Bidspirit auction | Circa 1890s Collection of Four

Circa 1890s Collection of Four Codd-neck Glass Mineral Water & Beer Bottles - A collection of four antique Codd-neck mineral water bottles, manufactured in mold-blown glass. These bottles utilize the Hiram Codd patent internal closure system, featuring a glass marble held against a rubber gasket by carbonation pressure to create a seal. The group consists of three light aqua/green examples and one notable example containing a dark cobalt blue marble. The first bottle features a circular embossed border with a central shield reading ”ALLEN & LLOYD”, ”TRADE MARK”, ”MINERAL WATER”, and ”ALDERSHOT”. The base is embossed with the letters ”A & L” and the word ”BRISTOL”. The second bottle is embossed vertically with the word ”VICTORY”. The base bears an embossed letter ”B” and the number ”5”. This specimen is distinguished by its dark cobalt blue internal glass marble. The third bottle is embossed ”HALL'S OXFORD BREWERY Ld”, ”SWAN BREWERY”, ”OXFORD”, surrounding a graphic depiction of a swimming swan. The base is embossed with the letters ”R B B” and ”L”. The fourth bottle features a circular embossed border reading ”PRUDENCE & BRO...” and ”BARNSLEY” around a central figure holding a trident. The base is embossed with ”B B B” and ”Co Ld”. Height: approximately 9 inches. The collection shows evidence of long-term burial, often referred to as ”dug” condition. All bottles exhibit varying degrees of surface patination, mineral deposits, and ”sick glass” haziness. The Allen & Lloyd bottle shows heavy surface scratching and small impact marks or ”niggles” (photos 2, 15). The Victory bottle has significant interior cloudiness (photo 7). The Hall's Oxford Brewery bottle has a distinct fracture/crack located in the neck near the marble chamber (photo 13). The Barnsley bottle exhibits heavy mineral staining and surface abrasions throughout the body (photos 5, 21).