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 50^th 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

Bottle Collecting Positions Now Open
Young Collectors needed……….
Apply Immediately!!

This blog will be longer than normal, there there’s a lot of great Bottle Collecting news to talk about. Based on the great digging articles I’ve read in the “Bottles and Extras” and “Antique Bottle & Glass Collector” magazines, and other publications like the “American Digger Magazine”, including amazing “You Tube” digging adventures on land, in rivers, lakes, and oceans, it’s great to see that bottle collectors from all over the world are still finding great bottles and treasures from the past, and having a ton of fun in the process. In my last blog titled “Bottles Are Hot!!!”, I mentioned that Jeff Wichmann of American Bottle Auctions issued his Newsletter titled “Bottles Are Hot’ regarding his Auction No. 65 and commented that “The initial participation to this auction is really overwhelming and we thank you from the bottom of our heart.”

Well, bottle collecting is still hot, and I hope it becomes a lot more overwhelming. That’s a good thing. I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again, “Bottle collecting continues to experience increased popularity in both the domestic and international markets.” Bottle collecting is still a relevant and popular hobby as demonstrated by the great digging adventures, increases in Bottle Club’s, Club memberships, and Bottle Shows. And, the bottle auction action continues to keep steam rolling. From January 2018 through September 2018, bottle auctions resulted in total sales of approximately $2,750,000. That’s one heck of a lot of bottles. Now, all of this is exciting and great news for the Hobby of Bottle Collecting, but in order to keep all of this happening into the future, we need to attract a major transfusion of young blood and recruitment of “YOUNG NEW COLLECTORS”.
In the Federation of Historical Bottle Collectors (FOHBC) May-June 2018 issue of its magazine “Bottle & Extras”, Ferdinand Meyer (Recently “retired” FOHBC President), wrote an excellent ‘President’s Message’ about the need for attracting the “next generation’ by stating “Sometimes I wonder where and what younger people are doing these days as far as interest?………”We hear stories that collecting and passion for doing extracurricular thing is a dying tradition.” Ferdinand went on to give an example of an event he and his wife checked out before attending a Houston Rockets basketball game, the 2018 Anime (A style of hand-drawn and computer animation originating and associated with Japan) Matsuri Convention, with attendees from 22 countries and over 36,000 attendees. Ferdinand also quoted Matt Lacy, the FOHBC’s newest President (Congratulations Matt), “We took Owen (his young bottle-collecting son) to the Comic-Con in downtown Cleveland last month….. Comics and Anime are definitely the trendy thing right now for the younger generation!” Ferdinand went on to say that “Another similar convention for the younger generation each year is the San-Diego Comic-Con….they average around 175,000 guests.”

“In closing, Ferdinand stated, “I suppose my point is, our next generation is out there alive and kicking in so many ways,”…”Sure, out work is cut out for us, but we must try. If we don’t, there will be no next generation and our collections and knowledge will be meaningless. Let’s stay positive here and proactive.” This was a great message from Ferdinand stressing the point that we need to attract that next generation, and we need to do it now! Proactive is right. I ’m happy to report that there have been, and are a number of bottle related events, where proactive actions are being taken to attract new young collectors.

In the “Antique Bottle & Glass Collecting” magazines July 2018 issue, publisher John Pastor introduced Kamil Salame, who started collecting bottles at 16, as the “Newest Young Collector and Columnist” of the magazine . In the announcement Kamil said, “I hope to inspire younger collectors, as my mentor did for me, and show the great fun in collecting and digging for old bottles.” Wow. That says it all. But, there’s more.
In the August 2018 issue, there’s a great article titled “New Young Leader for the Hudson Valley Bottle Club,” introducing Alex Prizgintas, 18, who will be attending Marist College in fall with a double major in both history and music, and is now the youngest member of the club to hold the position of President. What a great accomplishment, and a big responsibility. There’s still more. In the same issue, there’s an article by Sherry Kughn titled “Passionate Collector in Third Year of Hosting Show”, stating the following; “Bottle collector Jake Smith of Renfroe, Alabama planned the upcoming Lincoln Bottle Show set for Saturday August 11 with not only traders and displayer in mind, but also youngsters. He is asking each of the fifty or so vendors to donate a bottle to a display table so that children who attend the event may pick one out one item in hopes they will begin collecting. “We want to grow the hobby, Smith said.”

These types of proactive actions are exactly what the bottle collecting world needs to grow the hobby for that next generation, and keep it strong and relevant going forward. Saying all of that, it’s time for a huge challenge to the FOHBC and all of the Bottle Clubs across the United States, to keep the new young collector in focus when a show is being set-up. The FOHBC has two huge upcoming EXPO’s, 2019 in Augusta Georgia and 2020 in Reno, Nevada. My suggestion is that for these two EXPO’s, and for the remainder of all Bottle Club Shows in 2018, and those in 2019 and 2020, the FOHBC and all Bottle Club s have a young collector focus for their shows agenda, and include an action similar to the Renfroe, Alabama show of having each dealer donate a bottle to the show organizers, to have available for new young collectors. Let’s keep this ball rolling in the right direction.
Remember, “Have Fun With The Hobby of Bottle Collecting” Mike

Hi Everyone- I wanted to remind everyone that the Federation of Historical Bottle Collectors(FOHBC) Convention & EXPO, Brought to you by the Federation of Historical Bottle Collectors and the Ohio Bottle Club, will be happening August 2-5 at the Cleveland Convention Center, Cleveland Marriott Downtown, This will be a great EXPO and one that shouldn’t be missed by any collectors. Recently, Terry Kovel printed the following article and I thought it was good as a reminder about Privy/Outhouse Digging. I also have a 14 Page Chapter in my book, Bottles: Identification & Price Guide, 8th Edition, that provides detailed information titled “Digging For Bottles”. Also, Terry Kovel will be a guest speaker at the EXPO.

Finding Treasure: ‘Privy Digging’ is not-so-secret Trick of the Trade

With a little pre-planning, proper precautions and permission, bottle collectors can find treasure beneath modern-day feet. It’s called “privy digging” and it involves figuring out the locations of privies of the 18th and 19th century. Why privies? They could be filled with treasure.
Before city sewer systems, there city privies. Nearly all were pits lined with stone, brick, wood boards or a bottomless barrel. Urban privy owners used professional “soil men” to cart away the waste at least once a year, usually in the dead of night.
Fast-forward to today. The privy waste has deteriorated into dirt. The pits are filled with life’s leftovers, including old bottles (taking a nip of liquor while in the privy?), marbles, coins and even collectibles such as jewelry that were accidentally dropped in the depths.
So how does one become a privy digger and find these long-ago collectibles? Follow a few rules, according to Terry Kovel:
1. Do your research and look at old maps. Locate the logical spots for the old city privies.
2. Go out and see the spot. Many times, it is now an open field.
3. Find out who owns the land and get permission.
4. Look for areas where the soil might be a different color. Does it coincide with old maps that indicate a privy location?
5. Dig in groups. Never do it alone in case there are collapsing walls or other dangers.
Good luck and enjoy your privy digging!

Terry Kovel will be guest speaker at the Federation of Historical Bottle Collectors (FOHBC) 2018 National Antique Bottle Convention & Expo. It’s in Cleveland the weekend of August 2 through 5. The annual convention is the largest (and most exciting!) antique bottle and glass event of the year. The convention will take place at Cleveland’s downtown Huntington Convention Center and the nearby Marriott Key Center Hotel. For information about the event, visit the Federation of Historical Bottle Collectors website, fohbc.org. And if you are attending the convention or some of the events, be sure to stop and say hello to Terry!

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.

The Hobby of Bottle Collecting
It’s Looking Good for 2018

First off, a belated Happy 2018 New Year to all my fellow bottle collectors. I hope that the New Year is going well for everyone so far. I know it is for Bottle Collecting, so I thought I better get back into action with the latest and greatest news and events.

For the collectors and diggers on the East coast, I know the weather isn’t the best for hunting, exploring, and digging for bottles. But, there are a lot of great shows with a selection of every category of bottle that will hopefully take care of the bottle itching bug, and it’s warmer. While there were only 7 shows in January to kick off the new year, the after burners are wide open for February with 10 shows from Oregon to Georgia and Florida, and New Jersey, Wisconsin, Ohio, Michigan, Connecticut and South Carolina, and so far 8 shows are lined up for March. I never can say enough about how everyone in the hobby needs to support these shows which supports and strengthens the overall hobby.

Along with the shows, there are a number of auctions that have happened already this year and some great ones planned for the near future. Jim Hagenbuch of Glass Works Auctions completed this ‘First of the Year’ auction with 325 lots that closed on January 8th. Glass Works Auctions will also be holding auctions in 2018 for the ‘Charlie Kota Collection of Colorful Historical Flask’, a major collection of Poison Bottles, and the ‘Bitter Bottle Collection’ of the late Larry Umbreit.

Fred Holabird of Holabird Western Americana Collections completed a successful 1st auction of the year with 2700 lots that closed on January 21st that included some great Western Bottles: A Pontiled Medium Cobalt Blue California Gold Rush Soda, ‘M R & D (1863-1864) that sold for $2,500, A Battle Mountain, Nevada ‘Lemaire Soda Bottle’ (1890-1892) that sold for $1,750, and a Seven Troughs, Nevada ‘The Owl Pharmacy Co.’(1909-1914) that sold for $1,812.

Another great one was from October 13-22, 2017, not 2018, Auction No. 64 that deserves attention by Jeff Wichmann of American Bottle Auctions, and consisted of 260 lots. Some of the highlights of that auction included a rare medium green ‘Indian Queen Bitters” bottle patented in 1868 that sold for $14,375, a ‘Lafayette DeWtt Clinton half-pint lime green flask that sold for $10,925, and a collection of 75 Western Sodas from the Ken Salazar collection sold for an amazing $80,000.

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) 2018 National Antique Bottle Convention & Expo August 2nd -5th at the Huntington Convention Center in Cleveland, Ohio. There’s going to be plenty of great Displays, Educational Seminars, a major Bottle Auction, a delicious Banquet, and over 200 Dealers with a great selection of Bottles and Historical Artifacts for sell. For more information contact Louis Fifer at: PH: 330-635-1964 or Email: fiferlouis@yahoo.com.

Another major event, especially for all of the Perfume Bottle Collectors, is the International Perfume Bottle Association’s 30th Annual Convention April 26th -29th at the Sheraton Tysons Hotel, Tysons Corner, Vienna, Virginia. They will also have Displays, Educational Seminars, a major auction that is also top notch, and dealers offering various categories of Perfume Bottles for sale. For more information, contact Rusty Hernandez at conventions@perfumebottles.org.

With all of these Bottle Shows, Auctions, and Events, 2018 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

Hi to all of my wild bottle collectors and digging buddies. I always try to keep my blog lighthearted, but I read this story yesterday (10.24.17), and felt that I needed to bring it to everyone’s attention. I know we all talk about it, and not all of us always do it, but we need to be extremely cautious of where we dig and the surrounding area. Privy’s can be dangerous, but digging in caves is even more dangerous. And most of all, none of us should ever go digging alone, ever. If there had been someone with this lady, she might be around today and be able to do more digging. There isn’t any bottle out there valuable enough to to die for. Let’s all be careful. Have Fun and Good Bottle Hunting- Mike

By Brian Rokos | brokos@scng.com | The Press-Enterprise
PUBLISHED: October 23, 2017 at 4:58 pm | UPDATED: October 24, 2017 at 6:07 am

The Lake Arrowhead woman who was found dead in a collapsed cave in Crestline might have been digging for antique bottles, a San Bernardino County sheriff’s spokesman said Monday, Oct. 23.

A cause of death had not been announced Monday for Jessica “Jace” Elyce Widner, 32.

Deputies were called to the area of Highland Drive and Scenic View Drive about 7:20 p.m. Thursday to investigate a death after an anonymous woman saw a hand sticking out of the ground near a glass bottle dump.

Gil Flores, a spokesman for the sheriff’s Twin Peaks Station, said the dump is frequented primarily by transients, but Widner did have family locally and had not been reported missing. Investigators believe compacted soil that had been dislodged from the roof fell on Widner a few hours before her discovery, Flores said.

There were tools found at the scene that suggest she was excavating the soil for bottles, Flores said.

“The bottles are remnants of the early 1900s, possibly during the Prohibition Era,” Flores wrote in an email. “So some of the bottles can bring in a few dollars for collectors. This brings people to the location looking to make a few bucks.

“What made this situation dangerous was the hillside people dug into in order to retrieve buried bottles was not stabilized. It was primarily decomposed granite, so the soil was very dense,” Flores wrote.