English Transition Onion / Mallet Bottle with Dated Applied Seal Welman 1723

Origin: English

Colour: Olive Amber

Dimensions: Height 6.5in Width 5.5in

Lip: Applied string rim

Base: Kick-up with pontil scar

Source:Somerset. England

Condition: Great.
Surface and base wear.
Chips to:
- lip
- string rim
- top portion and edges of seal
- area surrounding top of seal

Special features: Well documented early seal with clear lettering. Chips to top and outer edges of seal, plus the surface area surrounding the seal demonstrate that the molten glass bottle and seal were at the same temperature at the time the seal was applied, since the portion of broken seal could not be detached from the bottle surface without removing the surface area as well. This damage may have been caused by someone (obviously not a bottle collector) trying to remove the seal from the bottle.
Seal: Inscribed Welman / 1723


Reference: Roger Dumbrell, Understanding Antique Wine Bottles, Antique Collectors' Club, 1983, see page 319.

According to Dumbrell, Thomas Welman (1693-1757) settled at Poundisford Lodge, Pitminster, near Taunton, Somerset, a property which had been purchased by his uncle, Dr. Simon Welman. Thomas served as High Sheriff for Somerset in 1733. In 1731 he married Mary, daughter of Benjamin Hawkins, Esq. of Exeter, and by her (who died in 1760), left at his death an only daughter, who married William Hacker, Esq., a nephew of the Rev. M. Towgood, and dying in 1769, left Prudence and Hannah.