815-1835

Decanter

Bottle, 1825-1860

Bottle

Flask, 1840-1855

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. This Baltimore-made flask's slogan while referencing the alcoholic content also points to the importance of the Maryland city in the world grain trade.

Flask, 1855-1880

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.

Malt 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.

Cologne Bottle, 1850-1870

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 traditional symbol for America. The American flag found on the reverse completes the patriotic theme of this flask.

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.

Bottle, 1800-1830

Bottle

Fairbanks & Snyder Water Bottle, 1886-1915

Water 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 sunburst-pattern one -- held alcohol just as well as those with images of great men or patriotic emblems.

Flask, 1846-1860

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, 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, 1835-1850

Flask (Bottle)

Bottle, 1800-1840

Bottle

Bottle, 1815-1840

Bottle

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.

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, 1800-1830

Wine bottle

Bottle, 1800-1840

Bottle

Flask, 1828-1840

Flask (Bottle)

Whether depicted as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army or the first president of the United States, 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 and later president Andrew Jackson in military uniform.

Bottle, 1800-1840

Bottle

Cologne Bottle, 1830-1850

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, 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, though you will find an anchor -- a symbol of hope -- on the reverse.

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.

Bottle, 1815-1850

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.

Cologne Bottle, 1847-1857

Bottle

Bottle, 1815-1840

Bottle

Flask, 1828-1830

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. Images of President John Quincy Adams adorned a few flasks in 1828 when he sought reelection. He lost to Andrew Jackson, whose likeness adorned many more flasks that year.

Flask, 1880-1910

Flask (Bottle)

Flask, 1849-1855

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. The overflowing cornucopia and urn found on either side of this flask alludes to America's agricultural bounty.

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. The sheaf of grain on one side of the flask represents America's agricultural bounty. The tree found on the back may have been purely decorative.

Flask, circa 1830

Flask (Bottle)

Bottle, 1815-1835

Bottle

Flask, 1815-1845

Flask (Bottle)

Flask, 1848-1855

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, 1824-1825

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 early 1820s flask contains images of two historic figures: General Lafayette, a French aristocrat who helped America win its independence; and DeWitt Clinton, the New York governor who supported construction of the Erie Canal.

Bottle, 1815-1835

Bottle

Medicine Bottle, 1830-1850

Medicine bottle

Berlin Series Whiskey Bottle, 1860-1880

Bottle

Flask, 1849-1860

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. This flask depicts a steam engine with the phrase "Success to the Railroad."

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. Hunting and fishing themes were also popular. This calabash -- a gourd-like form popular in the mid-19th century -- probably attracted the attention of sportsmen or those who made a living by capturing wild game.

Flask, 1828-1840

Flask (Bottle)

Whether depicted as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army or the first president of the United States, 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 and later president Andrew Jackson in military uniform.

Decanter, 1815-1830

Decanter

Dr. A. Rogers Liverwort, Tar, & Canchalgua, 1845-1860

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.

Flask, 1824-1825

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. In the mid-1820s, General Lafayette, a French aristocrat who helped America win its independence, revisited the United States. His image adorned flasks commemorating his tour.

Bottle, 1800-1840

Bottle

Bottle, 1800-1850

Bottle

Chestnut Bottle, 1780-1830

Chestnut bottle

Flask, 1840-1860

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).

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.

Cologne Bottle, 1850-1870

Bottle

Bottle, 1866-1900

Bottle

Bottle, 1821-1829

Bottle

Flask, 1840-1860

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, 1848-1855

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. This flask pairs Mexican War hero General Zachary Taylor with Baltimore's Washington Monument. It is an appropriate connection; Taylor, like George Washington, would go on to be elected president.

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.

Cologne Bottle, 1850-1851

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, 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.

Flask, 1870-1890

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. This late-century flask with its image of a hunting dog on the reverse may have appealed to hunters and sportsmen.

Dr. Boyce's Tonic Bitters, 1850-1883

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, 1815-1817

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.

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.

McKeever's Army Bitters, 1860-1870

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, 1815-1840

Bottle

Flask, 1855-1880

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.

Flask, 1818-1830

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.

Water Bottle, 1857-1876

Water bottle

Wine Bottle, 1870-1890

Wine bottle

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 phrases and symbols of national pride, appealed to the common man. The U. S. frigate Franklin and the War of 1812 slogan "Free Trade and Sailor's Rights" adorn this 1820s flask. Americans continued to use this patriotic slogan throughout the 19th century.

Flask, 1900-1920

Flask (Bottle)

Bottle, 1821-1829

Bottle

Bottle, circa 1895

Bottle

Bottle, 1800-1840

Bottle

Cologne Bottle, 1850-1875

Bottle

Flask, 1835-1845

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. Many flasks, like this one, contain images of an eagle -- a traditional symbol for America.

Bottle, 1800-1840

Bottle

Bottle, 1825-1860

Bottle

Wine Bottle, 1846-1852

Wine 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 traditional symbol for America.

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.

Flask, 1830-1850

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 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, 1850-1855

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. The log cabin on this flask represented the simple and moderate life of many mid-19th-century Americans. This humble dwelling became a recognizable symbol of the common man--a prime purchaser of these flasks.

Chestnut Bottle, 1780-1830

Chestnut 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. The eagle on this flask was a symbol for America. The tree found on the back may have been purely decorative.

Bottle, 1800-1840

Bottle

Holtzerman's Patent Stomach 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, 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.

Flask, 1855-1860

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.

Medicine Bottle, 1820-1850

Medicine 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.

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, 1815-1817

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.

A.F. Dietz Water Bottle, 1888-1900

Water bottle

Cologne Bottle, 1840-1860

Bottle

Flask, 1824-1825

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. In the mid-1820s, General Lafayette, a French aristocrat who helped America win its independence, revisited the United States. His image adorned flasks commemorating his tour.

Holtzerman's Patent Stomach 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, 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.

Bitters Bottle, 1873-1890

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.

Medicine Bottle, 1830-1850

Medicine bottle

Bottle, 1830-1860

Bottle

Pocket 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.

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. Hunting themes were also popular. This calabash -- a gourd-like form popular in the mid-19th century -- probably attracted the attention of sportsmen or those who made a living by hunting.

Medicine Bottle, 1820-1850

Medicine bottle

Bottle, 1850-1875

Bottle

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.

Wine Bottle, 1700-1730

Wine bottle

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.

Whiskey Bottle, 1882-1900

Bottle

Flask, 1824-1825

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. In the mid-1820s, General Lafayette, a French aristocrat who helped America win its independence, revisited the United States. His image adorned flasks commemorating his tour.

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.

Flask, 1815-1817

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.

Beer Bottle, 1870-1910

Bottle

Snuff Bottle, 1760-1850

Snuff 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).

Pocket 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.

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. This flask contains images of an eagle and a prospector. This "prospector" however appears to be more interested in drinking from his bottle than in striking it rich.

Schenck's Pulmonic Syrup, 1845-1855

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.

Bottle, 1830-1880

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.

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.

Bottle, 1815-1835

Bottle

Chestnut Bottle, 1780-1830

Chestnut bottle

Beer Bottle, 1870-1910

Bottle

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.

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...

Porter Bottle, 1840-1860

Bottle

Holtzerman's Patent Stomach 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.