by describer one

Created on: August 15, 2009

Collecting antique bottles.


An enjoyable and even rewarding hobby that is related to antique collecting is the collecting of old, antique bottles. I have done this on and off over the years. Like any type of collecting, it can become a (pleasant) addiction. An advantage to old bottles is they can be found cheaply, or in some instances, free. They come in a wide variety of colors, and make great shelf backgrounds, or window sun catchers. If you find the right bottle, you could even turn a nice profit. Although no one has gotten rich from collecting bottles (at least that I know of), it can be rewarding in other ways.

There are several ways to get started on this journey of collecting. Antique stores usually have a scattering of them. These are good places to purchase more high-end pieces. One can usually be certain that if it says it is a 1856 cod liver oil fish bottle, it is what they say. But don't allow the dealer to pressure you into purchasing a bottle you may not want or need. But, many dealers are also very knowledgeable, and this is extremely useful for later reference. Ask questions, and even take notes if you are able.

A place I like to buy them is at flea markets. Their prices are better for any given bottle, and the dealers often compete with each other on price. In some mini-malls, where there are dozens or hundreds of booths in one building, you can find similar bottles priced vastly different, so watch out. There are usually a lot of Soda, Medicine, and Perfume bottles at these. So say, if you are interested in Coke bottles, you can usually do pretty well. Flea markets have been a good source of items for me, and I have even sold some to dealers in the past.

Your friends. Yes, that is right. Once you spread the word around that you are into collecting bottles, your friends can be a great source of intelligence on where to find something. They may have an old bottle, and want to ask you about it. Or they may know of someone else who has one, or have seen a bunch of them being sold somewhere. I have gotten a few good tips over the years from various friends and acquaintances. Someone may even know the location of an old dump site, which leads me to my next suggestion.

You can search and even dig at old dumpsites for bottles that have been discarded anywhere from the 1800's to the mid-1900's. I have prowled around many of these, and found some interesting bottles, and other artifacts, like old marbles

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