I have a small collection of bottles with seals on them. All are reproduction but, I have enjoyed using them and feel they have enhanced the 18th Century look, I have tried to create in my home. Over the years I have referenced these bottles in different vignettes. Pamela, one of my readers asked about the bottles, and I told her I would do some research and report back. This one is for you!

My mom always referred to these bottles with funny stamps, as tax stamps, so being the dutiful daughter, I believed her. Over the years I became more and more curious about them. I was thrilled to have an excuse to research this topic, and to also report it to my Quester’s Group.

The first time I became aware of these bottles was in the early 90’s when my parents took another trip to Williamsburg VA. She came home with a funny shaped bottle that had a strange marking on it, which she referred to as the King’s Stamp. I fell in love and knew I had to have one of my own. In the days before the internet, these were not bottles that could be found in any catalogue or sourced anywhere! I had to wait.

It took me a few years and another trip to Williamsburg, this time for me in 1994, and I was on a mission. I found what I was looking for, in a small home furnishings shop in Yorktown VA. This shop specialized in “18th Century Goods.” Reproductions made in USA. Wandering this shop with all its wonderful 18th Century eye candy, I spied what I was looking for. “Oh there you are!” I was thrilled. Unfortunately the last time I was in Yorktown this shop was no longer there.

I will preface this report with, I am not an expert. I have had no opportunity to study these bottles. The only bottles I have ever seen have been in museums. This is a summation of my research, and compiled by many different sources. I found the research to be very interesting and, I am so happy to report this to you. The rarity of these bottles means you have to buy reproduction. Here is why!

In 1622 the purchase of bottled wine and spirits was prohibited. A patron (most likely a servant) would have to go to a wine or spirits merchant, with their own bottles usually made of stoneware, and have them filled from a cask, using a liquid measure. Stoneware gave way to glass in the 17th Century for the rich and famous! The first shaft and globe bottles with seals were manufactured in 1650, a reference to their long neck and rotund base. Also known as onion bottles.

The seals were the last process in the bottle manufacturing. A glob of molten glass would be added to the shoulders of the bottle, and then impressed with an engraved stamp. The stamps were varied. Armorial Coat of Arms, Initials, and sometimes Dates making it helpful for the archeologists. The seal style was at the discretion of the buyer, not the bottle maker.

The seals provided identification, enabling the merchants ability to identify whose order he was filling. The seals would have never been used to identify the vintner or spirit maker, only the owner of the bottle.

The earliest found bottle associated with an individual was in London 1652. While earlier sealed bottles have been found, their marks haven’t yet been associated with an individual. Creating a mystery to their true origins and date of manufacturing.

On March 1 1671, bottle manufacturer Edmond Lewan provided the Earl of Bedford the 5th Earl William Russel @ Woburn Abby, 12 dozen bottles “with my lords coat of arms upon them” at 5 shillings per dozen. Another order was placed in 1672 for 2 dozen quart bottles @ 3 pounds six.

Ordering bottles was a process. First an engraver would have to create a brass die or stamp. Dies were also carved from wood but the impression would not be as crisp. Expensive, these dies added to the overall cost of the bottle. Bottles were something only the well healed gentry could afford. When it was time to reorder a new supply, a new die would have to be cast. Giving the “Lord” an opportunity to change the look of the seal.

Commemorating a special event like a wedding or anniversary was a popular reason to change a seal. Bottle seals were a way to bolster personal status, and the bottles would be prominently displayed in the home.

17th and 18th Century goods like wine, spirits, and textiles, were considered luxury items and subject to tax. Bottles themselves were not considered a luxury but, the fact that they carried a seal, made them a luxury good, there for subject to tax. The first “Tax Stamps” were known as Supervisor Seals, and were used to collect tax on wine and spirits. The seals proved the tax had been paid. Clear as mud?

The New World opened up a new outlet for trading to the colonies. It was presumed the nature of the “shaft and globe” bottle would ship better, with its rotund base. Of course the price of each bottle dramatically increased, before leaving England, due to the cost of packing, and a commission paid to the shipping agent. The bottles became a popular import into Newfoundland and Virginia, but their fragility meant, not many made it to the New World. Most broke in transit or ended up in the drink!

Filled bottles would often be given as a payment of debt, or as a gift. Creating confusion as to the original ownership. Just like today. Frequently recovered from plantations and taverns, bottles have been found in waste pits associated with their owners.

With a $70,000,000.00 debt from the American Revolution, Alexander Hamilton in 1790 proposed a tax on distilled spirits and in 1790 an excise tax was passed. The producers paid the tax even if they were not selling. Sellers in Western Pennsylvania had to pay 2 times the amount in taxes than their eastern Pennsylvania counterparts. The infamous Whiskey Rebellion began in 1791. And yet a whole new area of study!

Archivist in both Virginia and Newfoundland have made a few discoveries of “shaft and globe” bottles with seals. More seals than bottles have been found. The glass bottles would fracture and separate from the seal. For the most part just fragments have been discovered, however an in tact bottle was recently found in Charleston SC dating to 1670. The year Charleston was founded. An exciting find to be sure.

The Mount Vernon Revitalization Project currently underway, found 35 bottles in tact. With seals and sealed with liquid still inside. Some bottles containing cherries and berries. Also recovered were 2 European bottles, still filled with spring water, manufactured 1740-1750 in the mansion cellar. It is believed the bottles were forgotten when a brick floor was laid over the bottles in the 1770’s renovation. Still in an upright position, with liquid, offering a glimpse into 18th Century food preservation.

Several bottle seals have been recovered at Mount Vernon. One stamped John Custis 1713. John the father of Danial Parke Custis, Martha Washington’s first husband. Also an I Custis representing two different seals for John Custis. A seal AW referring to Augustine Washington, Georges father.

Williamsburg is now reproducing these wonderful bottles. The John Custis Onion Bottle with Armorial Seal is a lovely reproduction, fabricated by Phil Gilson of Lawrenceville VA. Using techniques handed down in his family for generations.

More discoveries are being made, as these historical homes are being restored and renovated, to accommodate the foot traffic, of thousands of visitors. A consideration that was never considered by the builders of these historic homes from our past.

Though I don’t live in a period home, (1980’s split entry) as a collector of multiple things, I have decided that each object is a puzzle piece. Made to be handled and used, shuffled and turned, added and subtracted on a whim. Fitted to just the right position in a vignette until the true nature creates its own picture. These bottles have certainly been a big contributor to my home.

Thanks for stopping

Shelley