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Part 1 of Mel Hammer Bottle Collection Results at

American Bottle Auctions

SACRAMENTO, CA – A Dr. Renz’s Herb Bitters bottle (San Catawba Wine Bitters bot-
Francisco, circa 1868-1881), 9 ¾ inches tall, with a uniquely styled tles are huge with collectors.
applied tapered top (one of maybe four known), light lime green in Lot #119 was a choice example,
color, sold for $24,150 in the online-only sale #72 of Part 1 of the Mel medium green in color, with
Hammer bottle collection, which began December 10th and ended embossed grapes, an
December 19th, by American Bottle Auctions. applied top and graphite
The Mel Hammer collection is an incredible hoard gathered over a pontil. It found a new
50-year span by a man who dedicated much of his adult life to the owner for $6,900.
acquisition and study of antique glass. Part 1 featured many of Mr. There were two
Hammer’s favorites, such as schnapps and gin bottles, bitters bottles inkwells in the sale that
and inkwells, many boasting 9.5 grades. Part 2 will be held in March. performed exceptionally
Mr. Hammer died on Thanksgiving Day. well. An M100 staved
The Dr. Renz’s Herb Bitters was easily the top achiever in the 137- barrel type teakettle
bottle auction and the price was a new auction record. A winner at the inkwell, a beautiful
1869 California State Fair, the bottle is one of just a handful known amethyst in color. There
with the unique style tapered top. It was undoubtedly the first are only a couple of
embossed bottle made for this bitters. All known examples have a green barrel inks and they’re
hue, with crudity consistent with the era. quite rare and highly
“The bitters stole the show, but there were some very respectful bids sought after. It’s said to
in all categories,” said Jeff Wichmann, the owner of American Bottle have been produced for
Auctions. “We were amazed at some of the prices of the squares and the Henry Har-rison
inkwells. For instance, out of the sixty or so early squares—including presidential campaign of
gins, schnapps and sarsaparillas—fifteen did a thousand dollars or 1840. It brought $5,060.
more. One gin sold for $10,925.” The other was an
That was lot #64, a bright medium green Wister’s Clubhouse gin umbrella ink with a rolled lip
bottle having an applied top with the earlier sticky ball type pontil. and open pontil, 2 ½ inches and
These bottles are very popular with collectors, as they come in a multi- grape in color (the color most collectors are
tude of colors. In addition, they are typically very crude, with lots of looking for). No umbrella ink collection
character. This one was no exception. The condition was exceptional, would be complete without a puce or grape
except for small, minor scratches. colored example. This inkwell has a medi-
Lot #124 – a square, red amber whittled Turner Brothers bottle – um to deeper hue, easy to see through on
was one that Mr. Hammer had purchased in one of Mr. Wichmann’s one’s shelf. It is now gracing the shelf of the
auctions. It boasted an applied top with graphite pontil and showed winning bidder who paid $3,450 for it.
both Turner Brothers locations (Buffalo, New York and San To learn more about American Bottle
Francisco). The bottle checked every box: the color, crudity, rarity and Auctions and Part 2 of the Mel Hammer above left: Dr. Renz’s Herb
condition were all exemplar. It brought $3,910. collection, which goes online in March, Bitters bottle (San Francisco,
A Dr. Wonser’s USA Indian Root Bitters bottle with an applied top, visit www.americanbottle.com. To con- circa 1868-1881) one of possibly
medium amber in color and showing lots of uneven glass and whittle, sign a single bottle or an entire collection, only four known, $24,150
was near-perfect and sold accordingly for $15,525. The amber and you may call them toll-free 800-806- bottom: This Dr. Wonser’s USA
Indian Root Bitters, 9.5 condi-
aqua Wonser’s are among the most sought after and coveted Western 7722. Part 2 of the Mel Hammer bottle tion, $15,525. top: Medium
bitters out there. For its distinctive design, unique name and overall collection will be held in March 2022 green Wister’s Clubhouse gin
appeal, Dr. Wonser’s are simply hard to beat. (dates and times to be announced). bottle, great condition, $10,925.

12 Journal of Antiques and Collectibles