help identifying large, old handblown green wine jug
-
I'd appreciate any help in identifying the old wine jug in this photo. I bought it recently, but know nothing of its age or history. It is clearly handblown: some bubbles, lots of wavy irregularities, thin glass, 4-part mold, neck lacks mold lines and has applied thick lip, rough pontil on concave base, doesn't sit quite flat and neck is slightly asymmetrical. It is about 14"W x 14"H x 10"D with a 6"H neck--roughly 5gal volume. A large embossed seal is pressed into the front side, with label '1987' having a particularly large 9. There are a few cracks, one of which is visible in the photo.
Any insights are welcome--thanks!
DSC_0336.JPG650 x 431 - 24K
Login to view larger photo -
Large bottles like this are called demijohns, or, less frequently, carboys. They were used for transporting bulk wine, other liquids, chemicals, etc.
I have owned several such as the one you have - I think most people associated these marked examples with European manufacture. Presumably they are later 19th century, but I have seen some that I sometimes wonder if they are early 20th century.
The cracks do hurt the value considerably. -
Thanks, Historic! Now I can't resist asking--roughly how much is one of these worth, with and without cracks? And how would you differentiate between 19th and 20th century origins?
Thanks for the information! -
Prices for demijohns can be all over the map in recent years. I would say one like this in perfect condition would bring around $100-150. I sold one last year that was similar for about $75, but I have been wanting to clear things out. That was a priced-to-move price.
For bottle collectors, the damage really hurts the value....by at least 50% You might, however, find a willing buyer at a higher price who wants it just for the decorative value.
Welcome
It looks like you're new here. If you want to get involved, click one of these buttons!