Antique Idris Codd Marble Bottle Dark Green Glass Royal Warrant c.1910

The original glass marble is still present, That makes it a much more interesting Codd-type aerated-water bottle and adds a little to its value.

26 cm tall

7 cm round at base

Displayed with other bottles illustration only for sale separately

Antique Idris Codd Marble Bottle with Royal Warrant Crest c.1900–1920

A superb antique Idris & Co marble-stoppered aerated-water bottle, dating, we believe, from the early decades of the 20th century.

Made from wonderfully deep olive-green glass, appearing almost black in ordinary light, the bottle is boldly embossed IDRIS vertically along one side. The reverse carries an impressive Royal Coat of Arms together with appointment wording, reflecting Idris & Co’s association with the Royal Household.

Most importantly, the bottle still retains its internal glass marble. This ingenious closure is commonly known as the Codd system, after Hiram Codd, who patented his marble-stopper bottle design in 1872. Carbonation pressure forced the marble against a sealing washer inside the neck, keeping the contents securely sealed without a conventional cork.

The rich colour, substantial collar-shaped neck, strongly moulded lettering and elaborate royal crest give this example tremendous decorative appeal. It would make a fabulous addition to a collection of antique bottles, breweriana, advertising or British social-history pieces.

Maker’s history

Idris was established by Welsh-born chemist Thomas Howell Williams, who began selling soft drinks under the Idris name from his London chemist’s shop. The brand took its name from the Welsh mountain Cadair Idris.

In 1875, Williams founded Idris & Co at Pratt Street in Camden Town, producing lemonade, ginger ale and soda water. The company grew into one of England’s largest soft-drinks businesses and held Royal Warrants during the reigns of Queen Victoria, Edward VII and George V.

Condition

Good antique condition with surface scratches, scuffs, marks and manufacturing irregularities consistent with considerable age and commercial use.

The embossed decoration remains strong and attractive, and the internal glass marble is still present. Any original rubber sealing washer has naturally perished or is no longer evident.

Please study all photographs carefully, as these form an important part of the description. Sold empty as a decorative and collectable antique bottle and not for modern food or drink use.