Old bottles can be surprisingly valuable to collectors. The age, rarity, condition, and type of bottle all factor into its worth. Some bottles that were intended to be disposable in their time, such as soda bottles and medicine bottles, can be worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars today if they are rare enough and in pristine condition. Other types of bottles, like historical flasks and beautifully colored glass bottles from the late 1800s and early 1900s, are avidly collected and traded by bottle enthusiasts around the world.
What types of old bottles are collectible?
Here are some of the most sought-after and valuable types of old bottles:
- Antique bitters bottles – Bitters were alcoholic medicinal or flavoring preparations popular in the late 1800s. Bitters bottles came in a huge array of vibrant colors and designs, making them very collectible. Rare bitters bottles can be worth $1,000+.
- Historical flasks – Also called Eagle flasks, these bottles date from the 1800s to 1920s and feature patriotic motifs like eagles, flags, and portraits of founding fathers. They commemorate major historical events. High demand makes scarce Eagle flasks worth $1,000+.
- Early sodas – Crudely made soda bottles from the 1800s can be worth hundreds or more. The holy grail is a datable bottle from before 1830 showing the origin of American soda bottling.
- Pre-Civil War medicines – Apothecary bottles from the early to mid 1800s can be worth $300+. Rare pontiled (hand blown) medicine bottles can fetch $1,000+.
- Western bitters and whiskies – As the Old West fascinates collectors, bottled goods from that era like Dr. Henley’s Wild Grape Root Hair Tonic and Monogram Kentucky whiskies can command $300+.
- Colorful label under glass – These are early soda, milk, and beer bottles with original paper labels encased under glass. The vivid graphics make them popular at over $100 each.
What makes a bottle valuable?
There are several key factors that make an old bottle valuable to collectors:
- Age – The older the bottle, the more desirable it is. Bottles from the late 1800s/early 1900s and before hold the most value. The earliest bottles from the 1600s to 1700s can be museum pieces.
- Rarity – Common bottles tend not to be worth much. Rare colors, shapes, variants, or short-lived products are more prized.
- Condition – Collectors want bottles in pristine, mint condition. Chips, cracks, rust stains, and missing labels/tops reduce value dramatically.
- Color – Vivid, bright colors like cobalt blue fetch higher prices. Unusual colors like puce, amber, or peach can increase value.
- Method of production – Earlier bottles that were mouth blown by glassworkers are more valued than later mass produced bottles.
- Embossing – Clear details like embossed company names, logos, towns, dates make bottles more collectible.
Most valuable soda bottles
Vintage soda bottles are avidly collected, and rare specimens can be worth many thousands. Here are some of the most valuable:
- Root beer bottles from I. C. Epperson (precursor to Hires Root Beer), worth up to $3,000.
- Any bottle marked “Soda Water” or “Mineral Water” from before 1830, potentially $10,000 to $15,000.
- Extremely rare colors like puce or cobalt blue, $2,500+.
- Early Coca Cola bottles from the late 1800s, like the Hutchinson style, around $5,000.
- Small sample size Coca Cola bottles, $1,000 to $2,000.
Most valuable medicine bottles
Antique medicine bottles from the 1800s and earlier can be highly prized by collectors. Here are some big ticket examples:
- Rare color like cobalt, amber, or a bright lime green, $2,500+
- Any intact medicine bottle from the 1600s, $5,000+ minimum. Potentially museum pieces.
- Pontiled (hand blown) medicines from early 1800s, $1,000+
- Crude early medicines with misspellings or early versions of major brands, $500+
- Unopened medicines with complete original contents, $300+
Most valuable liquor bottles
Pre-Prohibition liquor bottles can command premium prices. Some key examples include:
- Western whisky bottles from 1800s, $300+
- Early miniature sample size whisky bottles, $500+
- Rare brands like Cassin’s Columbia Whisky with peculiar embossing, $1,000+
- Colorful labeled whiskeys with labels intact, $500+
- Early bitters bottles in bright colors like cobalt, $1,000+
- Rare Prohibition liquor bottles smuggled into U.S., $500+
Most valuable milk bottles
Milk bottles from the early 1900s with graphics can be popular with collectors. Valuable examples include:
- Highly colorful graphics like nursery rhyme themes, $100+
- Rare dairies or towns, $100+
- Unusual shapes like hutches or ichthus designs, $100+
- Early glass-encased label, $200+
Where to find old valuable bottles?
The thrill of the hunt is part of bottle collecting. You can find old valuable bottles in these places if you are lucky:
- Antique shops and flea markets – Always check for unusual bottles.
- Online auction sites like eBay – Many sellers don’t accurately price rare bottles.
- Estate sales and garage sales – Look for bottles stashed away in barns or sheds.
- Thrift stores and secondhand shops – Check glassware sections for vintage bottles.
- Bottle shows – Mingling with other collectors can turn up hidden gems.
- Old dump sites and abandoned homesteads – With permission, dig carefully for buried antique bottles.
How to check if your old bottle is valuable
If you come across an old bottle and want to see if it’s valuable, look for these signs:
- Check for embossing – Raised or indented lettering with maker names, logos, places, dates, etc. provides provenance.
- Look at the color – Vivid colors like cobalt blue often increase value.
- Examine condition – Small chips and wear reduce value. Perfect condition is ideal.
- Research any names or info – Google to check rarity and special attributes.
- Join bottle collector groups – Consult experienced collectors for appraisals.
- Check past auction prices – Search for your bottle on sites like Worthpoint to see past sales.
Best ways to start collecting valuable bottles
Bottle collecting is a fun hobby that can potentially earn you money down the road too. To start your collection strong, keep these tips in mind:
- Focus your collection – Go for a certain theme like sodas or medicines to gain knowledge.
- Aim for quality over quantity – A few pristine valuable bottles are better than many common ones.
- Join collector clubs – Learning from veteran collectors will upgrade your eye.
- Study bottle guides – Books and websites will improve your bottle IQ exponentially.
- Label your finds – Add tags with details on your bottles for easier future reference.
- Display bottles creatively – An engaging display attracts interest from other collectors.
Factors that lower old bottle value
Certain flaws and faults can significantly diminish what collectors will pay for vintage bottles. Watch out for:
- Chips, cracks, flea bites on glass – Any amount of damage hurts but small flaws reduce value less.
- Wear and scratches on labels – Peeling, faded labels are less desirable than immaculate ones.
- Rust, sediment or haze in bottle – Interior contamination is a big negative.
- Missing corks/stoppers/caps – Bottles are worth far more intact with closures.
- Unsure origin or dating – Provenance is key. Unknown histories lower appeal.
- Artificial coloring or damage repairs – Restorations or alterations should be disclosed.
How to care for and preserve an old bottle collection
To maintain and protect valuable antique bottles, be sure to:
- Wash bottles gently by hand using mild soap and water only when necessary.
- Never immerse paper labels in water. Carefully dab clean if needed.
- Store bottles in padded boxes and wrap in soft materials like bubble wrap or acid-free tissue.
- Cushion on bottom as well as between bottles to prevent knocking.
- Keep bottles out of direct sunlight which can fade colors and labels.
- Place on interior shelves, not window sills that magnify sun exposure.
- Control humidity with dehumidifiers to prevent mold growth.
- Maintain room temperatures between 60-75°F.
- Dust regularly using clean, soft cloth or brush.
Conclusion
With age and rarity the driving forces behind value, old bottles remain intriguing hidden gems to search for at antique shops, auctions, and estate sales. A rare 150-year-old bottle in pristine condition could be worth anywhere from $100 into the thousands based on market demand. But common bottles even from the early 1900s tend to sell for less than $50. The thrill of discovery and diverse array of shapes, colors, and embossed details give old bottle collecting enduring appeal.
