There is some great dialog and pictures being posted on the bottle and glass facebook sites regarding early American demijohns. We have corralled a few for your perusal.
Read more: “Loaf of Bread” Demijohns
Read More: Rare & Choice Demijohns in American Glass Gallery Auction #7
Large demijohn – Woody Douglas (Michael George comment: Woody, I sold a real nice demijohn from 1820 that came from Keene. When I say that, it was found in basement in Keene, however, I also believe it was produced there as well. It was the large 18″ “bullet” form that John Pastor recently sold. Very crude top, slightly sloping. You have at least a 1/2 dozen or more that fit right in to that 1800-1830 period…some have been posted. I would estimate this one in the 1840′s, and I guess the determining factor would be the lipping tool that was used. What other attributes can you really go on?)
5 blue “demijohns” in the afternoon light. They are pretty in their own way – Charles Aprill
A nice New England demijohn…with a little character!! – Michael George (“circa 1840. It looks like NH glass to me, but can’t say if it is earlier or later than 1840… a pivotal date for trying to determine local origin. My guess is Stoddard”.)
Large demijohn in a modified kidney form – Woody Douglas
If you find a large demijohn with this lip treatment you will have to use other methods to date it. – Eric Correla (“early new England piece. It has a similar look to the English jars you see everywhere but is twice the size of them. I think it is early 19th century”)
Three demijohns – Tom Marshall
Shame to post this picture today. Not much sun. This piece lights up with the sun coming through it. – Eric Correla (“this was another great piece Joe Zarro picked in the early seventy’s. Joe was one of the greatest pickers to ever play the game. The glass is so thin that I think it might not have moved very far from where it was picked in Connecticut.”)
Here is the lip on what I consider to be my oldest demi. I agree with Mike (George) I think you can tell a lot by looking at the lip. – Eric Correla
Here are the two biggest beasts. The demijohn or “carboy” on the left is 23″ tall and 54″ around at its widest. Smooth base with slight kick up, blown in a two part mold with applies tapered lip. Age? Origin? But it is the biggest blue thing I’ve ever seen. Seeing all the beautiful New England demijohns recently posted has prompted this “blue” reply. Good hunting, everyone. – Charles Aprill
Big honey-amber flattened-apple demijohn, 19 inches tall, not sure how wide. And yes, pontilled. – picture Elise Hempel
Chrystal clear green demijohn – photo Rick Ciralli
