Bottles and Flasks Set 2
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The Henry Ford owns approximately 10,000 pieces of glass, ranging from pharmaceutical and scientific glass to contemporary glass made by fine artists. This group is a small sampling of our most visually appealing historical bottles and flasks, all of which are on display in the Davidson-Gerson Gallery of Glass in Greenfield Village.
THF167454
Case Bottle, 1760-1850
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.
View ArtifactDecanter, 1815-1840
Bottle, 1815-1840
Chestnut Bottle, 1780-1830
Flask, 1840-1855
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.
View ArtifactSnuff Bottle, 1760-1850
Bottle, 1815-1840
Flask, 1932-1942
Calabash Bottle, 1850-1855
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.
View ArtifactFlask, 1825-1840
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.
View ArtifactWine Bottle, 1821-1830
Pocket Bottle, 1821-1829
Bottle, 1815-1850
Flask, 1865-1875
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.
View ArtifactBeer Bottle, 1845-1875
Bininger's Bourbon Whiskey Bottle, 1861-1864
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.
View ArtifactFlask, 1824-1840
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.
View ArtifactWhiskey Bottle, 1855-1870
Flask, 1815-1825
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.
View ArtifactPickle Bottle, 1840-1880
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.
View ArtifactPocket Bottle, 1800-1840
Bottle, 1815-1835
Flask, 1840-1855
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.
View ArtifactJar, 1850-1870
Water Bottle, 1857-1876
Wine Bottle, 1735-1800
Medicine Bottle, 1800-1850
Flask, 1855-1870
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.
View ArtifactFlask, 1800-1840
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.
View ArtifactWine Bottle, 1810-1830
Bottle, 1830-1850
Flask, 1815-1835
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.
View ArtifactPocket Flask, 1800-1840
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.
View ArtifactSwaim's Panacea, 1829-1900
Beer Bottle, 1845-1875
Pickle Bottle, 1840-1880
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.
View ArtifactFlask, 1800-1840
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.
View ArtifactBottle, 1810-1830
Shecut's Southern Balm, 1840-1860
Wine Bottle, 1810-1850
Chestnut Bottle, 1780-1830
Flask, 1857-1873
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.
View ArtifactFlask, 1850-1855
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.
View ArtifactBottle, 1800-1830
Charles London Cordial Gin Bottle, 1860-1875
Flask, 1855-1880
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.
View ArtifactFlask, 1870-1890
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.
View ArtifactFlask, 1824-1825
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.
View ArtifactCarter Ink Bottle, 1900-1920
Flask, 1822-1835
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.
View ArtifactFlask, 1865-1875
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.
View ArtifactCologne Bottle, 1840-1880
Decanter, 1815-1835
Bottle, 1825-1860
Flask, 1840-1855
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.
View ArtifactFlask, 1855-1880
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.
View ArtifactMalt Bitters, 1870-1890
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.
View ArtifactCologne Bottle, 1850-1870
Flask, 1836-1840
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.
View ArtifactFlask, 1815-1840
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.
View ArtifactBottle, 1800-1830
Fairbanks & Snyder Water Bottle, 1886-1915
Flask, 1820-1830
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.
View ArtifactFlask, 1846-1860
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.
View ArtifactFlask, 1859-1875
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.
View ArtifactFlask, 1835-1850
Bottle, 1800-1840
Bottle, 1815-1840
Pocket Flask, 1800-1840
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.
View ArtifactFlask, 1840-1855
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.
View ArtifactWine Bottle, 1800-1830
Bottle, 1800-1840
Flask, 1828-1840
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.
View ArtifactBottle, 1800-1840
Cologne Bottle, 1830-1850
Flask, 1846-1850
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.
View ArtifactFlask, 1830-1834
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.
View ArtifactCalabash Bottle, 1851-1855
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.
View ArtifactBottle, 1815-1850
Pepper Sauce Bottle, 1850-1870
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.
View ArtifactCologne Bottle, 1847-1857
Bottle, 1815-1840
Flask, 1828-1830
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.
View ArtifactFlask, 1880-1910
Flask, 1849-1855
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.
View ArtifactCalabash Bottle, 1850-1855
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.
View ArtifactFlask, circa 1830
Bottle, 1815-1835
Flask, 1815-1845
Flask, 1848-1855
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.
View ArtifactFlask, 1824-1825
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.
View ArtifactBottle, 1815-1835
Medicine Bottle, 1830-1850
Berlin Series Whiskey Bottle, 1860-1880
Flask, 1849-1860
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."
View ArtifactCalabash Bottle, 1850-1855
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.
View ArtifactFlask, 1828-1840
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.
View ArtifactDecanter, 1815-1830
Dr. A. Rogers Liverwort, Tar, & Canchalgua, 1845-1860
Calabash Bottle, 1850-1855
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.
View ArtifactFlask, 1824-1825
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.
View ArtifactBottle, 1800-1840
Bottle, 1800-1850
Chestnut Bottle, 1780-1830
Flask, 1840-1860
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).
View ArtifactFlask, 1810-1830
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.
View ArtifactCologne Bottle, 1850-1870
Bottle, 1866-1900
Bottle, 1821-1829
Flask, 1840-1860
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.
View ArtifactFlask, 1848-1855
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.
View ArtifactFlask, 1815-1825
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.
View ArtifactCologne Bottle, 1850-1851
Flask, 1800-1840
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.
View ArtifactFlask, 1790-1830
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.
View ArtifactFlask, 1870-1890
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.
View ArtifactDr. Boyce's Tonic Bitters, 1850-1883
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.
View ArtifactFlask, 1815-1817
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.
View ArtifactPickle Bottle, 1840-1880
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.
View ArtifactMcKeever's Army Bitters, 1860-1870
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.
View ArtifactBottle, 1815-1840
Flask, 1855-1880
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.
View ArtifactFlask, 1818-1830
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.
View ArtifactWater Bottle, 1857-1876
Wine Bottle, 1870-1890
Flask, 1815-1830
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.
View ArtifactFlask, 1900-1920
Bottle, 1821-1829
Bottle, circa 1895
Bottle, 1800-1840
Cologne Bottle, 1850-1875
Flask, 1835-1845
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.
View ArtifactBottle, 1800-1840
Bottle, 1825-1860
Wine Bottle, 1846-1852
Flask, 1836-1840
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.
View ArtifactFlask, 1840-1855
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.
View ArtifactFlask, 1830-1850
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 tracks.
View ArtifactFlask, 1850-1855
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.
View ArtifactChestnut Bottle, 1780-1830
Flask, 1836-1840
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.
View ArtifactBottle, 1800-1840
Holtzerman's Patent Stomach Bitters, 1862-1890
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.
View ArtifactFlask, 1824-1828
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.
View ArtifactFlask, 1855-1860
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.
View ArtifactMedicine Bottle, 1820-1850
Warner's Safe Kidney & Liver Cure, 1879-1900
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.
View ArtifactFlask, 1810-1830
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.
View ArtifactFlask, 1815-1817
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.
View ArtifactA.F. Dietz Water Bottle, 1888-1900
Cologne Bottle, 1840-1860
Flask, 1824-1825
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.
View ArtifactHoltzerman's Patent Stomach Bitters, 1862-1890
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.
View ArtifactFlask, 1840-1855
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.
View ArtifactBitters Bottle, 1873-1890
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.
View ArtifactMedicine Bottle, 1830-1850
Bottle, 1830-1860
Pocket Flask, 1815-1840
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.
View ArtifactCalabash Bottle, 1850-1855
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.
View ArtifactMedicine Bottle, 1820-1850
Bottle, 1850-1875
Flask, 1810-1830
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.
View ArtifactWine Bottle, 1700-1730
Flask, 1840-1855
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.
View ArtifactWhiskey Bottle, 1882-1900
Flask, 1824-1825
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.
View ArtifactFlask, 1820-1830
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.
View ArtifactFlask, 1815-1817
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.
View ArtifactBeer Bottle, 1870-1910
Snuff Bottle, 1760-1850
Flask, 1822-1835
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).
View ArtifactPocket Flask, 1790-1830
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.
View ArtifactFlask, 1859-1875
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.
View ArtifactSchenck's Pulmonic Syrup, 1845-1855
Flask, 1800-1840
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.
View ArtifactBottle, 1830-1880
Doyle's Hops Bitters, 1872-1900
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.
View ArtifactFlask, 1846-1850
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.
View ArtifactBottle, 1815-1835
Chestnut Bottle, 1780-1830
Beer Bottle, 1870-1910
Flask, 1790-1830
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.
View ArtifactFlask, 1830-1848
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 tracks.
View ArtifactPorter Bottle, 1840-1860
Holtzerman's Patent Stomach Bitters, 1862-1890
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.
View Artifact

