Read the stamp

Antique bottle identification

Antique bottle identification starts with the closure, seams, base, shape and embossed wording, followed by the glasshouse mark.

Manufacturing clues in different places

A pontil scar records an attachment method. Mould seams show how the body was formed, while the finish or closure identifies the mouth construction. A company name embossed on the body can identify the contents seller rather than the bottle maker.

What to check next

Photograph the base and heel marks as well as the mouth. Compare a glasshouse logo with its own plant and date-code system. Retain capacity wording and a patent date separately; neither is automatically the bottle’s manufacturing year.

Explore makers & marks

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