What is an onion bottle?

An onion bottle is an early form of thick green glass wine vessel with a rounded, compressed body. These sturdy pieces were designed to sit flat on a table before deep bottle bins became common. They date mostly to the first half of the century and show characteristic pontil marks on the base from hand-blowing.

How were cellarettes used?

Cellarettes served as secure storage containers for wine bottles near the dining table or sideboard. Wealthy households locked their fine vintages inside these mahogany and brass-bound boxes to control access. Many featured internal dividers or lead-lined compartments to keep bottles cool and protected.

A cruet set is a matched assembly of glass bottles and silver casters held within a metal frame. They were placed on the dining table to dispense oil, vinegar, and seasonings during meals. Complete sets often retain their original cut glass bottles, stoppers, and silver frames bearing period hallmarks.

How do I date old glass bottles?

Dating historic glass bottles involves examining their shape, colour, and manufacturing traits. Early examples display deep green or amber hues with pontil scars, while later eighteenth-century pieces evolved into taller cylindrical forms. Engraved decoration, such as Jacobite symbols or specific drink labels, also helps narrow down the period of production.