Collection of Iridescent antique Ginger Ale bottles by Bonnett & Banks of South End Essex
Southend, like many seaside towns, had small local aerated-water / bottling works (producers of mineral waters, lemonades and ginger beer) rather than a single big ginger-ale factory, these mineral water bottles initially made by Kellys of London often date the bottles to the late-1800s / early-1900s).
Old glass bottles often develop a beautiful rainbow-like shimmer called iridescence, which forms naturally over decades. This happens because moisture in the soil or air slowly reacts with the alkali (sodium or potassium) in the glass, leaching it from the surface. As this occurs, microscopic layers of slightly different composition form on the glass, and when light hits them, it reflects and refracts to produce the iridescent effect. Factors such as the type of glass, the acidity and moisture of the burial environment, and the passage of time all influence how pronounced the iridescence becomes. Unlike decorative glass intentionally treated to appear iridescent, the effect on old bottles is usually patchy and fragile, making it highly prized by collectors who handle such pieces carefully to preserve the delicate surface.
Brilliant vintage condition, these bottle are free from chips, cracks or repairs
large height 26 x width 8 cm
Medium height 24 x width 7 cm
small height 17 x width 6 cm
All items are sensitively and minimally cleaned
Any questions please don't hesitate to drop me a message. I am very happy to pass on any additional information, or images you may need, if you are interested in more than one item I can arrange a combined postage price.
All items will be packaged using recycled or reused materials to help minimise any environmental impact.
Please be aware that you are purchasing a vintage item. We mention any obvious defects to the glass such as chips, cracks, etc. in our description but there may also be minor manufacturing faults eg. marks from the mould, straw marks and air bubbles, which is normal for glass of this era.
Just a quick note to all our American customers, we are up to speed on all the new import tariff changes, please feel confident with continuing to order from us, with Royal Mail any excess tariff charges are paid at point of purchase, this insures our customers have no nasty customs costs, we are here to answering any questions you may have, thank you, Kirsty
Southend, like many seaside towns, had small local aerated-water / bottling works (producers of mineral waters, lemonades and ginger beer) rather than a single big ginger-ale factory, these mineral water bottles initially made by Kellys of London often date the bottles to the late-1800s / early-1900s).
Old glass bottles often develop a beautiful rainbow-like shimmer called iridescence, which forms naturally over decades. This happens because moisture in the soil or air slowly reacts with the alkali (sodium or potassium) in the glass, leaching it from the surface. As this occurs, microscopic layers of slightly different composition form on the glass, and when light hits them, it reflects and refracts to produce the iridescent effect. Factors such as the type of glass, the acidity and moisture of the burial environment, and the passage of time all influence how pronounced the iridescence becomes. Unlike decorative glass intentionally treated to appear iridescent, the effect on old bottles is usually patchy and fragile, making it highly prized by collectors who handle such pieces carefully to preserve the delicate surface.
Brilliant vintage condition, these bottle are free from chips, cracks or repairs
large height 26 x width 8 cm
Medium height 24 x width 7 cm
small height 17 x width 6 cm
All items are sensitively and minimally cleaned
Any questions please don't hesitate to drop me a message. I am very happy to pass on any additional information, or images you may need, if you are interested in more than one item I can arrange a combined postage price.
All items will be packaged using recycled or reused materials to help minimise any environmental impact.
Please be aware that you are purchasing a vintage item. We mention any obvious defects to the glass such as chips, cracks, etc. in our description but there may also be minor manufacturing faults eg. marks from the mould, straw marks and air bubbles, which is normal for glass of this era.
Just a quick note to all our American customers, we are up to speed on all the new import tariff changes, please feel confident with continuing to order from us, with Royal Mail any excess tariff charges are paid at point of purchase, this insures our customers have no nasty customs costs, we are here to answering any questions you may have, thank you, Kirsty