Old Virginia Peach Brandy

Here is a very elusive and mysterious Gold Rush artifact which is very beautiful. I have only seen a couple of these and they seem to be found exclusively in the Sierra gold camps. I trust that there has been some research done on the rare bottle besides what little I have been able to find.
This large gallon size container closely resembles a demijohn, and has been seen with both tapered tops such as this example, and a tapered top with ring similar to a whiskey. They are always iron pontiled, and except for this specimen, typically come in a dark olive amber shade. This example is heavily whittled and came from the Oroville, California area.
Is there any advertising for this product? It appears to be 1850s to me, and any information regarding this brand, and exact location of the distributor would be appreciated.

Fish's Infallible Hair Restorative Ad

Ad from the November 15, 1858 Sacramento Daily Union. Interesting to know who sold it locally.

The Notorious Romargi Clan

Three years after gold was discovered in California, John and Jane Romargi, Italian gypsies from Florida, appeared in Goodyear’s Bar. They moved onto the top of the mountain, and kept what was known as “Floridian House”. Later they moved further on and built a house and barroom that took on the name of Nigger Tent, in a location that was previously settled by a black man who had set up a blacksmith shop under a tent.

John Romargi is described in an early newspaper as of “slim build, wizened face, and a most villainous countenance-a hardened criminal”. Jane Romargi was described as large and fleshy, showing her Italian gypsy blood. She was said to have had a smooth, oily manner, wheedling her customers. The two Romargis were alleged to have been genuinely wicked persons, extending their activities over three decades.

The couple had two children, a son, James, a daughter Jane. James was arrested twice for murder, but was not convicted.

Jane, the daughter, married a man name Hutchins. They had a son who was christened Algie D. Romargi. The daughter died early and Hutchins stayed on for a while, but there was constant quarreling. The story was told that he fired four shots into his mother-in-law and she carried the bullets in her body the rest of her life. She had attacked him with a knife. Later, Hutchins quietly disappeared-no one seemed to know where, or cared.

During these earlier years, everyone passing by was expected to stop and patronize their bar. Indeed they found it safer to do so. If Madam Romargi was not pleased with anyone, she would take a shot at him-a “gentle” reminder to do better by them.

Stage robberies and holdups became more frequent. Algie was old enough now to do his share in the business. The Romargi’ decided a barmaid would help increase business, so they hired a handsome young woman from Nevada City. She went by the name of “Spider Bite”. They did not conceal anything from this girl and she soon went on to Downieville, probably for her own safety.

Wells Fargo Express had charge of shipments of gold from the miners in the vicinity, and of the money sent in for the miners’ payroll. These were times when stage robberies were apt to occur. But time was running out for the Romargis. Wells Fargo and Co., the heaviest losers by holdups and robberies, sent their detective, Captain Charles Aull, to investigate.

After a stage robbery on the La Porte Road, Captain Aull learned an ex-convict, Jack Brown, alias O’Neill, had been stopping at the Romagis. Aull found, too, that “Spider Bite” was living in Downieville. She was reluctant to talk about the doings at the Romagis, but on being reassured of protection, she told what she knew. Now it was alleged to be clear that the crimes originated there, and that Algie Romargi was the main culprit.

Algie was arrested and tried in the Superior Court before Judge Howe in Downieville. “Spider Bite” was the chief witness for the prosecution and told an amazing story. Algie was convicted and sent to Folsom.

Eventually, John Romargi was found dead at 72 years old. Jane suffered acute blood poisoning from a wound on the back of her hand. She died at the age of 78 years. The notorious Romargi clan and Nigger tent came to an end.

Discarded by the Romargi's ?

A Sunny Winter Day

Sitting here on this sunny winter day and letting what's left of my mind wander, it landed on a few bottles I can't remember posting on this blog. Here's five desirable applied top western medicines. Hope you enjoy the picture.

From left to right: Pratt's Abolition Oil / For Abolishing Pain - Dr. J.J. McBride / King of Pain - Dr. Perry's Last Chance / Linemint - Dr. McBride / Worlds Relief - S.D. Baldwin Liniment /  Marysville Cal.

Dr. Wonser's in Aqua

Here is an example of the Dr. Wonser's U.S.A. Indian Root Bitters in aqua. I have always wondered why this bottle exists...is it indeed the first version of this bitters? I have compared the embossing to the "later" amber version and they are identical in every way. The base on the aqua specimens is also identical with the exception of the more pronounced dome or kick up which does not occur on the amber version.

Was the aqua earlier, and why such a short run? Why the switch to the amber version using the same mold, yet changing the color, base and top style? It has been theorized that aqua glass showed the unsightly contents, yet literally hundreds of bitters brands came in aqua bottles. There is even another mold which I believe is later still , as it has a "whiskey" type stepped base. These are extremely rare. I have not compared the embossing on this type.

I believe there are about 20 examples of the aqua Wonser's known both in collections, and likely in Government warehouses...it is interesting that a cache found in the 1990s doubled the number of known specimens. Similar to the Wormser Bros. barrels where a group of the bottles were found in one location. Also, for some reason, the examples located in Nevada over the years seem to be a deeper blue aqua and are more rich in color than the examples dug elsewhere.

The Wonser's Bitters continue to rise in popularity with collectors every year. it is not hard to see why...they are truly beautiful and have a great name, as well as the early age and variety of colors that appeal to Western as well as Eastern collectors of bitters bottles.

Dr. Wonser's

I know that there have been several postings on the Dr. Wonser's Indian Root Bitters, but they are just such gorgeous bottles with everything going for them. There are several of you who are experts at researching and providing detailed history of western brands, and I have learned so much over the years. I guess my role on the blog is to occasionally post a photo and a few lines of inconsequential nothingness. I will leave the additional information to those of you who have done the work...I do believe these date from 1871-1873 or 74.
This particular example is in a deeper red amber and has a ton of crudity and character. It was found over 60 years ago on the surface while a gentleman was out cutting down his Christmas tree. I have not dug as nice a bottle as this in over 40 years of actually trying! It is amazing how some of the greatest finds have occurred over the years. I have not had my wife walk around while I am digging and come back holding a California Clubhouse Bourbon that she found under a bush...an arrowhead once, but that was it. I think it would be interesting to hear of more finds by non collectors under unusual circumstances.

Caspar Landis' trade mark

Not much to it, but this is Landis' filing for Circassion Tonic.

Just Back From Anderson

Arrived home last night from the Anderson show after a weekend of selling and buying.
I sold several low end bottles and bought a couple of common western medicines.

I was impressed by the amount of collectors/dealers that were buying bottles and collectible items for resale.
What surprised me was the absence of a lot of the mainstay dealers and collectors at the show.
Although a lot of the regular dealers didn't make Anderson I did recognize dealers from southern California, Oregon, Washington and Nevada. All in all the building was full with all tables sold and the action was brisk on both Friday and Saturday.
The late Saturday afternoon Ted Siri "circle sale" had buyers scrambling to buy groups of bottles and collectibles at reduced prices. By the time the excitement has subsided Ted sold everything on his table!
The one major purchase I did see was a Dr Wonser's Square that went to a Nevada city bitters collector.

For a lot of the attendees the highlight of the weekend was the annual open house at the Schwartz home. Ken & Teenie are gracious hosts and their collection extends way beyond just bottles.


The Anderson crew did  a great job of organizing the show, the displays were very regional and well done and dinner was fantastic featuring BBQ tri tip, chili and homemade desserts.

Some of Ken's whiskies

Thanks to the Anderson Club for another enjoyable weekend

Some Day.....

At first I thought we had a broken Wonsers, then about ten minutes later I pulled out part of the embossing was was in shock.  Needless to say, the rest of the privy was dug with an immense adreneline rush. Can it get any more rare than this?  As far as I know there is one damaged example known, and two seperate reports of broken ones dug, one in Southern California, and one in the Valley.  Does anyone know what colors the other pieces were ?

Oregon & Washington Jamaica Gingers

Anybody know if there is any known Jamaica Ginger bottles out of Washington State or Oregon? I know there is some from Wyoming and Utah, Idaho maybe? Dr. Barnes

FOHBC RENO EXPO 2012

OK...spoke to Richard Siri and everything is progressing with the FOHBC RENO EXPO on 27 - 29 July 2012. Great bottles, dealers, friends, displays, seminars, banquet, events etc. THIS IS THE BIG ONE. Visit the FOHBC web site for table contracts, passes, banquet info, hotel info etc.

MAKE YOUR RESERVATIONS NOW and help Richard and Marty Hall out. Don't wait until the last minute. Let's make this the best National ever.

FOHBC Web Site: www.FOHBC.org

Show Information (Dealer contracts, hotel reservations, banquet reservations, seminars etc)

Western Bottle Show Circuit Heating Up

Here's a list of upcoming Western Bottle Shows -
Support your local show!
28 January 2012 (Sunday) Anderson, California Superior California Antique Bottle Club’s 36th Annual Show and Sale. (9:00 am to 4:00 pm) at the Shasta County Fair grounds, Anderson County. Info: Mel Hammer 530.241.4878 or Phil McDonald 530.243.6903

17 & 18 February 2012 (Friday & Saturday) Las Vegas, Nevada Las Vegas Antique Bottles & Collectibles Club 47th Annual Show and Sale at the Texas Station Gambling Hall and Hotel, 2101 Texas Star Lane, North Las Vegas, Nevada 89032, Friday 11:00 am – 4:00 pm, Saturday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm. Early buyers $15.00 for both days 7:00 am on Saturday for Early buyers. General Admission $5.00. Info: Mark O’Dell, M1t2odell@aol.com (Show Chairman), Tele: 702.395.7110 (home), 702.339.0392 (cell). Supported by Las Vegas Bottle Club, FOHBC Club

18 February 2012 (Saturday) Aurora, Oregon The Oregon Bottle Collectors Association 2012 Winter Antique Bottle & Collectible Show & Sale will be held at the American Legion Hall in Aurora, Oregon. Set-up & Early Birds begin Friday, February 17th. Dealer drop-off is at 12 noon. Set-up & Early Birds 1:00 pm – 6:00 pm. Dealer Set-up 8:00 am – 9:00 am on Saturday, February 18th. Regular public admission is 9:00 am – 3:00 pm Saturday February 18th. For more info and/or table reservations contact: Jim or Julie Dennis (541) 467-2760 or e-mail: jmdennis@hotmail.com

24 & 25 February 2012 (Friday & Saturday) Phoenix, Arizona The Phoenix Antiques Bottles & Collectibles Club, Joined by the AZ Antiques & Collectibles Club Antique Show, Friday 24 February 3:00 pm – 8:00 pm, Early Bird at 2:00 pm., Saturday, 25 February 9:00 am – 4:00 pm. Info: bettchem@cox.net, phoenixantiquesclub.org

09 & 10 March 2012 (Friday & Saturday) Chico, California 46th Annual Antique Bottle, Jar, Insulator & Collectibles Show and Sale, Friday and Saturday, Silver Dollar Fairgrounds – Chico, Friday 10:00 am -7:00 pm ($5.00 admission), Saturday 9:00 am – 4:00 pm (free admission) Contact: Randy Taylor, PO Box 1065, Chico, California 95927, tele: 530.518.7369, email: rtjarguy@aol.com

23 & 24 March 2012 (Friday & Saturday) Morro Bay, California The San Luis Obispo Bottle Society’s 44th Annual Show and Sale Friday 1:00 pm to 6: 00 pm and Saturday 9:00 am to 3:00 pm at the Morro Bay Veterans Hall, 209 Surf Street, Morro Bay, California. Free admission and no charge to early birds. Info: Richard Tartaglia 805.543.7484.

20 & 21 April 2012 (Friday & Saturday) Antioch, California 46th Annual Golden Gate Historical Bottle Society’s Antique, Bottle and Collectible Show, Contra Costa County Fairgrounds (Sunset Hall) in Antioch, California, 1201 West 10th Street, Antioch, California 94509, Friday, 20 April, Noon to 6:00 pm, Saturday, 21 April, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm, Early admission: Friday: Noon to 6:00 pm, Set up Friday – Noon to 6:00 pm, Cost of admission for show & early admission: $10.00 Friday – Free on Saturday, Golden Gate Historical Bottle Society (GGHBS), Contact: Gary or Darla Antone, President, and Show Chairperson, 752 Murdell Lane, Livermore, California 94550, Tele: 925.373.6758, E-mail:packrat49er@netscape.net, Club Name: Golden Gate Historical Bottle Society (GGHBS)

02 June 2012 (Saturday) San Diego, California San Diego 2012 Antique Bottle & Collectibles Show and Sale at the Al Bahr Shrine Temple, 5440 Kearny Mesa Road, San Diego, California 92111, Saturday, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, Early admission, 8:00 am, Set up 7:30 am. Early Bird Admission: $10.00, General Admission: $2.00, San Diego Antique Bottle and Collectibles Club, www.sdbottleclub.org, Contact: Jim Walker, Tele: 858.490.9019, E-mail: jfw@internetter.com

In Search Of...........

Evening Amigo's, I am looking for these Western California Drug Store Bottles in as Big of Sizes I can get. I have Trading Stock and or $$$$$ (Drachma's) Help the Olde Mole out.
1. Walter R. Hall, Colusa
2. C.L. Hall, Los Angeles
3. E.H. Hall, Los Angeles
4. Hall Drug Store, Los Angeles
5. Lincoln Hall, Los Angeles
6. G.P. Hall, Los Angeles
7. B.F. Hall, Modesto
8. John T. Hall, Oakland
9. J.T. Hall & Co., Oakland
10. B.F. Hall, Pala Alto
11. A.P. Hall, Placerville
12. Walter R. Hall, San Francisco
13. J.G. Hall, San Leandro
14. B.F. Hall, San Mateo
Check Your Boxes Please and Thanks Dr. Barnes ( Rick )

M. Keller Label

Here is what remains of a California Wine Bitters label. This broken wine type bottle was dug a few years ago, and provides some insight on this great bitters. It is apparent that Keller bottled the California Wine Bitters in plain bottles either prior to, or subsequent to the embossed version.

Notice how the embossed bottle mirrors the label almost exactly...the "chevron" insignia is also depicted in the same place on the label as on the embossed bottle.

This is a "chicken or the egg" question as to which came first. Any thoughts?

Plan on attending the Anderson show..... Something good is always turning up at Anderson!

Early Day Sacramento Druggists

The 1850s were a booming decade in Sacramento City. The young town was exploding in population and the Sierra mines were going great guns. Health issues were also a big problem, with illness caused by tainted drinking water rampant. The lack of hygiene also contributed to the situation and the need for drugs to combat illnesses was high. Fortunately this was also a time when several druggists and apothecaries came to the city. Many were somewhat of short duration, but others stayed for many decades. Names we as collectors are familiar with include Boyce, Doherty, Gates, Gogings, Klink, McDonald, Spieker, and others whose embossed bottles are found throughout the region.

Some of the druggists did not fill their prescriptions in embossed bottles, instead relying on more generic forms of glass, metal and paper containers. These lesser known, but every bit as important to those in need of their services, purveyors of medicinal goods were prolific advertisers, with their names in bold type face on every corner. Competition must have been high at the time, and stores were located on both sides of J and K Sts for 3 blocks. Here are a few the druggists who did not use embossed bottles at the time. Both Dunbar & Co and John P. Sharkey arrived in Sacramento in 1853, but the firm Of Dunbar and Co lasted only a year, Sharkey managed to hang on for 6 years. Klink and Martfeld didn't appear until 1860, but C.F. Klink & Co remained a Sacramento apothecary for 25 years. Dr. Martfeld, Klink's partner was a licensed physician who wrote and signed the prescriptions that were dispensed from their company.

Another Sacramento Medicine



J.J. Spieker Druggist N.W. cor. 6th & K STS. Sacramento

 Here's a scarce Sacramento druggist bottle.
J.J. Spieker in a light lime green with an applied top. Sitting next to it is a Kelly's Rheumatic Syrup in a western aqua color.
(I believe the Kelly's is also a Sacramento bottle?) - rs

More Bowman

Henry Bowman first appeared in Sacramento in 1852 and by the following year was established as Bowman and Burgess, at two locations, Nos 68 and 264 J Street. The next year Burgess was gone and Bowman compounded drugs at 105 J Street. Bowman moved to 73 J Street in 1855, and then again to 3rd and J in 1858. In 1862 he moved his drug store to 262 J Street, where he worked for the next 10 years.

Adjacent are two receipts of prescriptions from consecutive days filled and signed by Alex B. Nixon, a physician employed by Bowman. Also an ad for some of Bowman's products, including his Liniment, one of the products that his embossed bottles held.

Let's Not Forget BOWMAN!

H. Bowman Druggist 262 J Street Sacramento

A Few More Gates

Justin Gates - Oil of Gladness

Large & small OIL OF GLADNESS

Here's one of my favotite Justin Gate's bottles, the OIL OF GLADNESS. The Oil of Gladness is one of just a handful of western medicines that is embossed on all four panels. The front panel is embossed Oil Of Gladness with Justin Gates, Sacramento and Dr. Lepper's embossed on the other three.

This bottle comes in two sizes the common (sort of) five inch tall variant and the extremely rare five and one half inch tall bottle. Both varaiants have the applied top and come in shades of "western" aqua.

I am lucky enough to have both variants of the Dr. Lepper's Oil of Gladness from Sacramento's JUSTIN GATES
Happy New Year to all of our bottle collecting community - rs

Justin Gates

SACRAMENTO

Early Sacramento Druggists

Sacramento's first newspaper, the Placer Times, was published weekly from 28 April 1849 until 13 April 1850, and then tri weekly until 7 June 1850 when it ceased publication. Several early day "Drs" and "Druggists" placed ads offering their goods and services in that paper. The following are excerpts from various editions of the Placer Times.

We are gratified to announce that Drs. L.P. and S.S.Crane, formerly of New York, have established themselves in this city. They are gentlemen well skilled in the healing art, and have a choice assortment of medicines
We commend them from personal experience, having been cured of "diabolic diarrhea" in a few hours through their agency. (July 20, 1949)

DRUGS AND MEDICINES...DRS. L.P.and S.S. Crane are now opening their general assortment of Drugs, Medicines and Chemicals at their store, next door of this office, which they intend offering to the public cheaper than they can be purchased elsewhere in California. They are constantly receiving supplies per shipment from New York, so that they will be able to supply all demands.
All Medicines warranted pure and genuine.
Medicines for the mines carefully packaged--drugs and medicines taken on commissions.
The Drs. Crane will attend to any professional calls they may be favored with. Charges in all cases reasonable. (July 20, 1949)

DR CARPENTER, Sacramento City, corner of 2nd & K Streets, will be pleased to attend to all professional calls. A good stock of Medicine will be kept constantly on hand. (June 30, 1849)

NEW GOODS... The subscriber are now receiving and offering for sale upon the most reasonable terms on board this bark Whiton, and at their store, corner 3rd & J, the entire cargo of the Schooner Angelina.......Sickel's Bitters, Swaines Panacea, Bailey's Tonic Mixture for fever and ague.
R. GELSTON AND CO. (July 20, 1849)

TO DRUGGISTS AND OTHERS...The subscribers have just received on board Bark Whiton and at their store, corner 3rd & J Streets, a fresh importation of Drugs and Medicines, together with scales and weights, making a complete assortment for a Drug Store, which they will sell by the entire lot at a great bargain.
R. GELSTON AND CO. (August 11, 1849)

DRUGS AND MEDICINES...DRS L.P. & S.S. CRANE have constantly on hand at their store, next door to this printing office, a choice assortment of Drugs, Medicines and Chemicals, which they offer for sale at reasonable prices.
Professional calls promptly and faithfully attended to. (August 11, 1849)

JONES, PRETTYMAN, BARROL & CO (Dr W.G. Deal), commission, real estate and drugs.
(October 26, 1849)

DR. W.G DEAL...Office at D.W. Jones drug Store. K Street between 2nd and 3rd, nearly opposite the American Hotel. (December 29, 1849)

DR. MORRILL'S DRUG STORE, between 2nd & 3rd. (December 29, 1849)

It is likely safe to assume that these "Drs." and "Druggists" were of doubtful origin, and whose businesses were often very short lived. A small remuneration to the publisher of the Placer Times would ensure that their names were well represented in that earliest of printed media.

J. Gates cards and receipts

Here are few Justin Gates items from the 1850s and 60s. I even threw a Boyce one in for good measure. We all know J.R. Boyce for his embossed med, the Rowler's Rheumatism Medicine.

Justin Gates Ad-1855

This ad appeared in the 1855 Sacramento City Directory. Justin Gates, along with brothers D.V and James, was the proprietor of the Miner's Drug Store at 72 K and 218 J Sts in Sacramento. Justin remained in Sacramento and eventually changed the name of his drug store to "The Golden Mortar". In 1861 James went to San Francisco and clerked for Richard Hall of Hall and Langley. By 1866 James was in partnership with Hart Shepardson doing business as Shepardson and Gates at the corner of Sansome and Commercial. In 1869 he again went to work with his brother, Justin, at a branch store at 219 Montgomery St. Justin remained in Sacramento, commuting to SF when necessary, but left that office to James alone by 1874. Back in the Capital Justin operated his Golden Mortar at the corner of 6th and J Sts until 1879. By 1880 his business was sold to Charles Bell and Fred Kolliker and he left Sacramento for good, returning to SF where he opened another wholesale and retail drug store and Russian and Turkish Baths at 722 Montgomery St. He ran this business until his death in 1888. For a few years after the address of 722 Montgomery was listed as the Estate of Justin Gates.