Bottle – A container of any size used for holding liquids or other substances and typically fitted with a lid to keep the contents sealed. Bottles may be glass, metal, or plastic and in many different shapes. Bottles are very useful and widely used items of commerce and daily life. Bottles have a long history and are found in archaeological sites dating back to the early 1800’s. They are an essential item for storing foods and medicines, especially those that must be kept at or below room temperature. Bottles are also useful for promoting and marketing goods and services. Many types of bottles are still in use today, although fewer than in the past as people move to more environmentally friendly containers and a preference for single-use products.
Bottles have long been a subject of interest and collecting by individuals and groups. Bottles are readily available for purchase at a variety of price levels and are found in many different sizes, shapes, colors, and finishes. Some are highly collectible and can be quite valuable. Bottles are highly visible and attractive items that can enhance the appearance of a home or business.
Some bottles are of a particular interest to collectors and others because of their historical significance or uniqueness. These include rare or unusual bottles, specialized or decorative bottle caps, and shaped or decorated glass. Others are prized for their historical value as examples of the science, technology, and art of bottlemaking. Bottles are also of great interest to antique enthusiasts as they reflect the changes in society and lifestyle that have occurred over the centuries.
The specialized terminology used on this site and in general with historic bottles can be a bit confusing for newcomers to the field. The glossary below helps to clarify some of the more common terms encountered here. Some of the terminology is collector based, some is technical glassmaking jargon, and some is a mixture of both. Where a term is clearly defined elsewhere, a link to the definition is provided.
Bail – That part of a toggle closure device which is connected to the lever wire and passes over the lid holding it in place on the bottle or jar. A bail is easier to define with a picture than with description – click bail for a picture; the yoke is another name for this component (White 1978).
Bakelite – A thermosetting plastic which was introduced as a bottle closure material in 1927 though it was widely used for other purposes from at least 1907. This was an early version of polycarbonate, which has received much criticism in recent years because of its BPA content which can disrupt the endocrine system leading to changes in hormone production in humans and animals.
Calabash – Large gourd or pear shaped bottles/flasks popular during the mid to late 19th century. They were so named because of their resemblance to the fruit of the tropical American Calabash tree – Crescentia cujete (Wilson 1994).
Keyed mold – A variation of the two piece hinge mold in which the bottom mold seam arches up at the base of the bottle rather than being straight as it is on the traditional type of hinge mold. See the bottle bases page for more pictures and information about this molded feature.
