Light Purple Bottle

geofrac

Found this:

It looks like a ketchup bottle, but is light purple. Also is cut on the exterior. It has a polished pontil mark. The lip looks formed and on the inside it's frosted - as if the stopper was glass.

How old is this bottle?
What was it used for?

Thanks,
Greg

historic

This falls into the category of "back bar bottle" as many collectors would describe it. As you point out, the bottle has copper wheel cutting and was fitted for a stopper. This is no cheap disposable item; it was meant for regular use. It may have been used in a bar but also just used as a decanter in a house where the regular pedestrian bottle from the local store simply would not do. It could have been used for whiskey or other spirits, cognac, you name it.

The glass has manganese in it which has turned purple from exposure to ultraviolet light.

geofrac

Wow - thanks,
Could you estimate the age based on the color it has changed?