How Do You Date Old Bottles?
Dating old bottles is done by observing the characteristics of the bottle and matching it with the known production dates and styles of that particular type of bottle. Factors like the shape, color, mold seams, texture, and the presence of pontil marks can be compared with reference materials like industry catalogs, bottle encyclopedias, and online databases to determine the approximate age and origin of the bottle. Some bottles have date codes or other markings that can provide additional clues to their age. It is important to note that dating an old bottle is not always precise and can be influenced by various factors, such as the location of manufacture, the use of recycled glass, and the variations in production methods over time.