Rating Condition of Antique Bottles

The condition of a bottle has a dramatic impact its value. Once a common bottle gets a crack or chip, it usually loses half or more of its value. Damage is more tolerated on rarer bottles, but still has an impact on price.

Following are some terms used to identify the condition of a bottle.

  • Mint – bottle is in brand new condition with absolutely no damage. Also called “attic mint” because most bottles of this condition must have been in an attic (i.e. and never underground) to have survived in such perfect condition. A tumbled bottle can never be mint.
  • Near Mint – bottle would be mint except for some very minor damage like small stain, tiny nick, light scratch, small open bubble, or tiny patches of case wear. Lightly tumbled bottles can grade near mint if no other condition issues.
  • Excellent – Between “Near Mint” and “Very Good”. Bottle may have some light stain and/or light case wear and/or light scratches but no chips/cracks. Moderate to heavily tumbled bottles can grade excellent if they just retain some light scratches or ground wear.
  • Very Good – some scratches and medium-to-heavy case wear, some inside and/or outside staining. May have some minor nicks and no more than one or two small chips.
  • Good – heavy scratches, substantial case wear, heavy staining, some chips.
  • Poor – cracked and/or chipped.
  • Damaged – large cracks and/or large pieces chipped away.

    Chipped Maui Soda Works Bottle

2011 Hawaii All Collectors Expo Pictures

This past weekend was the Hawaii Collectors Expo. There were many people and a lot of excitement in the air.  It’s amazing to see how many different interests collectors have.  The favorite on my list was the Hawaiian bottles of course.  For those that didn’t have a chance to attend the expo here are some pictures of what the expo had to offer.  A big mahalo to Shizu for providing these pictures for us.

Entrance to the expo
Nice amber Hawaiian

Continue reading “2011 Hawaii All Collectors Expo Pictures”

Forum added to the website

This is a screen shot of what the forum looks likeI’ve added a forum to the Hawaii Bottle Man site for all who have an interest in Hawaii bottle collecting.  This will be a very useful place for collectors to collaborate and share with each other. I’ve allowed guests to be able to view most of the discussion boards.  In order to contribute to the site you have to register.  Click on the “Forum” link above to get to it.    If you have any ideas for improvements, please send me a message.

Aloha,

Hawaii Bottle Man