How To Judge The Value Of An Unknown Bottle

Early bottles (before 1800), historic flasks, free-blown bottles, and early-nineteenth-century decorative decanters can be judged by the same standards as any fine early glass. Age, rarity, quality, condition, and appearance are the important factors. Commercial bottles of the nineteenth century can have great value, even if the bottles originally held pickles, catsup, or beer. Even some twentieth- and twenty-first-century bottles are collectible. When judging old bottles, look carefully at several things.