Historical information

Gin came in bottles sold at licensed premises either locally or in larger cities visited during shopping expeditions. The shape of bottles varied and were re cycled remaining the property of the manufacturer who paid for their return. Sealed with a cork. History of H & A Gilbeys Ltd.

Significance

Historical: Change of bottles - shape, glass, embossing. Collected by bottle collectors.
Aesthetic: Display showing embossing and shape.

Physical description

Clear glass bottle with a mottled pattern except on one side where there is a clear rectangle and above it the shape of an elongated heart. The other side is heavily embossed with manufacturer. The first 2 lines across the bottle printed in capital letters below which is the manufacturer written as a signature and Ltd underneath. The shape bulges from the base one third of the way up then tapers gently for the second third to a straight neck. The top third finishing at the lip before the opening. At the bottom there is a short taper to a smaller base. the opening is for a cork seal.

Inscriptions & markings

Side: 'This Bottle Always / Remains The Property of / J & A Gilbey / Ltd.'
Base: centre: '2'