Large Side-Flattened Onion Bottle c.1750-1760

Origin: German

Colour: Dark green (grass bottle)

Dimensions: Height 14.50in x Width 13.00in x Base 8.00in

Lip: Applied string rim/pouring lip

Base: Kick-up with pontil scar

Source: London. England

Condition: Excellent. Full gloss with typical surface wear.

Special features:
A giant-sized, freeblown globular utility/storage bottle. These side-flattened onion bottles were used for storing and preserving liqueuer, wine, vinegar, pharmaceuticals, etc, see Antique Glass Bottles - Their History and Evolution (1500-1850) by Willy Van den Bossche, page 332, plate 275, Antique Collectors' Club, 2001.
In England and America similar shaped bottles were used as chemist's show globe. The reflective qualities of these bottles are superb. I guess these bottles may have served as in-store security devices to monitor the activities of shoppers with impunity