Since the 1970s, the popularity of collecting antique bottles has been growing at a very rapid rate. The resurgence of antique bottle collecting is due to numerous factors – however, a major contributing factor is the increasing popularity of online auctions.
What’s more, antique bottles stand on their own as attractive handmade objects, and on the oldest pieces – especially those made before 1900 – no two pieces are alike. Bottle collecting, however, is not always easy – it tends to be complicated to people who do not understand the value of different antique bottles.
The most valuable antique bottle was sold in 2011 at an auction for $250,000. The second most valuable antique bottle was sold on April 14, 2019, for $108,000.
Yet another extremely valuable antique bottle was sold on November 21, 2019, at $84,000. Collectors interested in more affordable yet valuable antique bottles often spend between $1,000 and $15,000.
In this detailed guide, we will take a deeper look at the most valuable antique bottles. What’s more, we will help you understand the price for each of these bottles.
Table of Contents
The 10 Most Rare and Valuable Antique Bottles
No. |
Bottle |
Year Made |
Cost |
1. |
Coca-Cola Original Prototype Bottle |
1915 |
$250,000 |
2. |
Coca-Cola Modified Prototype Bottle |
1915 |
$108,000 |
3. |
Coca-Cola Oversized Display Bottle |
1920 |
84,000 |
4. |
Coca-Cola Christmas Bottle |
1920 |
$10,000 to $25,000 |
5. |
California Grapine Syrup Bottle |
The 1910s |
$12,650 |
6. |
Mobiloil A Oil Bottles Rack |
1911 |
$7,130 |
7. |
Cosmopoliet J.J Melchers Bottle |
The 1870s |
$5,338 |
8. |
Giant Owl Drug Bottle |
The early 1900s |
$4,999 |
9. |
Allens Red Tame Bottle |
The 1890s |
$4,600 |
10. |
New York Hop Bitters Bottle |
The 1870s |
$3,914 |
1. Coca-Cola Original Prototype Bottle $250,000
This prototype antique bottle was produced by Earl Dean in 1915. It was designed when Coca-Cola’s cofounder, Benjamin Thomas, suggested that the company needed a bottle that could help the company distinguish itself from competitors.
The Coca-Cola Original Prototype Bottle was selected from a group of 8 bottles from different manufacturers. However, the bottle did not make it to mass production because its bottom diameter was smaller than the middle diameter.
This original prototype bottle was sold in 2011 at an auction. The final price for the bottle was $250,000.
2. Coca-Cola Modified Prototype Bottle $108,000
This Coca-Cola Modified Prototype Bottle surfaced in 2019 while still intact. The antique bottle was created when Coca-Cola requested modifications to the first bottle produced by Earl Dean in 1915.
Unlike the first bottle, the modified prototype had a midsection that was just as wide as its base. Today, this Coca-Cola Modified Prototype Bottle is the only known test bottle still in existence.
In 2019, the antique bottle was listed on Morphy Auctions and was purchased at $108,000.
3. Coca-Cola Oversized Display Bottle $84,000
Produced by Metropolitan Art Glass Company, the Coca-Cola Oversized Display Bottle features a wonderful presence. Despite having been around for over 100 years, the antique bottle still has its original cap on top and all its original glass.
The bottle is still in working order although it does have a couple of cracked panels. The rare antique bottle was listed at an auction held in November 2019. The bottle’s final price was $84,000.
4. Coca-Cola Christmas Bottle $10,000 – $25,000
Discovered in 2019 during sorting, the Coca-Cola Christmas Bottle is a unique specimen that has never been used before. Dating back to between the 1920s and the 1930s, the bottle was submitted for approval by the Coca-Cola company as part of handy-hold designs requested by the company’s leadership.
The bottle features a prominently visible and embossed horizontal band on its central part. This feature made the antique bottle extremely easy to hold.
By the time it was sold on April 14, 2019, the bottle was still in pristine, mint condition. Although the auction did not note down the exact final price for the antique bottle, it was noted to range between $10,000 and $25,000.
5. California Grapine Syrup Bottle $12,650
Produced in the 1910s, this California Grapine Syrup Bottle has been around for more than a century. Advertised as extremely rare, the antique bottle still carries its original, hand-applied lip and label.
According to the seller, the antique bottle is still in excellent condition and does not show any signs of wear and tear. Sold by the WM Morford Antiques on 16th May 2015, the antique bottle attracted a final price of $12,650.
6. Mobilol A Oil Bottles Rack $7,130
Designed for Mobiloil A Motor Oil, this incredible bottle rack dates back to 1911. The early service station display rack still has its eight original embossed Gargoyle bottles and the original shipping box.
The heavy-gauge wire rack boasts its original tin litho panel signs. According to the seller, the antique bottles in the rack have never been used – they are in excellent condition and still have their original caps intact.
The antique Mobiloil A Oil Bottles were sold on October 17th, 2015. The rack of 8 antique bottles attracted a total price of $7,130.
7. Cosmopoliet J.J Melchers Bottle $5,382.75
Manufactured in the 1870s, the Cosmopoliet J.J Melchers Bottle is one of the oldest antique bottles we have on this list. The rare gin Schiedam bottle is large, standing at 266 mm in height, and features a crude applied lip with numerous drip points.
On its side, the antique bottle has nice detailing and a chunky trademark. The golden olive glass features an image of a man holding a bottle and a walking stick.
Currently listed on eBay, the Cosmopoliet J.J Melchers Bottle is still in pristine condition. The antique bottle has a price tag of $5,377.13 attached to it.
8. Giant Owl Drug Bottle $4,999.99
Produced in the early 1900s, this 9.25-inch antique bottle features a deep cobalt blue color. Utilized as a salt bottle in its early days, the antique bottle is embossed with the grandpappy owl on its side. The bottle also features TODCo / TRADEMARK on its side indicating that it was produced by The Owl Drug Company.
According to the seller, the Giant Owl Drug Bottle is hand-blown and features a tooled top. The bottle is still in perfect condition. Currently listed on eBay, the bottle has a price tag of $4,999 attached to it.
9. Allens Red Tame Bottle
Produced in the 1890s, this rare antique bottle has been around for about 130+ years. The extremely rare bottle features its original label and also has its original cap.
At the time of sale, the bottle was still in excellent condition, with no cracks or other signs of degradation. The antique Allens Red Tame Bottle went on sale on June 6th, 2016 at the WM Morford Antiques. The buyer paid $4,600 for the bottle.
10. New York Hop Bitters Bottle $3,947.35
Dating back to the 1870s, the New York Hop Bitters Bottle features a large and wide body, carries a chunky flag, and has an exceptionally rare design. According to the seller, this antique bottle has a height of 254 mm, a shoulder width of 74 mm, and a neck length of 55 mm.
Apart from a flat impact chip that is located on its back, the antique bottle does not have any other signs of wear. The bottle has a nice teal blue color. Currently listed on eBay, the antique bottle is selling at $3,843.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Where Can I Sell Antique Bottles?
When it comes to selling antique bottles, numerous options exist – these include:
Local Antique Shops
Nowadays, antique shops exist in almost every community. Antique shops are a great option if your goal is to sell your antique bottles with a hands-off approach.
When selling antique bottles to antique shops, it is worth noting that getting the exact value for your antique bottle may be impossible. In most cases, antique shops pay less than 50% of the antique bottle’s value – the goal in doing this is so that they can have a profit margin.
Flea Markets
Flea markets allow you to reach a large audience. What’s more, they allow you to avoid paying commissions. The online tool Fleamapket.com allows sellers to find flea markets closest to their current location.
Depending on the market, the only thing you will need to pay for is a table to hold your antique bottles. On a good day, popular flea markets are known to attract thousands of antique buyers. Antique markets, however, are best for low to mid-priced antique bottles.
Craigslist
Craigslist is an online platform that allows its users to sell their antiques to a local customer base. While listings are 100% free, sellers are required to do all the work – this includes taking pictures of your antique bottles, marketing your bottles, and handling all interactions with potential customers.
Craigslist does not make it possible for customers to find your antique bottles while browsing the site. To find your products, they have to search for you.
Antiques Mall
If you have a lot of antique bottles to sell, an antique mall may be an ideal solution. Taking a booth at the antique mall will, however, require time and energy. What’s more, you will have to pay for the booth upfront.
Antique malls offer great results when utilized as a long-term investment. They are ideal for people with a lot of stock they would like to move.
Facebook Marketplace
Similar to Craigslist, the Facebook Marketplace allows you to reach a local audience. While Facebook does allow you to create listings for free and add up to ten photos showcasing your antique bottle details, you will have to pay for the checkout option.
Auctions
An in-house auction involves consigning antique bottles to sales and then allowing bidders to purchase the antique bottles, then and there.
Auctions come in various styles, ranging from local auction houses to formal, high-value rooms. You can always contact an auction house to determine if they may be interested in your antique bottles.
Estate or Tag Sales
It is not uncommon for people to end up with numerous antique bottles in their houses. If you have to clear everything out, an estate or tag sale may be an ideal solution.
For this method, professionals come in, organize and price your items. They then advertise and handle the 1- or 2-day sale.
Online Marketplaces
You can sell your antique bottles on various platforms online – these include:
How Much Are Antique Bottles Worth?
The most valuable antique bottles have been sold for over $200,000. However, you can still find antique bottles that are worth under $100. Some of the factors that influence the cost of antique bottles include:
- Demand and supply
- Age of the bottle
- Rarity
- Condition of the bottle
- Color and aesthetic appeal
- Historic significance
How Can I Find Antique Bottles?
Antique bottles are often found in areas associated with finding old glass. These areas may include:
- Old privies or outhouses
- Construction sites
- Trash dumps
- Waterfront areas
Finding antique bottles in these areas generally involves some digging and searching. If, however, you do have some money to spend on antique bottles, visiting antique malls, searching online marketplaces, and visiting flea markets should give you access to antique bottles.
How Can I Identify Antique Bottles?
The easiest way to identify antique bottles is to find their markings. The best areas to find these markings include the side of the bottle and the bottom.
Below, we will look at some of the most common antique glass markings:
Embossed marks– These marks appear on the sides of antique bottles and often indicate the name of the product and the manufacturer.
Maker’s marks– These generally appear at the bottom of the bottle. They often appear in the form of names, symbols, letters, or numbers.
Pontil marks– These are circular shapes often present at the bottom of the antique bottle. These marks indicate that the bottle was manufactured using free-blown glass.
Mold lines– Machine marks and mold lines appear on numerous antique bottles that were produced in the late 19th century and the early 20th The mold lines often resemble small circles or narrow lines and may appear at the base of the bottle.
Conclusion
One thing that is common among all bottle collectors is that they are always looking for the most valuable antique bottles. Compared to common antique bottles, rare antique bottles are generally more expensive. This detailed guide takes you through the costliest antique bottles.
We have also answered some of the most commonly asked questions related to collecting antique bottles. If you feel like you need more information on collecting antique bottles, do not hesitate to let us know in the comment section.
