Hi, Rick,
Here is the scoop! Bottle find in Northern California in a consignment shop. Bottle was obviously dug recently. There was still dirt in the neck which had not been cleaned out! The digger (unknown) consigned the lady's leg fifth and was described as a young man. I'm pretty sure he had no idea of the importance of the find, or it's value.
I have dug bottles for over 40 years and never ever as much as seen broken pieces of a Mills Bitters. I'm still pinching myself to have a nice find as this on my shelf! Hope this poor person, that gave away this mills, soon joins a bottle club and learns about western bitters. Wilsons' book places this bitters as made in 1874. The bottle shows very little staining and will remain as found.Further research indicates the most specimens being found are in Arizona and all are in need of professional cleaning. Only a few Mills Bitters have been dug in California.
Great find! I personally have not been lucky enough to find a good bottle at a consignment or antique store but its not over yet. There have been some great finds at those types of stores like the Old Man's Stomach Bitters and several other good ones.
ReplyDeleteKeep looking!
rs