help identifying large, old handblown green wine jug

fishman

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!

historic

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.

fishman

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!

historic

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.