Old West & Native American Auction
Lot 1517:
Description
This collection of four items features a Schiltz Beer crate that would have held 3 dozen beer bottles. This is an exceptional piece of American brewing history from the Prohibition era (1920–1933). This original wood crate, constructed of rough-sawn softwood slats, is clearly marked Schlitz, boldly proclaiming itself as “A PURE NON-INTOXICATING BEVERAGE,” a classic designation brewers used for their ‘near beer’ products to survive the Volstead Act. The stenciling on the end panel is identifying the distributor as Underwriters at 27 W. Jackson Blvd., Chicago, Ill., and indicating it held “3 DOZ. SMALL” bottles. The crate retains excellent authentic vintage wear, showing a rich, dark patina, visible splits and weathering in the wood, and fading and rubbing to all stenciling. The lid is structural sound, with one slat loss. The metal parts show heavy oxidation. Crate Size: L 20.5”, W 21.25”,H12.25”
The three, amber glass bottles are likely pre-Prohibition or early Prohibition-era (pre-1933), given the style and embossed lettering. The amber glass would have protected the beer from light, a common practice for breweries. One bottle’s base is clearly marked “A B Co.” (likely American Bottle Company). Two of the bottles retain remnants of the original Schlitz paper labeling, while the third bottle is embossed on the shoulder with “BLATZ / Milwaukee”. The bottles are in good antique condition. The paper labels are highly distressed, ripped, and faded, but the remnants are clearly identifiable. There are no obvious chips or cracks in the glass. Bottle Size: H9.5”, W 2 5/8” Overall, this entire set is a must for any collector of Breweriana.
From the Saloon Display in Donley’s Wild West Town Museum.
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