Old West & Native American Auction
Lot 1419:
Description
An early 20th-century, commercial barware decanter for Gerstley Rye. This brand of rectified rye whiskey was produced by Philadelphia-based liquor company Rosskam, Gerstley & Co. Established in 1869, like many large liquor companies of its day, Rosskam, Gerstley & Co. was a rectifier, not a distiller. This decanter was crafted from clear pressed glass with a classic fluted neck, a flared rim and paneled lower body, this style would’ve been a staple in a saloon or tavern. The branding, “GERSTLEY RYE,” is prominently featured in bold, gold-painted, debossed block letters on the body. The included stopper is a separate piece of glass, fitting into the neck via a cork seal, which is a common feature on working decanters of this era. The bottle is in good condition, with no chips or cracks. The gold lettering shows some minor wear. The cork seal on the stopper shows age, but is still soft. This a great piece of American saloon and liquor history. H 11.25″, W 5.5″.
From the Saloon Display in Donley’s Wild West Town Museum.
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