Exhibit Antiques has dated this Georgian Glass Bitters Bottle to the Georgian era.
A very rare Georgian engraved Bitters bottle dating to c1780.
The bodies are beautifully engraved with the word "BITTERS" within a floral cartouche above two bands of polished oval cuts. The bottles were filled via the base and sealed with a cork.
The flattened hexagonal lips provided a secure grip when handling these surprisingly heavy bottles, whilst also assisting with an accurate, drip-free pour.
Engraved bitters bottles from the Georgian period are exceptionally rare. The elegant proportions, refined engraving and specialised method of manufacture make them attractive display pieces and important survivals from the golden age of English table glass.
See Historical Context below.
Date & Origin
England, c.1780, Period of King George III.
Condition
Excellent. No chips, cracks or restoration. clean and clear internally.
Dimensions
Height: 20.5 cm
Diameter: 8.2 cm
Weight: 518 grams
Historical Context
Bitters occupied the boundary between medicine and the dining table during the 18th century.
Made from concentrated infusions of herbs, roots and spices, they were taken as a digestive and added sparingly to wines, punch and spirits. Their potent nature required only a few drops at a time, giving rise to the distinctive long, slender pouring necks designed for slow, controlled dispensing.
Unlike conventional bottles, these examples were filled through an aperture concealed within the high kick base, which was sealed internally with a cork. This ingenious method allowed the bottles to be refilled repeatedly without using the narrow dispensing neck.
Exhibit Antiques has dated this Georgian Glass Bitters Bottle to the Georgian era.
Specialists in 18th & 19th century antique glass
You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Exhibit Antiques Profile Page
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