Heard it through the Grapevine

Club Fulfills its Maine Goal

Although this is the inaugural 2020 show, the Mid-Maine Antique Bottle Club (MMABC) was founded back in 2014. We’ve gone from an idea born at a flea market to a super group of seasoned collectors from around the state. We were determined to have a functioning club with a Maine-based bottle show, something we felt the state and its great collectors have been missing for too many years.

We’re excited because we developed our entire club from that one simple idea. Now, we’re looking forward to seeing and welcoming all our bottle collecting friends to our show on Nov. 1st!

Paul McClure MMABC Show Chairman

Cashing in on Salvador Dalí

As everyone knows, Salvador Domingo Felipe Jacinto Dalí i Domènech, Marquis of Dalí de Púbol, (1904-1989), aka Salvador Dalí, was a Spanish surrealist artist. To many, he was a master, best known for the striking and bizarre images in his work. He was highly imaginative, and indulged in unusual and grandiose behavior.

And, he was and is worth money.

As reported in a recent issue of Kovels Komments, “this is the stuff of dreams: You are browsing through a thrift shop, searching for bargains and you inadvertently hit the mother lode — art by a world-famous artist whose works are bought and sold for thousands, if not millions.”

“That’s what happened recently when a shopper at a thrift store in Kitty Hawk, N.C., found a piece by the internationally famous Spanish surrealist painter Salvador Dalí. Shopper Wendy Hawkins saw an otherwise ignored piece of art buried with a bunch of other paintings sitting on the floor. It was a 1950s woodcut print by Dalí (partially shown above) that was part of a series of 100 illustrations depicting Dante’s ‘Divine Comedy’ called ‘Purgatory Canto 32.’ It shows a woman in blue standing next to a man in red.”

“Dalí created a series of 100 watercolor paintings — one for each chapter of Dante’s book — that were reproduced as wood engravings. Each of those required about 35 separate blocks to complete the image. Secondhand art was usually priced between $10 and $50 at the thrift store. The authenticated woodcut sold for $1,200.”

I think the Dalai Lama probably is a better painter, but Salvador Dalí makes for better jokes:

What does Salvador Dalí eat for breakfast? Usually just a bowl of surreal.

I met a girl from El Salvador. I told her she was El SalvAdorable … But she said she’s heard that a Brazilian times.

What do you call Salvador Dalí after multiple homicide? A surreal killer.

A Bottle Dryer? Cool (or not?)

As a new collector, are you a little wet behind the ears? Are your bottles wet?

If so, you might consider Lot 1674, a “Bottle Dryer” estimated value at “AUD $400-600 — that’s in Australian money! (In U.S., that’s … oh, who cares?)

The item below was offered Feb. 28 by Lawsons, located in Sydney, Australia. Shipping was estimated at … oh, forget it. You’d be crazy to buy this.

Heard it through the Grapevine

Augusta on Glass - Updated 2nd Edition

Bottle collecting spans a variety of categories: bitters, whiskeys, beers, sodas, medicines, etc. Most collectors have an affinity for their local bottles. Those attending last year’s National Bottle Show were fortunate to view the Bill and Bea Baab collection of Augusta bottles, now beautifully displayed in the Augusta Museum. Bill and his wife Bea spent decades assembling the collection and researching the history behind the bottles.

Bill put his research into a beautifully illustrated full-color book in 2007 titled Augusta on Glass. Following an entertaining introduction, Bill details the history of Augusta through its bottles. First up is the story of the Augusta Brewing Company, including the social and political factors affecting breweries locally and across the country. Bill interweaves personal stories of the key characters allowing the reader to get to know them.

The biggest character in Augusta bottle history was probably Ed Sheehan, who is covered in detail in the soda section. Sheehan’s 60-year career began in the 1860s as manager of the Augusta operation of Savannah, Georgia bottler John Ryan. Pictured are interior and exterior views of Sheehan’s bottling plant, his saloon, and the soda and beer bottles used over decades.

Sheehan’s chief rival, Clinton Bottling Works, and others including Coca-Cola and Royal Crown, are well covered and their bottles pictured. Another section details the local mineral water business and their bottles and dispensers.

Augusta’s patent medicine history includes the famous River Swamp Chill and Fever Cure and Frog Pond Chill & Fever Cure along with many others. A fascinating chapter tells the story of Dr. W. H. Tutt and his medicines, which included his Sarsaparilla & Queens Delight and Tutt’s Golden Eagle Bitters.

Bill’s book closes with a history of the local jug whiskey trade and the potteries that made the jugs. An appendix includes a checklist and rarity scale of Augusta bottles and pottery.

Augusta on Glass is once again available on Amazon in an updated second edition for $40, with free shipping to Amazon Prime members. Search for Amazon.com/books: “Augusta on Glass.”

Late Delivery of Magazines

Unfortunately, some readers are experiencing late delivery of their magazines. Both the August as well as September issues were delivered to the post office on schedule. Both periodical as well as first class mail appear to be impacted.

We appreciate your patience. We have been in communication with the post office and are working with them to try and mitigate the delivery issues. — John Pastor