Historical information

This bottle came from the Warrnambool aerated waters manufacturer, John Fletcher. This factory was commenced in the mid 19th century by John Davis. As a young boy John Fletcher worked in the cordial factory of John Rowley in Banyan Street, Warrnambool and then worked for John Davis at his Union Cordial Factory for many years. In 1885 he succeeded John Davis in this business. Fletcher’s business continued until1930 when it was bought by another soft drinks manufacturer, Ralph Reeves. John Fletcher manufactured aerated waters, soda, tonic water, lemonade, ginger ale, hop beer, hop bitters, sarsaparilla and cordials.

Significance

This bottle is of interest because it is a John Fletcher bottle and he was a prominent soft drinks manufacturer in Warrnambool for over 40 years.

Physical description

This is a clear glass bottle. It has a round base and a rounded body tapering in the neck to a round moulded open top. The stopper or seal is missing. The bottle has embedded lettering with details of the manufacturer of the contents.

Inscriptions & markings

‘John Fletcher Trade Mark (crown symbol) Warrnambool’
‘This bottle is the property of John Fletcher Warrnambool & cannot be legally used by others’