Ben’s bottles

For more than 30 years, Ben Payton from Fore Street has been persuing a hobby that is probably quite unusual. He likes to dig through Victorian-era rubbish tips in search of glass or ceramic bottles, jars and other collectables.

Over the years, Ben has dug up some fantastic items, including a number that relate specifically to Probus. Items found include Queen Victoria clay pipes, toothpaste and ointment jars from Truro, inkpots and clay beer jars still clearly stamped with the names of the wine merchants and in some cases even the individual owners’ names. Each item found has a story to tell. It’s a truly fascinating collection.

From William H Bucher, Truro

Beer flagons and bottles - all from Probus

Ben is keen to talk to anyone who may have information regarding the Probus bottles. Particularly Williams the Wine and Spirit Merchants. Does anybody know anything about the Williams family or where their premises were? Please email: benjamin@bearsgrease.plus.com or contact the Editor, Probus News Magazine editorprobusnews@gmail.com.

Queen Victoria clay pipe

Spirit bottle perhaps

Toothpaste, ointment jars, medicine bottles and beer bottles

Beer flagon

Beer flagon

Inkpots