Topic: OLD MINATURE - BOTTLE GREEN?

[Otis Orlando]

A very unusual looking bottle found whilst carrying out a clearance of me Grandfathers shed. He is unable to provide any info. as to where he acquired it from. Other than stating he had to have an operation.  :24: The bottle is  extremely small in size.  I have not a clue what this would of been used for.  Let me guess..................a  Snuff bottle?  The top resembles some sort of crown.  Within the circled area of the crown on both sides are a design pattern of what appears to be anchors.  The bottle itself is oval shaped and the two flat sides within the centre area are indented with visible marks in the shape of the letter U.  This could be the way it was made.  The bottle measures 5cm in height, the base is relatively flat, polished but uneven in places and slightly indented as there is  prominent rim around the base line.  I hope the pictures assist as I had difficulty in obtaining good quality pictures.  Can anyone identify this bottle?  I have searched numerous sites to know avail.  Many thanks in anticipation.  :thup:

[Otis Orlando]

Additional pics to assist identification..

[Anne]

Otis, does the stopper come out? If so can you add a shot of it on its own please as that helps to date things sometimes too.

At that size it could be a perfume flask or for smelling salts, there are some similar ones here:
http://1st-glass.1st-things.com/gallery-victorian/slides/crownperfumerybottles.html

[Otis Orlando]

Hi Anne, Firstly many thanks for your info. In answer to your question, unfortunately I am not able to remove the stopper.  looking around the edge I can see that it is suppose to come off but has become stuck probably due to the substance that was originally in the bottle.  I do not want to put too much pressure on it, as it may become damaged.  Is there anything that I can use to assist in releasing the stopper Anne? 

[Anne]

Two earlier topics with suggestions here Otis, but go very gently with it or you risk cracking the bottle!
http://www.glassmessages.com/index.php/topic,1601.0.html
http://www.glassmessages.com/index.php/topic,8389.0.html

Good luck! :thup:

[Otis Orlando]

Hi Anne,  I have patiently :hb2:tried the first method with hot water unfortunately that did not work.  Mainly worried about putting to much pressure on as I am assuming by the shape of the stopper it is a twist motion that is required.  I think I will have a go at the olive oil and leave it to soak.  If that does not work I think I will leave it in it's current state.  Does it really need to be off I wonder, it would be ashame to damage it, don't you think?  I have looked at the site and yes they are similarities and see what you mean by removing the stopper in order to provide a better identification.  I just don't know what to do now.  Mmmmmmmmm! 

[Anne]

I'd not risk breaking it just to be able to see the stopper Otis.  If it's stuck fast then leave it be. 

[Otis Orlando]

Thanks for you advise Anne.  I am ever so grateful for your help.  Do you know if they are of any great value as I am currently searching to find some similar with prices?  Oh! by the way, I have completely saturated the bottle in olive oil and left it to soak overnight.  I have viewed a similar bottle on ebay 380213659429 . Mine does look older and bit like the first ones off the batch :24:

[Frank]

Try acetone. Avoid naked flames.
Possibly smelling salts.

[Otis Orlando]

Hi Frank,  Acetone? that is sure lethal stuff.  I will have to use rubber gloves and a mask I think.  :24: I did not know that it is used in nail remover and cigarettes.  You certainly learn something every day. A small bottle like that has turned me into some mad scientist experimenting with various chemicals in order to remove a stopper no bigger that my little finger.   :pb:  All kitted out now, so lets give it a shot.  I will let you know how I got on.