Dues paid as requested

I got an invoice a couple of days ago. It wasn't much by modern standards. Still, with the economy being what it is, I watch every personal out of pocket expenditure. The invoice was for the renewal fee on this website.

Starting as a firefighter, and ultimately leaving the fire service many, many years later as a chief officer; proactive vs. reactive behavior is ingrained in me. Try as I do, there are times when I just can't find the drive or creative juices to write something that I think will be good enough to interest my fellow collectors. 

I refuse to crank out a couple of lines and attach a couple of crappy pictures just to make it seem like I made the effort. Although this site started out gangbusters, with lots of positive comments, and no negatives, and a hit count in the hundreds (and then thousands) per month, it seems to have settled into the doldrums. Frankly, there have been times when I have consider tossing in the towel.

And yet, this site now has amassed over thirty thousand hits since I installed the counter in the spring of 2011. I know, not much compared to Peachridge or some of the other "big dogs". But still; it appears that there is some sort of loyal following.

The proactive part of me says to keep with it. Guess I will. Hell, it's not like I'm the Incident Commander (IC) on a three alarm fire in the historic core... But, as an "IC", I knew when to ask for an extra hand. I'm asking now. I'm not the only one on the west coast with decent whiskies, memories, or writing skills.

And so today, I'm "requesting dispatch" for another alarm. I need backup.

Send me your photos and memoirs via email. Send me a writeup on a dig or a memory. I'll proof read, spell check, have you approve them and post them with your name or your nick name or alias.

Help Mr. Wizard. Let's keep this site fresh and fun!

Bruce

Happy New Year

Here we are; 2012. A new year. I don't make resolutions though. Heck, I'd just break them so what's the use. I figure it's best just to give things your best shot as the opportunities arise rather than come up with some silly list of stuff that you know you're not going to stick to...

One of the things that I'd like to accomplish is to add to my collection again this year. Nothing big in the way of numbers though. I've got too much in the way of quantity already. No, I'd rather just pick up a few key pieces this year. I'd sure like to reacquire a Dr. Millers Ratafia Damiana. Or better yet, track down the one I used to have. Like that's gonna happen.

Seems though, like the harder I try to make things happen, the more frustrated I get. You know the story, no bottles when you've got a few bucks / no bucks when the bottles are available. Face it, you just can't force good luck. Nope, better just to be ready when opportunity knocks.

A while ago the phone rang. Hmm, odd area code; 802. "Yep, this is he. Yep, I know a "little" about western whiskies. Oh, you dug some? Congratulations! That's no small feat these days. So tell me what you dug". And so the caller related his and his partners dig to me. Turn stuff. The standard menu of tooled Crown Distilleries, Louis Taussig's, Roth's; yawn, zzzz...

Turns out they had dug a bomber of an outer behind what had been a railroad depot. These bottles had obviously made the trip with someone returning to the east coast and been discarded at the end of the line, in Vermont. Vermont from S.F.; now that's really the end of the line. Neat story anyway. But not quite the end of the story~

Oh, and had I ever heard of a Crown Cocktails, he asked?  Sir, you have my attention! "Yep, neat bottle, amber fifth, both applied and tool top; also, it says "ready to drink". It's always been a favorite of mine. They're a tough bottle".

What he said next really woke me back up. No, it's clear, and it's got a picture of a crown and some other stuff on it. And, no, it's not a fifth, it's a little bitty thing.

After a short discussion, I was the proud owner of a "new" western picture mini. Talk about good things coming in a small package. C'mon opportunity! I'm ready for ya in 2012.

SHM / Stuarts - Wilmerding

Howdy all;

I received an email from Bill Curtis this morning regarding his acquisition of the C. W. Stuarts, and his observation about the similarity of the embossing area coverage on the Stuarts and the embossing pattern on the SHM. In the email, Bill sent a couple of rubbings along with the possibilty of the Stuarts bottle being a reworked SHM mold. An interesting consideration to say the least.


Bill noted,

Hello Bruce I got a Stuart`s last week after looking at it I dont beleive it is made from the Cassin`s mold you can see the slugged out area on the Stuart`s fits the SHM but not the Cassin`s also the Cassin`s has a different bottom and the shoulders are different and if the Stuarts was made from the SHM that would explain the circle on the front of the Stuart`s let me know what you think maybe you can put this on your site.

First off, congratulations to Bill for having the good fortune to have the opportunity to acquire the bottle and have the funds to do it with (both at the same time). Seems like, at least for me, I have money when there's nothing available or visa versa... The Stuarts is a key piece and Bill should be mighty pleased to add it to his collection!

Rather than offering up an opinion in response to Bills email; I'm going to respond with a number of facts and questions. Maybe we can put our heads together and come up with a reasonable group hypothesis.

As we all know, mold modifications were a common place occurrence and we've seen numerous examples where So and So became So and Co. when the second "So" dissolved the partnership. Same goes for Bottled "For" being peened over, replaced by Bottle "By", etc. etc.

We also know that the glass factories maintained an inventory of blank half plate molds. These blank half plate molds were stocked for two purposes. They were stocked in order to allow the mold cutters ready access to blanks with which to fill an order for an embossed mold. They were also used as the back half (plain label side) of a two piece mold bottle.

We also now know, subsequent to the discovery of the Wilmerding & Co sign that documents both east and west coast distribution, that the firm was actively merchandising C. W. Stuarts, McKenna's, United We Stand, SHM (and a few other brands) concurrently.

John Thomas offered a hypothetical dating of this group as follows; Stuarts - ca. 1875 - 1883 / McKenna's - ca. 1874 - 1878 / United We Stand - 1878 - 1883 / SHM - 1874 - 1878. We discovered that the dating of the Untied We Stand was erroneous and that it was originally produced for the 1876 Centennial celebration. The length of the run, however, is still unknown but the commonality of all four bottles dates to ca. 1876 - 1878.

According to Thomas, the Stuarts was blown excusively by C&I of Philadelphia. The McKenna's and the SHM were blown both by C&I and in San Francisco, the United We Stand   only in S.F. since none have been documented with the C&I base mark. Cunningham and Ihmsen remained in business until 1878. The question then begs, if the Stuarts and the SHM were blown at the same time, and by both eastern and west coast glass works, what would be the logic of modifying the mold by slugging out the embossing when both molds were in concurrent use?

We then look at logistics. Assuming that the SHM mold was no longer needed, and that the S.F. glass works decided to created a new half mold for the Stuarts, which makes more sense. Would they 1) Peen out all the embossing and then re-cut the old mold with a new "pattern" or 2) simply take a new fresh half plate mold out of stock and cut in the new "pattern"?

Personally speaking, based on my research, John Thomas assumed a lot without having the facts to back up his statements. As I've stated previously, John did the best with the research tools that he had available and we owe him a huge debt of gratitude for giving us the foundation of research upon which we've continued to build. And in his defense, a lot of his assumptions made sense at the time based on the documentation that he had available.

Regardless, when one takes all the facts into consideration regarding the Stuarts, you have to question whether the shield was a reworked mold at all; regardless of whether it was a Cassins or an SHM~

Bruce aka Kentuckygem

SHOWTIME!

Well, it's almost Showtime; another week and change~ And this year promises to be a real treat for collectors and dealers alike! So what's different? Well, we sold out early this year. Dealer spaces and displays alike are full. And the phone continues to ring with inquiries from collectors and the general public inquiring about the show.

The same familiar faces at the Seven Feathers Casino Resort are back again this year to provide us with the luxurious accommodations that we've come to know and love. Dealers can look forward to the annual complimentary $100~ cash drawing and this years raffle drawings promise to be bigger and better than ever! Hourly free drawings for the general public promise to ensure a steady flow of folks off the street too.Thanks to many of the online sites, we've been advertised heavily on the Internet. We've also invested heavily in Pacific NW print to make sure that we've got a good flow of foot traffic off the street.

We've saturated the media from the California border to Portland and have visited every back water town in the surrounding area as well; plastering antique malls, junk shops, Mom & Pop Markets and anywhere else that the local citizenry might stumble across show flyer's and an invitation to have their hidden treasures appraised for free. And, as always, the ever popular live silent auction returns.

 

 

Displays this year include a couple of new offerings including what is considered to be the top EC&M collection in existence.

 

 

Bill, Dale, Scott, and I are looking forward to sharing another memorable weekend and seeing one and all. Come join us at Seven Feathers Casino Resort on October 15th from 9AM - 3PM ($10~ early admission Friday the 14th - noon to seven PM) for Canyonville 2011 - Antique Bottle, Insulator and Collectibles Show and Sale where, "You Can Expect the Best"!

Show Website: http://www.ecandm.com/canyonville/

Information: jsglass@q.com

Downieville 2011 - What's not to like?

The Downieville show, much like the Canyonville Oregon show, has earned it's own nickname. Friends and "family" these days just call it D'ville .

And the answer to "What's not to like?" is simple and to the point. Absolutely nothing~ It's all good! Nestled in the highest of the High Sierras, Downieville is the ideal location for one of the west's premier bottle shows and get togethers. The shows slogan should be, "step back in time". That hits the nail on the head.

Deb, my wife, had never made the trek, despite the fact that I've been a regular from day one. This year, as full retirement fast approaches, I put my foot down. Make time, reschedule one of the labs that you teach, and lets go forward, into the past. And much to my surprise, she did.

The drive from J'ville to D'ville is wondrous. We head out of our 1851 Oregon gold rush town, drive for about a half hour on back country roads and then blast into the present on Interstate 5. Barreling south at well over a mile a minute, we rocket to Corning in record time. From Corning we head southeast, stopping briefly in Chico at Trader Joes (priorities...), finally arriving in Oroville for both people and truck refueling. And then the regression begins. Lazy one lane roads meander through the scrub oaks and Jeffery Pines as we wander eastward through the Sierra Foothills. As we cross the dam at Bullard's Bar, a wondrous transformation takes place and we emerge in the High Sierras. Sugar pines, yellow pines and tall cedars replace the lowland vegetation. The air is clearer, cleaner, crisper and bluer. Before we know it, we turn left on Hiway 49 and trek north as the North Yuba River dances downstream, outside the passengers side window. And then suddenly we round the last bend. Magically, we return to the past in J'villes California counterpart. Downieville aka "D'ville", ca. 1849. We've arrived. Forward into the past.

It's around 4PM and it's 90ish and change; warm, real warm, by D'ville standards. As Tim, Rick and Lou dealt with setup logistics, we decided to wander around town for a bit. Talk about dejavu. Downieville, like Jacksonville, is akin to turning the pages of a Norman Rockwell book of prints. History is around every corner. Well preserved and restored historic buildings abound. Friendly folks smile and say hi~. Local dogs meander, kids play, fisherman try their luck at the river and the mountain bikers slowly come back in to roost. With an hour to kill before things start getting into gear over at Simiville, we decide to check into our home away from home for the weekend.

Located just before the iron bridge as Hwy. 49 crosses over the Downie River, the Carriage House Inn perches on the west bank on Commercial Street. It's cute, it's clean, it exudes personality. And Liz, the "sole proprietor", is wonderful. She's perky, attentive, and a great conversationalist; (not to mention very attractive). We were fortunate to be assigned room #3. It has a private bath, queen bed, microwave / refer, a leather sofa, and a balcony overlooking the river. Wonderful for kicking back and taking in the D'ville late summer afternoon.

Around 5:30 we decide to migrate upslope to prospect for a party. We stopped to check our pans about a quarter mile up Main Street. We'd heard that a serious pay streak was rumored to have been discovered on the grounds of the old D'ville Brewery. Man did we hit the mother load there! There were "prospectors" from all over the west congregated.

Wil and Jeanne Clark had the 49 Wines tasting booth set up. Standing room only. Wil has been a great mentor to those of us that enjoy wine, but still need to polish up on the finer points of appreciation.

Much like the rendezvous of 150 years ago, bottle prospectors came together to enjoy a night of festivities that will not soon be forgotten. As always, the food was simply awesome! Memorable snapshots include the ever present karaoke inside the Simiville Saloon, which started with  a couple of the ladies (L & J) bursting forth with a rousing rendition of Love Shack. Followed by a couple of the ladies (J & L) bursting forth with yet another rousing rendition (or two) of Love Shack. Lane, not to be outdone, proceeded to test the theory of gravity. Yep, Newton was right. And gravity still works just as good these days. Rick and I visited outside while the gang inside put Simi's framing abilities to the ultimate test. The '06 S.F. Earthquake could not have rocked the Simiville Saloon any harder. And yet, it stayed on it's foundation. No small tribute to the master builder!

As the evening progressed, we spent time mixing with as many friends and fellow collectors as the hours allowed. Slowly, close to midnight, the crowd began to run out of gas and we all migrated back to our homes away from home for the evening. I'm sure my thoughts were mirrored by everyone else. What a great get together! The hours flew by; the evening over too soon.

Debs cell phone alarm went off early, way early, like 5:30AM early! Nothing like a technologically advanced four year old grand daughter to get your morning off to an early start. Remind us never again to ask "Alli" how to program the alarm before leaving on a trip; at least not until she's a teenager and wants to sleep until noon...

Wide awake (well sort of), we begrudgingly crawled into action. Shower, shave, Advil... and a banana washed down with coffee. Frankly, I don't recall a thing about the early morning, although somehow the racks got set up, the whiskies arranged, and folks started stuffing money in my hand in exchange for bottles. Around nine AM things started to gel again and I thought, heh, this is all good. Especially after Ferd was kind enough to snap a digital of me with the flash locked in the off position. I owe him big time~

The show saw a steady flow of folks through the doors starting early on. I was pleasantly surprised by the interest and sales of common stuff off my table like Sarsaparillas, Dr. Kilmers, cures, remedies, and the like. Sure, I had them priced cheap but at least there seems to be a renewed interest in entry level bottles by folks (both young and not so young).

And there was also an obvious interest in the top end of bottles as well. Here's a list, down and dirty, of some of the all stars that changed hands; Dr. Bell's Cocktail (?) Bitters shaped like a bell, 3- Dingens Napolean Cocktail (?) bitters - shaped like a banjo, Salutarius bitters SF in dark green, GO Blakes, J. Moore / Chielovich, Old Woodburn, California Clubhouse and an ST Suits, an Old Cabin Bitters in light amber, a yellowish Wormers pint, a couple of Tea Kettles, a complete and matching set of cobalt Carters Cathedral inks,plus God knows what else... By the time the dust settled, a healthy six figures in top end antique glass had changed hands in one day. Sounds like a new fangled gold rush to me.

Fast forward to Saturday evening and a renewed chance to relax at yet another BBQ. And once again, both food and conversation flowed. Being somewhat adventurous, I took a chance on a sausage that intrigued me. Rick mentioned that Tim had supplied it and it wasn't just your basic off the shelf Johnsonville Braut. Hmm, what a nice surprise. It looked like something I'd enjoy, since I'm well known in J'ville for creating my own brands of "Silva's sausage". Warren, sitting next to me, tried the same.  After a couple of bites, the real surprise set in. This wasn't just any sausage; it was nuclear sausage. Sweat poured out - beer and wine poured in. It wasn't enough. The heat just kept cranking. @#$%  ^*!!!! I felt like the star of Man vs. Food, and the food was winning; in a big way! Higgins, we owe you.

Saturday AM greeted us with the sounds of the Downie River gently gurgling past our room and continental breakfast on the verandah. A couple of trips to the truck, another brief chat with Liz, room checked out, keys turned in, and we were on the road again.

I thought that we'd try a different route on the way home. It was pretty, and pretty long~ Please remind me next year not to take the "shortcut" home via 49 to 89 to 70 to 36 and down into Red Bluff next year. (What the hell was I thinking?) 8+ hours home. Almost makes the Bullard's Bar to Oroville drive look like a cake walk...

Late afternoon finally saw us crawling down the long dusty gravel lane up to our place. Full of great memories of the D'ville weekend that we dream about every year.

Two simple words describe the show;

Great Job!

Only on ebay...

**RARE** KELLOGGS NELSON COUNTY EXTRA BOURBON WHISKEY

Don't you just love those photos~

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Buy It Now!  Price:		US $500.00	Buy It Now
Item number:	270811640239

Item Description

·         ROUND AMBER WHISKEY BOTTLE

·         MOLD LINE STOPS AT BASE OF COLLAR

·         EMBOSSED ON THE FRONT: KELLOGGS NELSON COUNTY KENTUCKY BOURBON WHISKEY W.L. CO SOLE AGENTS

·         INSIDE THREADS WITH SCREW CAP ALSO EMBOSSED KELLOGGS BOURBON

·         THE W.L.CO LOGO IS EMBOSSED ON THE BACK SHOULDER

·         APPROXIMATELY 11 3/4" TALL

·         IT HAS NO CHIPS, CRACKS OR BREAKS A LITTLE DIRT ON THE INSIDE

That's right boys and girls. Step right up, don't delay, be the first on your block to own this extreme rarity.

Yep; ONLY $500~. (plus $15.90 postage and handling)

Such a deal...

Zero hour approaches!

Last I checked it was the 4th of July. And now, here we are, just a few days from September 10th and the annual Gold Rush show that everyone looks forward. Yep this weekend is......................Downieville!

SEPTEMBER 10, 2011 (Saturday) - HISTORIC DOWNIEVILLE CALIFORNIA ANTIQUE BOTTLES & COLLECTIBLES SHOW. Saturday, September 10, 2011. Show hours: 10 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. (8:00 a.m. for early lookers and admission is free after 10 a.m.) Downieville School Gym. Contact Info: Rick or Cherry at (530)289-3659 or email: ricksimi@att.net.

Here's a quick run down of things to look forward to;

Wine tasting starts about 5pm on Friday, the 9th. Saloon is open. BBQ is served about 7pm on Friday. Rick says that they are expecting quite a few for the Friday night fun.

Word has it that half of the L.A. bottle club will be in attendance. Rumor also has it that two people will be bringing in a box or two of bottles to sell off the street. Not sure who they are or what they're bringing. A Gold Rush square? Belt Buckles? A Bryants cone? How about a green Kentucky Gem for your truly?

Displays this year are rare California beers from the O'Neal collection, Western miniatures from the Higgins & Lindgren collection and bottles from the Pisano collection. Lou L. will be bringing some of the stuff that almost never sees the light of day.

Lodging in Downieville has always been scarce. True to form, all rooms in Downieville are full, but Sierra City still has lodging. Call ahead to make arrangements!

Sounds like there might be a couple of tables left for last minute dealers. Any questions; give Rick Simi a shout.

Looking forward to a great weekend and seeing one and all. Stop by the table and say HI!

 

Thanks to Dave G. for the high quality .jpeg of Downieville 1850~