Bottle Collecting Looking Hot For 2019
I hope that the New Year is going well for everyone so far. Here it is March so I thought I better get back into action with the latest and greatest news and events.
For the diggers in the Mid-West and East Coast states, the frigid cold weather has literately put everyone in a deep freeze hold for bottle digging. I always spend some time checking out Facebook and YouTube digging videos and have actually seen some hardened bottle guys challenging the elements. My hat is off to you guys, but make sure you keep your wool hats, gloves, and jackets on. Thank heavens there are a lot of bottle shows and auctions going on that will help with the bottle itching bug until Spring and Summer bring back the warmer weather.
Speaking of digging, I was able to sneak in some digging in early January, some place nice and warm, as in Kona, Hawaii on the big Island of Hawaii. I met up with Blake and Brent Cousins, avid bottle collectors who live in Honokaa, Hawaii, near the very top of the Big Island. I’ve dug with Brent and Blake in the past, and they never fail to find a special spot in the jungle. For this dig, they led me to a remote dump site near a now defunct Sugar Cane farm where they have dug in the past, and found some great bottles and associated pottery, dish, and stoneware. The farm was in operation from the late 1800’s to the mid 1950’s. The land adjacent to the area where we dug was home to over 200 workers and their families. At the end of the day, we had a fun time and found a few great items, but not everything we wanted to find. As we were running out of light, we started to bring up shards and glass remnants from around 1880-1890. Also, when the Amber Whiskey was cleaned, it contained some great swirls all through out the bottle. The older stuff will be waiting for the next time. It’s just another good reason to return. Enjoy a link to the video of my digging adventure. https://youtu.be/jV1fsQKsE-s
Between January and going into March I counted a total of 24 shows, and that only for the first quarter of the year, that should provide some good bottle action until the ice and snow begin to melt. I can’t say enough about how everyone needs to support these shows in every way possible. These shows which are sponsored by various clubs from all over the United States are the core that helps to strengthen, grow, and promote the overall hobby of bottle collecting. We need to support them 100%. I was able to attend and sell at the Las Vegas Bottle & Collectibles Club, and the Phoenix Bottles & Collectible Club shows, both held in February. I also plan on attending and selling at the San Diego Bottle Club Show on 6/8, the Reno Bottle Club Show 7/19-7/20, and the Los Angeles Bottle Club’s Show on 9/14.
Along with the shows, there are a number of auctions that have happened already this year, some happening now, and some great ones planned for the near future. Jim Hagenbuch, ‘Glass Works Auctions’, is in the process of their ‘End of Winter’ Potpourri Auction #129, that opened bidding on 3/11 and closes on 3/19, John Pastor, ‘American Glass Gallery’ opened Auction #22 on 3/6 which closes on 3/19,and Norm Heckler, ‘Norman C. Heckler & Company’, is in the process of conduction two major auctions; The Dr. Charles & Jane Aprill Collection: Session I 3/11-3/20, and Session II 9/2-9/1, then the next auction, Session I 5/6-5/15 and Session II 10/14-10-23. Jeff Wichmann, “American Bottle Auctions’ is planning his next auction on 6/29, Terry McMurray, ‘McMurray Antiques & Auctions’, is in the process of Auction #69 that closes on 3/30, with the International Perfume Bottle Association holding a major auction on 5/3 at their Convention 21, 5/2-5/5 at the Westin Chicago Northwest in Itasca, IL. As you can see, there is plenty of auction action for everyone.
If all of these Bottle Shows and Auctions aren’t enough to keep you busy, how about attending the Federation of Historic Bottle Collectors (FOHBC) 2019 50th Anniversary National Antique Bottle Convention & Expo on August 1 – 3, at the Augusta Marriott Convention Center. There’s going to be plenty of great Displays, Educational Seminars, a delicious Banquet, and numerous dealers with a great selection of Bottles and Historical Artifacts for sell.
With all of these Bottle Shows, Auctions, and Events, 2019 is shaping up to be another fantastic year for the hobby of Bottle Collecting. Remember, “Always Have Fun With The Hobby of Bottle Collecting”.
Mike
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