Author Topic: Torpedo Bottles, Any Input?  (Read 3223 times)

ironlord1963

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Torpedo Bottles, Any Input?
« on: June 28, 2010, 09:54:56 pm »
   Just got me 7 what I understand is called Torpedo bottles, I Know little more then that right now, am just going to start looking around and thought maybe all your wonderful folks would like to help.  I got these at a rummage sale and paid 3 bucks a bottle, was not sure if that was good or what but they vibed me until I touched them and then of course I'm sure you all know the rest.   Anyway thought I would share my challange tonight.

talesofthesevenseas

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Re: Torpedo Bottles, Any Input?
« Reply #1 on: June 28, 2010, 10:18:58 pm »
Looks like your vibe was right-on Ironlord. Those three ginger ale bottles date to about 1897. Check out this bottle collector's article about 3/4 of the way down in the paragraph about F.C. Lang.
http://hutchbook.com/Home%20Page%20HutchBook.com%20Updates/Default.htm
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talesofthesevenseas

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Re: Torpedo Bottles, Any Input?
« Reply #2 on: June 28, 2010, 10:25:24 pm »
I think yours may be the variant mentioned here, which dates from 1885-1887, since there is no embossed "F.C. Lang"
http://www.sodasandbeers.com/SABShowBottle.aspx?Bottle=WS-303J&Firm_Number=52707
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ironlord1963

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Re: Torpedo Bottles, Any Input?
« Reply #4 on: June 28, 2010, 10:36:52 pm »
      Thanks for the links, I think it is a variant.  I have learned that torpedo bottles was most made in the UK and the American Torpedo bottles are much more rare.  On site dated my bottles between 1840 to 1870 based on the Top, but I thinik the  F.C Lang varient makes more since. which looks like 1880's.  Still trying to find out why they wanted a round bottom anyway, my modern logic says "what I have to hold this thing until it gone"  The shape is actually a Hutchinson Shape i guess, english had the real torpedo shaped bottles.  Well all in all I'm pleased with the date, now to see what they little babies are worth.   Can't keep them they are making my Pink glass jealous  ;)

fancypants

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Re: Torpedo Bottles, Any Input?
« Reply #5 on: June 28, 2010, 11:50:22 pm »
Cool bottles , ironlord !

The rounded bottoms served 2 purposes - the customer/consumer could not set down the bottle till it was finished (good for business!) & laying the bottle on it's side kept the cork from drying out and leaking .
" Methinks me the 'mental' in sentimental .... "

hosman321

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Re: Torpedo Bottles, Any Input?
« Reply #6 on: June 29, 2010, 12:12:33 am »
I want one or two ironlord! I collect bottles and would love to have one, if they aren't out of my price range. :P
I especially love them because they are from the Great Northwest.
« Last Edit: June 29, 2010, 12:16:36 am by hosman321 »

ironlord1963

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Re: Torpedo Bottles, Any Input?
« Reply #7 on: June 29, 2010, 08:28:25 am »
Thanks for all the replys, Today after work I will have to work on the value of these.  Hosman if you want one or two I'm sure I can make arrangement, to get you a couple of them, I know you don't live too far away so just let me know, I'll make sure they stay in your price range.

ironlord1963

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Re: Torpedo Bottles, Any Input?
« Reply #8 on: June 29, 2010, 08:44:56 pm »
    Just a bit of a update for those intrested.  Yes they are considered Torpedo bottle, Hutchinson Bottle refers to the wire cap that would of been on the top.  Right now I'm still not sure if they are Hutchinson Style or did they originally have corks, I'm leaning toward the latter based on the Round bottle bottom, as fancypants pointed out the reason was more to keep the cork wet, keeping it in place.  There is right now 25 or so on Ebay, only about 12 like these.  Most are asking 9.99 to 30.00 for theirs, but the past sales tells a different story.  only like these has sold and they was for 4 bucks plus shipping, some really cool ones has sold for more, one making it past the $100.00 mark, but these are really cool ones.  I have learned that this style is a bit harder to find then the English ones, but the English ones look lots cooler  8).  I would say that I would have to post these a $3.00 + $9.00 on ebay and a 50% chance of sale.  With the exception of the one with the label.  Labelled ones are or seem to be very rare.  In my new Antique trader Bottle book  ;) it did make a small note on this, so I went back looking, have not found any with  a label yet.  I think this one could still prove to be a gem  ;)  Either way I have learned my $14.00 worth already.  Oh and Hosman let me know if you are intrested I will be posting probably in two weeks.         

regularjoe2

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Re: Torpedo Bottles, Any Input?
« Reply #9 on: June 29, 2010, 09:44:40 pm »
I was thinking that any or all of your nice bottles would look really good in a rustic soda case shawdowbox .

By the way , I always appreciate your nice sharp images , ironlord1963 !

hosman321

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Re: Torpedo Bottles, Any Input?
« Reply #10 on: June 29, 2010, 10:23:52 pm »
Definitely still interested, just let me know when you list them. I really want the one with the label, so we'll see if I can win it. Happy sellin'!