Master Ink Bottle – Embossed “HOVER PHILA”

This early American master ink bottle showcasES the craftsmanship and characteristics of glassmaking from the 1840s. Its distinctive teal-emerald green color, embossed lettering, and pontil scar are indicative of its age and production methods.

Detailed Description:

• Form:
  • Cylindrical Body: The bottle has a cylindrical body.
  • Short, Narrow Neck: It features a short, narrow neck with a distinct “blob top” finish, which is a thick, rounded ring at the lip.
  • Angled Spout: The neck transitions into an angled spout, designed for easy pouring or dipping.
• Material:
  • Glass: The bottle is made of hand-blown glass.
  • Color: The glass is a medium teal to emerald green color, which is a result of the minerals present in the glass batch and the manufacturing process. This color is often associated with early American glass.
• Decoration and Markings:
  • Embossed Lettering: The bottle is embossed with the words “HOVER” on the top line and “PHILA” on the bottom line. This indicates the maker or distributor (Hover) and the city of origin (Philadelphia).
  • Pontil Scar: A pontil scar is visible on the base of the bottle. This is a rough, circular mark left by the pontil rod, which was used to hold the glass during the finishing process.