BOTTLES ARE HOT!!

BOTTLES ARE HOT!!!

Bottles are hot. They’ve always been hot. But, I can’t take credit for the title of this blog. That honor goes to Jeff Wichmann of American Bottle Auctions, Sacramento, California, who currently is involved with his Auction No. 65 which commenced on June 29th and ends July 8th. He issued a Newsletter titled, “Bottles Are Hot!” via his web site and by email on July 3rd with the following message; “The initial participation to this auction is really overwhelming and we thank you from the bottom or our hearts.” I like it when I hear the word “overwhelming” when talking about Bottles.

Bottle collecting continues to experience increased popularity in both the domestic and international markets. There were over 100 Bottle shows in 2017 and 50 shows through June 2018. In addition, the bottle selling and buying market has been robust. There were 17 auctions in 2016 with sales over $100,000 per auction, 20 auctions in 2017 and 9 auctions through June 2018 with similar results. And, it’s still happening. Jim Hagenbuch of Glass Works Auctions recently concluded Auction 122 on June 4 in excess of $350,000. This is followed by Norm Heckler Auctions with Auction No. 164 starting on 7/9 and ending on 7/18. And, the excitement doesn’t stop with the auctions.

On top of all of the various Bottle Club show across the country, one of the biggest shows ready to happen is the National Antique Bottle Convention & Expo to be held August 2-5, 2018, in Cleveland, OH, sponsored by the Federation of Historical Bottle Collectors and the Ohio Bottle Club, the 50th FOHBC Bottle Convention & EXPO will be held August 1-4, 2019 in Augusta, GA, and EXPO being held in Reno, NV July 30-August 2, 2020. Here’s another interesting trend. Terry Kovel, of Kovel’s issues regularly issues a “Kovel’s Collectors” Tip Sheet with thirty “Trends You Must Know.” Number 1on the current listing is; “Soda bottles and milk bottles with enameled lettering are going up in price, especially those with pictures or sayings. Look for patriotic slogans. Beware of fakes.”

Another area I want to focus on is Summer Time Bottle Digging. With summer finally here, bottle digging is happening all over the country with Bottle Club and individual groups of diggers finding great bottles of the past. On a daily basis I’m seen numerous photos and video from club members and other diggers of all their finds and treasures. But, when I check the You Tube, I’m not seeing many of these great Bottle Digging Videos posted for the world to see. I want to put out a challenge to every bottle digger that produces video from their digs; Let’s get those videos on You Tube so the whole world can see how much fun the Hobby of Bottle Collecting can be, especially while Digging For Bottles.” The more, the better!

And, I need to plug The Los Angeles Historical Bottle Club Show & Sale (My Club) on Saturday September 8th at the Huntington Beach, California Elks Lodge, 7711 Talbert Ave, Huntington Beach, CA 92710. Doors open at 8:00am for Early Bird Collectors for $10 and Free Admission from 9:00am – 3:00pm. The Elks Lodge is centrally located near the Los Angeles and Orange County Freeways and is within a half-mile from the beach. Hope you see you there.

The last item to mention is my book, “Bottles: Identification and Price Guide, 8th Edition.” I know that many collectors have the book, but I want to make a special offer to all collectors that don’t have the book, that you just can’t refuse. The book normally retails for $24.99 + Shipping $6.70. For a short time only, I’ll offer the book for $20.00 + Shipping. If you want more than two books, the shipping cost will change, but the $20 Book Cost will remain the same.

Now, I want everyone to keep digging, buying, and trading for those hard to find bottles, and don’t forget to post your digging adventures on You Tube. “Keep Having Fun With The Hobby of Bottle Collecting.