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This website is a forum for antique bottle collectors, dealers, diggers,
traders and anybody with an interest in old bottles. While waiting for the
next local bottle show, I created this website, now the waiting is over.
I have been collecting bottles for over 20 years. When I started, I was 15
years old with only 20 bucks in my pocket, and could spend hours at a show.
Now I'm 35, with 20 bucks in pocket, spending hours online. My collection
has changed dramtically over the years, however, the thrill of collecting
will never change. The hobby has brought me great enjoyment through the
aquisitions, the education, but most importantly, the friends I have made
through the bottle community. I am thankful to have an interest in a hobby
that combines the beauty of a glassblower's art with Early American
historical significance. The fact that many specimens have proven to be a
fine investment is an added bonus.
Collect pieces you really enjoy. Attempting to collect a wide range of
bottles is nice, however, can be a bit overwhelming. Most collectors tend to
focus on a certain area of collecting (ex. flasks, bitters, inks, etc.).
Many of these areas are listed in the catagory section of this website.
Other collectors may concentrate on a certain region. For example, I collect
early colored New England bottles, flasks and glass. Furthermore, I have
concentrated primarily on the NH glasshouses. Although all bottle collectors
appreciate the beauty of glass in general, developing a specific collecting
area will help you fine tune your searches.
Many bottles have become increasingly more difficult to obtain in the past
years. There are some that we may not have the opportunity to ever see
again. My philosophy, which follows the philosophy of many other collectors,
is to buy the best that can, but within your budget. If your opportunity to
purchase desired pieces are limited, make sure to take full advantage when
the opportunity arises. Even rare pieces with damage are being added to
collections, for the sake of having one of the few known examples.
I will be adding more content to this site as we go, but in the meantime
feel free to browse the items within the show, and feel confident about your
purchase. The bottle you buy will be the topic of many conversations, a
piece of art that you will admire, a historical artifact that will keep you
searching for information, and maybe a heirloom to pass on to generations! |
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