Antique Amber Glass Pocket Flask Oval Whiskey Spirits Bottle Cork Stopper 1890s For Sale

This item is an antique late 19th to early 20th-century mold-blown amber glass pocket flask (commonly referred to as a \"Union Oval\" or \"Shoo-Fly / Pocket Spirits Flask\"). The vessel features a classic flattened oval/flattened teardrop form designed to fit comfortably into a vest or coat pocket. It exhibits a tooled sheared-lip finish fitted with a vintage fitted cork stopper.

• Form & Color: Oval flattened pocket flask form rendered in a rich, warm honey amber glass with natural color gradient variations.

• Manufacturing Characteristics: Two-part vertical mold seams running up both sides (fading near the base of the neck), indicating a turn-of-the-century mold-blown manufacturing technique. The glass contains characteristic period inclusions, seed bubbles, and surface whittle/wave texture.

• Dimensions & Weight: Measures approximately 4.75\" H x 4\" W; weight is 277 grams.

Detailed Specifications & Attributes

• Origin: United States

• Age: Circa 1880–1910

• Material: Mold-Blown Glass, Natural Cork

• Color: Medium Honey Amber

• Condition: Excellent antique condition. Free of cracks, chips, or major glass bruising. Features period-appropriate shelf wear and light scratching to the flat resting base. Includes an intact fitted cork stopper.

Authenticity Assessment

The physical construction markers align with authentic late 19th- to early 20th-century American container glass production:

• Mold Marks: Continuous two-part vertical mold side seams that become faint or wipe out near the neck finish, characteristic of hand-tooled neck application prior to fully automated machine production (e.g., Owens automatic bottle machine post-1905).

• Glass Composition: Abundant microscopic air bubbles (\"seed bubbles\") and surface whittling/waving caused by hot glass contacting cooler metal mold walls.

• Base & Surface Wear: Natural micro-abrasion wear on the flat bottom oval ring consistent with decades of surface contact, rather than artificial chemical distressing or acid etching.

Reference

• Book Title: American Bottles and Flasks and Their Imagery

• Author: Helen McKearin and Kenneth M. Wilson

• Reference Page / Section: Page 424 (Section on Unfigured & Plain Union Oval Spirits Flasks / Late 19th Century Pocket Flasks)

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Item Description and Condition Disclaimer

We take great care in researching, identifying, and describing each antique item to the best of our ability, drawing on available resources and hands-on examination. However, as dedicated enthusiasts rather than professional appraisers or certified experts, we cannot offer guarantees on authenticity, age, origin, or precise valuation. We strongly recommend that buyers perform their own due diligence, including consulting reference materials or experts, and thoroughly examine the accompanying photographs. These images are an essential component of our listing and depict the item\'s actual condition, including any visible flaws, wear, or imperfections consistent with its antique nature. It is the buyer\'s responsibility to inspect each lot and form their own assessment on condition, description and authenticity before purchasing. All items have signs of wear commensurate with age and usage. The lack of statement regarding condition does not imply that the item is in perfect condition or free from any and all defects. If you have any questions regarding the condition of the items, please ask and we will be more than happy to answer and/or provide additional photos as requested.

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