Antique 19th-Century Dutch Case Gin Bottle – Dark Olive Glass with Base “X” Mark
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This fine example of a 19th-century Dutch case gin bottle captures the rugged character and international trade history of Europe’s spirits industry. Hand-blown into a square mold and finished with a tooled lip, the bottle is crafted in deep olive-black glass, a colour prized for its ability to protect contents from sunlight during long voyages.
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🔎 Features
Date: Circa 1840–1900
Material: Hand-blown glass
Colour: Dark olive/black
Shape: Classic case gin form – square tapering body with rounded shoulders, short cylindrical neck, and wide mouth for cork sealing
Base Mark: Impressed “X”, a typical utilitarian batch or mold mark found on export bottles
Size: 25cm height X 5-7cm wide
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📜 Historical Significance
The square-sided “case gin” bottle was designed to fit neatly into wooden crates for efficient shipping across the world. Originating primarily in the Netherlands, but also produced in England, Belgium, and Germany, these bottles carried jenever (Dutch gin), schnapps, and other spirits to taverns, inns, and colonial ports from Europe to Asia and the Americas.
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The mouth-blown construction and crude finishing around the lip confirm this piece predates the rise of fully automated glassmaking machines in the early 20th century. Its solid glass and utilitarian finish reflect the practical purpose it served in international trade.
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💡 Collector Appeal
Highly collectible among antique bottle enthusiasts
Represents the maritime and export history of spirits
Decorative appeal for vintage bars, man caves, or historical displays
A robust survivor of 19th-century trade and tavern culture
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💷 Value
Similar bottles are found in specialist antique and bottle auctions in the high price range, with rarer colours and embossed examples commanding even more. This example, with its strong dark tone and distinctive “X” base mark, is a fine addition to any collection.
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A genuine piece of 19th-century spirits history – this antique case gin bottle is both a decorative object and a tangible link to the golden age of European trade and tavern life.
