Vintage Glass

Check out this collection of gorgeous old bottles. They are a motley assortment from short and squat bottles, to tall, and graceful. Some are green, lavender, and clear. A few of them were made before 1910. The best part of all this is that they are mine! My father-in-law bought them for $50.00 at an auction in Kansas. He said that the other bidders really wanted this glass collection for some reason, and he wants me to find out why. Looks like I have a homework assignment on my hands.

However, we do know a little about the history of how the early 20th century bottles were made. The tell tale sign that the bottle was made before 1910 is the seam, due to the mold in which they were made, running from the bottom of the bottle to just before the neck. Then, while the glass was still hot, they attached the top portion (neck and opening) which is obviously seamless. If there is a seam running up the entire portion of the bottle, it was made after 1910.

Also, before World War 1, glass was made with manganese, which was imported from Germany. Of course, once the war erupted, we stopped using this element. Over time, the bottles made with manganese, which were once clear, turn a light lilac color. Very lovely. The bottles made after 1910 will retain their original color (clear, green, or other).