LETTERS
to the Editor
Macy’s Bay Rum Bottle Hi, John, Some years back I saw a circa 1890s to early 1900s embossed “MACY’S BAY RUM” bottle in emerald green, but was not able to purchase it. I was left wondering what the long-gone backside label may have read. I recently acquired this mint condition, fully labeled, Macy’s Bay Rum bottle in emerald green. It measures 7.5/8” tall, or 8.5/8” tall to tip of sprinkle stopper. Though not of the glassembossed type, and a bit later than the aforementioned, it is a scarce gem, and a neat window to a past product.
PHOTO 1 PHOTO 2
The metallic stopper is fitted in the center of a cork secured in bottle’s neck. The metallic sprinkler is easily removed from the time-weathered cork, with the bottom of the stopper being embossed: “I. M MFG. Co” (Note: The final letter of ‘o’, which is not capitalized, has a dash or short line just below.) Beginning with Photo 1, the small label wrapping bottle’s neck reads: THIS IS A SPRINKLER TOP. Remove stopper with a twisting motion, then use as a sprinkler. Photo 2 shows the bottle with full label. Note, top of label reads, in red: FOR EXTERNAL USE ONLY. Photo 3 shows the base, which is embossed: M. B. W. / U.S.A. Note: I’m assuming the first set of initials stands for MILLVILLE BOTTLING WORKS. Photo 4 highlights the handwritten refilled date of 5-16-28, at bottom right of the label. Just imagine bringing a cosmetics or perfume bottle to Macy’s today and asking them to refill it! Happy hunting to all. Dan Desmarais Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey
2
Antique Bottle & Glass Collector
PHOTO 3 PHOTO 4
