Glass Factory Marks on Bottles

[ A - D ] [ E - L ] [ M - Z ]

M......................Maryland Glass Corporation, Baltimore, MD. (1907-c.1970s). Exact period of use uncertain, but verified on base of cobalt "Milk of Magnesia" bottle from circa 1950 (see next entry). Also, a similar mark is known on the base of mouth-blown amber beer bottles and an amber salve jar, c.1885-1895, and the maker in those cases is unknown. In some cases this may be the mark of the Mosser Glass Company (1971-to date), which of course is a much more recent mark.

M in a circle.........Maryland Glass Corporation, Baltimore, MD (1907-c.1970s). Mark first used in 1921, according to trademark info reported in Peterson's 400 Trademarks on Glass (1968). This company specialized in cobalt blue glass bottles and jars. Many of the containers made for Phillips Milk of Magnesia, Bromo-Seltzer, Vicks, Noxema, etc, were produced here. Maryland also produced the most commonly seen type of "violin bottle" in various shades of blue (and probably other colors). Maryland Glass was acquired by the Dorsey Corporation in 1968, and I believe that the "M" mark was discontinued sometime in the early 1970s. Anyone with info, please contact me on how late this mark was used. Note: The "M in a circle" mark has also been used more recently by the Mosser Glass Company (Cambridge, OH, 1971-to date), but in those cases it is usually found on tableware, novelties, toothpick holders, etc.

M in a diamond.........Unknown (Seen on base of clear prescription bottle, c.1890)

M in a hexagon.........Metro Glass Bottle Company, Jersey City, NJ. Mark used c.1949-c.1981. Also with plants at Washington, PA (since 1957); Carteret, NJ (1958) and Dolton, IL. Known as the Metro Glass Division of National Dairy Products Corp. after 1956 (Kraftco after 1969). Later known as MetroPak Containers. MetroPak was bought by Ball Corporation in 1980. The Jersey City plant was closed on Nov. 13, 1981, but the other three plants continued in operation. I'm unsure of the exact chain of later events on this company. If you know, email me!

M in a keystone........Metro Glass Bottle Company, Jersey City, NJ (Mark used c.1935-1949). See above entry.

M in a shield..........Monarch Glass Company, Compton, CA (c.1920s). Seen on base of Puritas water bottle.

M within outline of the state of Ohio............... Mosser Glass Company, Cambridge, Ohio (1971-to date). Seen on colored tableware and upscale novelty glassware. See also "M in a circle".

Mansfield Glass Works..........Mansfield Glass Works, Lockport, NY (1872-c.1909). See Lockport Glass Works entry.

MARVEL........................Unknown. Reported on base of clear glass drugstore bottle. Probably a brand name used by a particular glass manufacturer (as in "LYRIC" by Illinois Glass).

MASS GLASS CO. ................Massachusetts Glass Company, Somerville, MA (c.1867-1871?) This manufacturer is believed to have produced unmarked glass insulators, apparently none of which have been yet positively identified (See my homepage). This rare mark, which is assumed to be linked to that same company, has been reported observed on the base of a very, very small number of bottles.

M.B.& G.CO.........Massillon Bottle & Glass Company, Massillon, OH (1900-1904)

M.B.W..................Millville Bottle Works, Millville, NJ (1903-1926). Bought by T.C.Wheaton Company in 1926. Made chemical and laboratory bottles.

McC....................William McCully and Company, Pittsburgh, PA (1841-c.1909)

McC & CO...............William McCully and Company, Pittsburgh, PA (1841-c.1909)

McK in a circle........McKee Glass Company, Jeannette, PA (1888-1951). Seen on various items such as black glass salt shakers and other opaque glass tableware, this mark was perhaps used mostly in the 1930s and '40s. McKee became a subsidiary of Thatcher Glass Manufacturing Company in 1951, and eventually the factory was purchased by Jeannette Glass Company in 1961. For some more information on McKee, click here.

M.C.G.CO...............Unknown.

McL....................McLaughlin Glass Company, Vernon, CA (1920-1935). [Note: Water bottles (and probably other types of bottles) marked with "McL" on the base also date from the 1940s and 1950s when William McLaughlin operated other, smaller factories in Vernon & in Gardena, California.] Especially well known by glass collectors for their electrical insulators, McLaughlin produced a wide variety of bottles and other glassware as well. For more information click here .

M C W ................Mallinckrodt Chemical Works, St. Louis, MO (1867-to date). I believe most, if not all, of the bottles found with this mark are hand-blown and date from approximately the 1880-1920 period. The actual glass factory which manufactured these bottles is unknown, but Illinois Glass Company, Alton, IL, would be a likely source.

Mechanic Glass Works, Philada.................Mechanic Glass Works, Philadelphia, PA. Exact dates of operation currently uncertain, but a very scarce flask which bears this inscription appears to date from sometime in the 1845-1865 period.

M.F.J.and B.CO.........Marion Fruit Jar & Bottle Company, Marion, IN (1888-1904) Fairmount & Converse, IN (1894-1904). Plants bought out by Ball Bros. in 1904.

M over a G (shown)..........Madera Glass Company, Madera, CA (1971-1990s?). Found on wine bottles. Plant is now part of Saint-Gobain Containers.

M G....................Maywood Glass Company, Compton, CA (1930-1959)

M.G.CO.................these initials usually indicate products of either Mississippi Glass Company, St. Louis, MO (1874-1884+) or Missouri Glass Company, St. Louis, MO (c.1859-1911). Mississippi Glass Company specialized in making export beer bottles, wax sealer fruit jars, and other "green glass" bottles, and although it was in business much later than 1884, reportedly no bottles were made after that year, as they concentrated more on window glass. Missouri Glass Company was principally a glassware distributor in later years, selling large quantities of imported cut glass, high-end tableware, creamware, queensware, pottery, lamps and similar items. However, they definitely manufactured some bottles and jars, at least in the earlier years of operation. NOTE: Some MGCO items might be from either Muncie Glass Company, Muncie, IN (1888-1906), Modes Glass Company, Cicero, IN (c.1895-1900), or Millgrove Glass Company, Millgrove, IN (1898-1911), although I am very doubtful about these last three companies listed.

M.G.M.CO (monogram).....prob. Minneapolis Glass Mnfg. Company, Minneapolis, MN (c.1886)

M G W..................Uncertain, but probably Middletown Glass Works, Middletown, NY (1887-1891). This plant reopened for a short time (1892-1894) as the Middletown Glass Company. Mark is seen on the base of amber export style beer bottles.

M.J.CO.................Unknown (Seen on base of wax sealer fruit jar).

M'Kee..................S. McKee and Company, Pittsburgh, PA. Click here for more info.

Mo.G.Co................Missouri Glass Company, St. Louis, MO (c.1859-1911). Seen on face of rare wax sealer fruit jar, probably dating from the 1860s or '70s. See M.G.CO.

Mountain Mason...........Intermountain Glass Company, Midvale, Utah (c.1930s). Brand name found embossed on fruit jars. See "IGCO (monogram) in brackets" entry.

M/T (Monogram).........See T/M mark.

M T C..................Thatcher Manufacturing Company, Kane, PA; Wharton, NJ; other plant locations in later years (c.1904-1985). Usually seen in the form of a large T with smaller "m" and "c" sheltered underneath the "roof" of the T. This mark was used c.1923 to the early 1950s, and is mostly found embossed on milk bottles. Also see "T, resembling an anchor..." and "TMC" mark.

Mutual Glass Co, Pitts..........Mutual Glass Company, Pittsburgh, PA. Name embossed on base of a wax sealer fruit jar, which appears to be of c.1865-1885 vintage. No info on exact dates this obscure company was in operation.

M over a V, within a circle............Vidriera Monterrey, Monterrey, Mexico (1909-19??). I am not sure of the dates of use for this mark. Also, see the "V" mark, and the "V over M inside a triangle" marks.

N......................Obear-Nester Glass Company, East St. Louis, IL (1894-c.1980).

17N (or other number between 16 and 23)..........usually American Bottle Company, Newark, OH factory location. Evidence indicates the date code (16, for instance, is believed to indicate 1916) may have been used much earlier as well as later----perhaps from ABCO's beginning in 1905, all the way to 1929, at least on certain bottles. I have received a report that some bottles carried apparent date codes as late as 1933, after the former ABCO plants had become a part of Owens-Illinois Glass Company. See 16S, A.B.CO. marks.

N in a circle..........Obear-Nester Glass Company, East St. Louis, IL (1894-c.1980). Mark is believed to have been used during the early years, perhaps up to about 1915.

N in a circle with a line underneath the N........Northwood Glass Company, Wheeling, WV (1902-1923). Mark seen on carnival and other decorative glassware. Rarely or never seen on bottles, but I'm listing the mark here for comparison with similar marks seen on bottles.

N in a keystone.............Newborn Glass Company, Royersford, PA (1920-1925)

N in a square..........Obear-Nester Glass Company, East St. Louis, IL (1894-c.1980). Mark reportedly was used from approximately 1915 to 1980.

N over a somewhat "flattened" V, inside a circle, shown (upside down, this mark resembles an N under a "roof") .........Previously unidentified, Lou Bisiecki has kindly informed me by email that this mark is used by Vetri Speciali S.p.A., Italy, at their Pergine Valsugana glass container plant.

N next to (or within) a star.........Newark Star Glass Works, Newark, OH.(1873-1904). Although this factory name may have been in use unofficially throughout a long period of time, the business firms which operated this factory include at least two which used their own glassmarks: Shields, King & Company (see S.K.& Co. mark), and the Edward H. Everett Company (see E.H.E. Co. mark).

N & CO.............Nuttall & Company, St. Helens, Lancashire, England. Made many types of bottles that were imported into the U.S. This mark dates before 1913, when Nuttall merged with other plants to form United Glass.

N.B.B.G.CO.............North Baltimore Bottle Glass Company, North Baltimore, OH (1888-1895), Albany, IN (1895-1900); and finally the factory operation was moved to Terre Haute, IN (1900-1926). Producer of a very large number of soda, mineral water and beer bottles made for many companies, especially in the midwest. The initials are usually found embossed on the heel of their bottles, often with rather small, inconspicuous lettering. The majority of bottles found with the NBBGCO mark date after their move to Indiana.

N.C.L.CO...............Nail City Lantern Company, Wheeling, WV (1877-1897). This firm was re-organized as Wheeling Stamping COmpany in 1897.

Neutraglas.............Kimble Glass Company, Vineland, NJ (1905-to date). Relatively recent trademark used on their borosilicate glass for scientific, pharmaceutical & industrial applications. Now known as Kimble/Kontes.

New Albany Glass Works (in circle on base)........New Albany Glass Works, New Albany, IN (1866-c.1872). First began as J.B.Ford & Company, this factory was being referred to as the New Albany Glass Works by 1867. The factory was bought about 1872 by W.C.DePauw to become part of the Star Glass Works.

Newburgh Glass Co...............Newburgh Glass Company, Newburgh, NY (c.1865-c.1875). Embossing confirmed on the base of a very scarce ale bottle. Details on this glasshouse are sketchy and sources of info do not agree on the exact beginning and ending years of operation.

New London Glass Works............New London Glass Works, New London, CT (1856-c.1859). Factory name seen embossed on historical flasks. This reportedly became known as "Union Glass Works" about 1859, and was probably the same factory known as "Thames Glass Works" in the 1865-1866 period.

N G CO...................Northern Glass Company, Milwaukee, WI (1894-1896). This mark is very uncommon, but has been confirmed to exist by author/researcher Roger Peters.

N G W..................Northern Glass Works, Milwaukee, WI (1896-1900). Continuation of above factory. Mark is uncommon, but does exist. W.F.& S. mark (William Franzen & Son) might have been the actual mark used on much of the product from this factory during the 1896-1900 period.

NW.......................Northwestern Glass Company, Seattle, WA (1931-19??). The letters in this mark may or may not be connected.

N.Y.Q.& C.W.Ld............New York Quinine & Chemical Works, Limited, Brooklyn, NY. A subsidiary of McKesson & Robbins, a drug manufacturing firm first organized in 1833. I do not know the exact year that NYQ&CW was formed, but bottles bearing these initials on the base are mouth-blown and appear to date from the 1890-1920 period. The glass factory(s) which produced the bottles are unknown.

O in a keystone........Oil City Glass Bottle Company, Oil City, PA (c.1930-1952). Also, see the oil derrick logo shown at the bottom of this page, which was the mark used by their successor company, the Oil City Glass Company (1952-1969).

O in a square..........Owens Bottle Company, Toledo OH (1903-1929), also Fairmont, WV; Clarksburg, WV, and other plant locations. Owens Bottle Co. merged with the Illinois Glass Company of Alton, IL in 1929 to form the Owens-Illinois Glass Company. (Julian Toulouse stated this mark was first used in 1911, but according to U.S. Patent & Trademark Office data, Owens claimed first use was not until 1919). See "OWENS".

O with an I inside.....Owens-Illinois Glass Company (now Owens-Illinois, Inc.), Toledo, OH. For more information check under "I within an O".

O and I with a diamond.......see "Diamond superimposed over an oval and an I" mark (page one).

O.B.CO.................Ohio Bottle Company, Newark OH (1904-1905). Short-lived merger of 3 factories. Later merged with several other plants to form the American Bottle Company.

O D ...................Old Dominion Glass Company, Alexandria, VA (1901-1925)

OG in a circle (monogram, shown).............Olean Glass Company, Olean, NY (1929-1942). Mark may be somewhat indistinct, with the "G" looking more like a "C" or a sideways "U". Also reported as being found both with and without the circle.

OGCo (monogram)..........Olean Glass Company/Works, Olean, NY (1887-1915). There were two different companies known as Olean Glass. At least on the wax sealer fruit jars which are attributed to the earlier company, this mark appears as a monogram with the letters (left to right) arranged as "G O Co", with the "O" much larger and partially entertwined with the letter on each side.

O G CO.................Olean Glass Company, Olean, NY (1929-1942). This is the second Olean Glass Company. I have no info on whether this mark has been seen in actual use, or exactly how this mark appears, if it is different than the one from the earlier company. For a confirmed Olean mark, see "OG" monogram mark.

O.G.W. .................Olean Glass Company/Works, Olean, NY (1887-1915). See above entries. NOTE: Some bottles found with this marking are products of the Oakland Glass Works, Oakland, CA (early 1880s). That factory operated for only a short time and bottles with this marking are scarce. They are nearly always found in California or the western U.S.

O-I ...................Owens-Illinois, Inc. (see "I within an O" mark.)

OLEAN..................Olean Glass Company/Works, Olean, NY (1887-1915)

O-N....................Obear-Nester Glass Company, East St. Louis, IL. (1894-c.1980). Exact time period when this mark was used is uncertain, but a machine-made soda bottle from around 1920 carries it on the heel. See "N", "N in a circle" and "N in a square" marks.

Oval (horizontal, with line drawn through longest axis, resembling a belt buckle).......Western Glass Manufacturing Company, Valverde, CO (1900-1909)

OVGCO (monogram).......Ohio Valley Glass Company, Bridgeport, OH (1881-1888). Seen on fruit jars. The embossing "O.V.G.CO." which appears on glass electrical insulators is an unrelated mark which was used by the Ohio Valley Glass Company of Pleasant City, Ohio (1902-1905).

OWENS................. Owens Bottle Company, Toledo, OH (1903-1929) and it's successor [after the merger with Illinois Glass Company], Owens-Illinois Glass Company (1929-to date). Mark is confirmed on a clear druggist bottle with date code of 1947. Sometimes just the "O" of "Owens" is enclosed within a square. I don't know when this mark was first used during the OBC years, so will have to go with "1903-1929" until further info is uncovered. I believe the mark was used up into the 1950s or '60s by Owens-Illinois, but have no definite info on ending date. See "O in a square".

P in a circle..........Pierce Glass Company, St. Mary's, PA (1905-1912); Hamburg, NY (1912-1917); Port Allegany, PA (1917-c.1980s). This factory was acquired by Indianhead Container Corporation (later merged into Ball-InCon) and is now a Saint-Gobain Containers glass plant.

P in a keystone........Wightman Bottle & Glass Co, Parker's Landing, PA [in Knox Bottle Company group] (1932-1951)

P in a square..........Pine Glass Company, Okmulgee, OK (1927-1929). Factory purchased by Ball Bros in 1929, later one of their most important plants.

P.B.W..................Unknown (Seen on base of clear diamond-mesh flask-c.1910)

P/C in duo-segmented parallelogram..........Pacific Coast Glass Works (1902-1925) and Pacific Coast Glass Company, San Francisco, CA (1925-1930). This mark was introduced in 1919, and used on ware until about 1930. Source on 1919 date: Peterson (1968:49).

P/C in a square........Pacific Coast Glass Works (1902-1925) and Pacific Coast Glass Company, San Francisco, CA (1925-1930). This mark was used possibly as early as 1919, but was definitely in use by 1925. See other "P.C." entries.

P C in a triangle..........Pacific Coast Glass Works (1902-1925) and Pacific Coast Glass Company, San Francisco, CA (1925-1930). Mark was first used in either 1919 or 1925.

P.C....................Pacific Coast Glass Works (1902-1925) and it's successor Pacific Coast Glass Company, San Francisco, CA (1925-1930). The PC mark probably dates from either 1919, or 1925, and on up to 1930.

P.C.G.W................Pacific Coast Glass Works, San Francisco, CA (1902-1925). See "P.C." marks.

P.D.& CO...........Parke Davis & Company, Detroit, MI (1875-to date). Parke Davis was (and is) known for an extensive line of pharmaceutical products. I'm including this mark because it's frequently encountered and might be mistaken for a glass manufacturer's mark. I do not know what glass company(s) made bottles for Parke Davis, but no doubt many different companies made bottles for them over the years. Most of the bottles with the P.D.& Co. marking probably date before 1930.

P.G.CO.................Uncertain (Seen on clear prescription flask, c. 1900). Might be a product of the Pennsylvania Glass Company, Anderson, IN (1888-1915). They were heavy producers of flint prescription ware. That company moved to Dunbar, West Virginia and operated there from 1915-1922.

PG&Co..................Unknown.

P.G.W..................Pacific Glass Works, San Francisco, CA (1862-1876)

Philada Glass Works/Burgin & Sons..................Philadelphia Glass Works, Philadelphia, PA (1844-1910). Operated under more than one proprietorship, this factory started as Burgin & Pearsall in 1844, became Burgin and Sons in 1853. Most commonly encountered bottles with this marking are the squat sodas that appear to date from approximately the 1855-1875 period.

PORT...................Port Glass Company, Muncie, IN (1890-1902); Belleville, IL (1902-1904). Plants bought by Ball Brothers in 1904, closed in 1910.

Potter & Bodine...........Potter & Bodine, Bridgeton, NJ (1855-1863). This was one of the firm names under which the Bridgeton Glass Works operated. Later became known as the Cohansey Glass Works. "Potter & Bodine" mark is seen on fruit jars and on the base of cylinder whiskies.

Putnam................Lyndeborough Glass Company, South Lyndeboro, New Hampshire (1866-1886), embossed on the base of "Trademark Lightning" fruit jars. HOWEVER, this mark was also used on large numbers of similar "Lightning-style closure" jars made later by a number of other glass companies. The mark is also reported on early mouthblown amber beer bottles circa late 1800s or early 1900s. NOTE: There are also reproduction "Lightning" style jars with the marking "PUTNAM 227" on the base. These are relatively modern, made of amber glass, and were evidently made in Asia, likely dating from sometime in the 1960s-1980s period. (Assuming these were made from an old Lightning jar mold sold to a company in Asia, there exists the possibility that authentic Lightning jars with the number 227 do exist and may be found occasionally.......although a close inspection would likely show them to be old production by subtle clues of age such as general characteristics of the glass, the presence of high-point base wear, besides being made of the typical aqua "bottle glass" most lightning jars are found in).

Putnam Glass Works, Zanesville, O. ...................Putnam [Flint] Glass Works, Zanesville, Ohio (c.1852-c.1871). Marking is arranged in a circle, and appears on the base of a wax sealer fruit jar. This factory went through many business name/owner changes and the exact period when these jars were made is uncertain.

Pyrex..................Corning Glass Company/Works, Corning, NY (1875-to date). The trademark "Pyrex" was first used c.1915.

Q .................Unknown. Reported on base of drugstore bottles, principally from northern Illinois area.

Quarrier, Ott & Co...............Quarrier, Ott & Company, Wheeling, (West) Virginia (1850-early 1860s?). One of the business firm names that operated the Union Glass Works of Wheeling. This marking has been confirmed on the base of a scarce cylinder whiskey bottle.

R in a circle........Unknown.

R in a keystone........Rosso Wholesale Glass Dealers, Inc., Port Vue, PA (1969-to date). This mark is seen on glass "hen-on-nest" covered dishes and other decorative items. Rosso (strictly a wholesaler, not a manufacturer) has glassware made for him by various glass companies, including Mosser, Summit, Fenton and L.E.Smith.

R in a triangle........Reed Glass Company, Rochester, NY (1927-1956). See Reed.

R & CO.............Reed & Company, Massillon, OH (1881-1904). Although this factory was also known locally as the Massillon Glass Works (at least for a period of time during the mid 1880s) the business firm name is given as Reed & Company in contemporary records. This mark is apparently seen only on the bases of hand-made, tooled blob-lip amber & aqua export-style beer bottles. Reed & Company specialized in producing beer bottles, although they made a variety of other bottles as well. The mark is most commonly seen embossed in a semi-circle on the base, along with a mold number. Although Toulouse (Bottle Makers & Their Marks, 1971) attributed a similar marking to Roth & Company, San Francisco, I know of no evidence that Roth (a whiskey distributor, not a glassmaker) had ANY bottles made for them bearing this mark. If you know of a bottle with "R & CO" on the base which is not of the typical "export beer" shape, please contact me.

Ravenna Glass Works............Ravenna Glass Works, Ravenna, OH (1857-1867). Full name is found embossed on the face of fruit jars and whiskey flasks. Info on exact dates of operation courtesy of Brian Gray.

Reed...................F.E.Reed Glass Company (or Reed Glass Company), Rochester, NY (c.1899-1956). See Rochester Glass Works.

REX (in cursive script)............Obear Nester Glass Company, East St.Louis, IL (1894-19??) Mark used from 1896 to ??. Trademark seen on base of clear prescription bottles.

R.G.& B.CO...............Rhodes Glass & Bottle Company, Massillon, OH. (1901-c.1919). This mark and the following variation is seen rather frequently on bases of amber and aqua beer bottles from cities in OH, PA, IN, MI, WI, and MD that I am aware of, and probably other states as well. An obscure company which is virtually unknown to bottle collectors, nevertheless quite a number of bottles were manufactured over a period of almost two decades. The name of the company seems to have changed slightly at some unknown time during it's history, with the "&" being omitted. Perhaps future research will shed more light on this firm.

R.G.B.CO.........Same as above. Presumably a variation of the above mark.

R.G.CO.................Root Glass Company, Terre Haute, IN (1901-1932). Mark used by Root in the early years (1901-c.1909). Toulouse stated these initials stood for Renton Glass Company, Renton, WA (1907-1911). However, the "R.G.CO." mark which was used by Renton likely appears only on certain bottles from the West Coast. I do not believe any of the midwestern bottles seen with the "R.G.CO." marking originate from Renton.

R.G.W..................Possibly Ravenna Glass Works, Ravenna, OH (c.1850-1867). Seen on base of wax sealer fruit jar.

R.I.B.................Unknown. Seen on base of beer bottle, this mark could stand for either a brewing company, bottling company or a glass bottle manufacturer.

R.I.P...............Unknown.

H.Ricketts & CO.............H.Ricketts & Company Glassworks, Bristol, England. Seen on early blackglass bottles. Bottles with this marking date from 1821 to about 1853. This is probably the earliest type of bottle carrying an embossed glass factory identification mark on the base.

RM (monogram)...........Unknown. Reported to me as seen on beer or soda bottle base shard.

Rochester Glass Wks.............Rochester Glass Works, Rochester, NY. (1862-1908). Alice Creswick in The Fruit Jar Works (1995:273) shows this chronology for the Rochester Glass Works and succeeding firms, evidently from city directory listings researched by either herself or Dick Roller: Rochester Glass Works (1862-1881); Kelley & Co. (1882-1885); Kelley, Reed & Co. (1886-1887); Eugene Reed & Co. (1888-1889); E. P. Reed & Co. (1890-1894); Rochester Glass Works (1895-1898); F. E. Reed Glass Company/Works (1899-1900); Rochester Glass Works (1901-1908); F. E. Reed & Co. (or F.E.Reed Glass Co.) (1909-1927); Reed Glass Co. (1927-1946); and Reed Glass Co., Inc. (1947-1956). Several marks were used at various times by this factory, and the exact period of time during which each mark was used is not completely certain at this time. Known marks include "Reed", "F.E.R.", "F.E.R.G.Co." "R in a triangle", and "Rochester Glass Wks". Some bottles are known with the marking "Rochester NY Glass Works" embossed in a circle on the base. The full factory name could conceivably have been embossed on bottles dating from anytime within the 1862-1908 timeframe.

ROOT...................Root Glass Company, Terre Haute, IN (1901-1932). Mark is often embossed very lightly along the lower heel, and sometimes is almost illegible. Root produced a huge variety of soda, mineral water and beer bottles. There were two separate factories in the early years, one for fruit jars and the other for bottles. The fruit jar factory was purchased by Ball Bros. in 1908, and operated by Ball until it was closed in 1912 or 1913. Root Glass Co. was bought by Owens-Illinois Glass Company in 1932. Later the plant became part of the American-Wheaton Glass Corporation, in 1962 it was sold to the American Can Company, and then sold again to Midland Glass Company in 1968. After being purchased by the Anchor Glass Container Corporation, the property was closed down in 1984.

S......................Unknown (Seen on base of amber strap-side flask, c.1895). Likely was used by more than one factory.

16S (or with other 2-digit number between 16 and 23)..........usually American Bottle Company, Streator, IL plant location. Mark is seen mostly on the lower heel area on soda and beer bottles. The letter usually precedes the number but may be reversed. These marks were used by ABCO at least during the 1916-1923 period, and evidence from bottle collectors indicate these date code markings may have been used as early as 1905 (when American Bottle Company was incorporated), all the way up to 1929 in some cases. Owens Bottle Company, which purchased the 6 glass plants of the American Bottle Company in 1916, continued the operation of only two of the ABCO plants (their Newark, OH & Streator, IL locations) under the American Bottle Company name until 1929, and used this type of marking on many of their bottles. See "AB", "A.B.CO." and "17N" marks.

S in a circle..........Possibly Swindell Bros, Baltimore, MD (1869-1959). Reportedly used on machine-made bottles after c. 1920, per Toulouse. A similar mark was also used by Sterling Glass Company, Lapel, IN (1914-1950). Hand-blown bottles were produced from 1914 to 1918, at which time semi-automatic production was introduced. Sterling operated as the "Sterling Division" of the Warfield Company of Chicago from about 1940 until 1950.

S in a circle connecting 4 small raised dots, resembling planets arranged in an orbit.........Uncertain. Seen on the base of a handblown light aqua blob beer, c.1900-1920. This mark may be just an "S in a circle" and the raised dots could be merely the effect of four air vent holes positioned in the engraved circle portion of the mold. In that case, perhaps the bottle was made by the Sterling Glass Company, Lapel, IN. (1914-1950). See above entry.

S in a diamond.........Uncertain, probably Southern Glass Company, Vernon, CA (c.1916-1931) on machine-made bottles . Mark also reported on a mouth-blown strap-side flask, probably pre-1900 and of Eastern U.S. origin. Evidence suggests that this bottle, and others of various types with the Diamond-S mark originate from Swindell Bros, Baltimore, MD. (1869-1959). The most probable date ranges for the manufacture of hand-made bottles with that mark would be about 1880-1910.

S in a keystone........Seaboard Glass Bottle Company, Pittsburgh, PA (1943-1947)

S in an oval...........See "G in an oval". Gallo Glass Co. mark may be mistaken for an odd-looking "S".

S in a shield...........Unknown.

S in a square..........Unknown.

S in a star............(usually) Southern Glass Company, Vernon, CA (c.1916-1931) if on a machine-made bottle found in the western US. There are also handmade flasks known that appear to be of pre-1900 manufacture, and in such cases, I strongly doubt that Southern is the factory source. Those flasks probably were made much earlier (c.1885-1910) in an as-yet unidentified Eastern U.S. glasshouse.

S.A.B.CO...............American Bottle Company, Streator, IL plant (1905-1916). Mark was probably used only for a brief time. Not often encountered, usually the mark is "A.B.CO". See also "16S" mark.

S B....................Uncertain, reported (by Stephen Gray) as appearing on base of drugstore bottle, along with 1888 patent date. Perhaps Swindell Bros, Baltimore, MD (1869-1959).

SB in a diamond........Unknown

S.B.& G.CO.........Streator Bottle & Glass Company, Streator, IL (1881-1905). The Streator plant eventually became part of the American Bottle Company, then later Owens Bottle Company, and finally part of the Owens Illinois Glass Co. (Plant #9).

S BROS.................Possibly Swindell Bros, Baltimore, MD (1869-1959).

S.B.W..................Saltsburg Bottle Works Company, Saltsburg, PA (c.1890-1900). Manufacturer of druggist ware.

S.B.W.CO...............Saltsburg Bottle Works Company, Saltsburg, PA (c.1890-1900)

S-F.G.CO...............Sheldon-Foster Glass Company, Chicago, IL (1895-1913)

S.F.& P.G.W........San Francisco and Pacific Glass Works (1876-c.1901)

SG.....................Saint-Gobain Containers, Muncie, IN [head office], (2000-to date). This corporation was formed when Ball Corporation and Saint-Gobain (SG also acquiring Foster-Forbes Glass at that time) merged in 1995 to form Ball-Foster. In 2000 the name was changed from Ball-Foster to Saint-Gobain Containers. SG mark is seen embossed on many of their modern jars and bottles, usually on the lower heel area of the container, but sometimes on the base. Subsidiary of Saint-Gobain, France, a huge firm with a corporate history involved with glassmaking that goes back over 300 years, SGC now includes 17 glass manufacturing plants in the United States, some of which are former Ball Bros/Ball Corporation factories. For more info on Saint-Gobain, click here . Also, see "Ball" mark.

SGCO(monogram).........Swayzee Glass Company, Swayzee, IN (1894-1906). This SGCO monogram is seen embossed on "Mason's Patent Nov 30 1858" fruit jars. This monogram was incorrectly attributed to Safe Glass Co. by Toulouse.

S.G.CO.................Several glass factories used this mark (possibly four or five), and here are three that I am certain actually did, at least on some items they produced:
Scranton Glass Company, Scranton, PA (1881-c.1895)
Southern Glass Company/Works, Louisville, KY (1877-c.1885)
Southern Glass Company, Vernon, CA (c.1916-1931)
Another possibility could be the Seattle Glass Company, Renton, WA (1905-1907), known for producing amber beers.

S G CO within a segmented parallelogram..........probably Southern Glass Company, Vernon, CA (c.1916-1931)

S.G.CO.W...............Sydenham Glass Company, Wallaceburg, Ontario, Canada (1894-1913)

S.G.CO. with anchor.........Uncertain (Seen on bottom of flask circa 1900).

S.G.W..................Southern Glass Works, Louisville, KY (1877-c.1885). Basemark, seen on pumpkinseed flasks. Might also indicate another glass company with those corresponding initials.

S.G.W.LOU.KY...........Southern Glass Works, Louisville, KY (1877-c.1885). Southern Glass Works (also called Southern Glass Company, especially in the first two years of operation) started making glass in the fall of 1877. It was also known as "Stanger & Company", with some of the same employees of the Louisville Glass Works that had shut down 4 years earlier. Within 2 years the firm was reorganized and the firm name then became "Sherley & McCulloch". The most prosperous years of this operation seem to have been from about 1880 to 1883. In about 1885 the factory became idle, only to re-open again in 1886 as the "Louisville Glass Works Company", a name confusingly similar to other factories in the area. It was not listed in the 1887 or later directories, so this reopening evidently lasted only a few months. The 1892 Sanborn fire insurance maps show that the glass factory was by then in "ruins". The factory site was razed sometime between 1892 and 1905 as it was no longer standing according to Sanborn maps of 1905. Other marks used by SOuthern Glass Works include "S.G.W.; "SOU.G.W."; "SOU.G.WS" and "S.G.CO."

SGW (monogram on face of Mason fruit jar)..........Salem Glass Works, Salem, NJ (1863-1937), under various ownerships. Jar was probably made in the 1890s to early 1900s.

Sheldon..............Probably Sheldon-Foster Glass Company, Chicago, IL (1895-1913). This mark is evidently less common than the "S-F G CO" mark which was normally used. Appears on the base of prescription/pharmacy bottles.

Signet.................Chicago Heights Bottle Company, Chicago Heights, IL (1912-1913). Trademark reportedly seen embossed on the base of bottles from this short-lived company. Became part of Illinois Glass Co in 1913.

S.I.G.W................Southern Indiana Glass Works, Loogootee, IN (1904-c.1912)

S.K.& Co.(with star)........Shields, King & Company (Proprietors of the Newark Star Glass Works, Newark, OH, 1873-1880). Also, see "N next to or within a star" and "E.H.E.CO." marks.

S M B M Co.................Standard Milk Bottle Manufacturing Company, Parkersburg, WV (1911-1912). Seen on milk bottles.

S. McK. & CO.........See next entry.

S.McKee & CO.......S.(Samuel) McKee and Company, Pittsburgh, PA (c.1834-1888+). More on McKee here.

S.M'Kee................S.(Samuel) McKee and Company, (" " ")

S.M'Kee & CO.......S.(Samuel) McKee and Company, (" " ")

SOU.G.W. ..............Southern Glass Works, Louisville, KY (1877-c.1885). Seen on base of wax sealer fruit jar.

SOU.G.WS. .............Southern Glass Works, Louisville, KY (1877-c.1885). Seen on bases of several sizes of square pickle bottles (similar to the "cathedral pickles" but with no ornamentation). See "S.G.W. LOU. KY" entry.

S & R; S.R & Co........Southwick, Reeves & Co. (proprietors of the Clyde Glass Works, c. 1868-18??). See Clyde.

SS in a circle.............Silver Spur Corporation, Cerritos, CA (1978-to date). All bottles are actually manufactured in Taiwan and China. Business offices and warehouse is located in Cerritos.

SSP/B.................S.S.Pierce, Boston, MA. Seen on base of strap-side flasks, perhaps 1890-1910 period? Toulouse indicates the maker was possibly S.S. Pierce, a food (and spirits?) distributor based in Boston. Although I was at first skeptical about this attribution, I have since seen one of these flasks carrying a partial label, which was lettered "bottled by S.S. Pierce, Boston". However, since Pierce was evidently a jobber, the actual manufacturer of the flasks is unknown, presumably a glasshouse in the Boston area.

Star (5-pointed star on base, example shown)............Star Glass Works/Company, New Albany, IN (1869-c.1880). Star Glass Company was formed and operated by John B. Ford (dba John Ford & Sons) from 1869 until about 1872, when the operation was acquired by businessman W.C. DePauw. By 1880, the factory was known as the W.C.Depauw Glass Company (or DePauw's American Plate Glass Works) and continued to operate until the Panic of 1893 caused the plant to shut down. Sporadic attempts to revive the works failed. This star marking is usually quite boldly embossed. Note: A star on the base of certain bottles found mainly on the west coast might be attributed to Pacific Glass Works, San Francisco, CA. Also, see "3 Rivers" and "N next to or within a star" marks. There are also cases in which some types of bottles exhibit a star in the design or on the base which has nothing to do with the glassmaker.

Sterlinglass...........Unknown.

Swayzee................Swayzee Glass Company, Swayzee, IN (1894-1906). Factory bought by Ball Bros. in 1906.

T, resembling an anchor, with smaller, angular M and C nestled underneath to the left and right (shown).........Thatcher Manufacturing Company/Thatcher Glass Mnfg. Corporation (c.1904-1985). First plant at Elmira, NY, but later many others were added including locations at: Kane, Pa; Streator, IL; Wharton, NJ; Mt. Vernon, OH; Lockport, NY; Clarksburg, WV; Olean, NY; Winchester, IN; Cedar Grove, WV; Parkersburg, WV; Lawrenceburg, IN; Muscatine, IA; Saugus, CA and Tampa FL. Mark is often indistinct and the 2 smaller letters may be illegible. This mark was first used about 1949 and is a variation on their earlier mark which was also MTC, but in a more legible format (see MTC mark).

T......................Unknown (Seen on base of small, clear bottle, c.1900, perhaps a perfume bottle).

T in a circle..........Unknown (Seen on base of aqua rectangular paneled prescription bottle, c. 1910-1930).

T in a keystone........Knox Bottle Company, Palestine, TX plant location (1941-c.1953)

T in a square (rectangle).......Anchor Hocking mark "Anchor in a rectangle" somewhat resembles a capital T when viewed upside down.

T in an inverted triangle......Turner Bros. Glass Company, Terre Haute, IN (c.1905-1930)

T.B. ..................Tibby Brothers, Pittsburgh, PA and Sharpsburg, PA (1866-c.1902). The first factory location was in Pittsburgh, and the second one was started up in Sharpsburg somewhat later. Both locations operated simultaneously for many years. The Sharpsburg location was the only plant in operation by the time of Tibby Brothers' closing, but I am not sure on the exact date Pittsburgh closed and when the Sharpsburg plant opened.

T.C.W..................See next entry.

T.C.W.CO. .............T.C.Wheaton Glass Company, Millville, New Jersey (1888-to date). Seen especially on laboratory, chemical and drug bottles. See "W in a circle".

Three Rivers...........Three Rivers Glass Company, Three Rivers, TX (1922-1937)

Tibby Bros Pitts PA....See "T B".

3 R "star".............Three Rivers Glass Company, Three Rivers, TX (1922-1937)

3 Rivers (with "star" emblem)..........Three Rivers Glass Company, Three Rivers, TX (1922-1937). Ball Bros. Glass Company bought the plant in 1937, and operated it for around 10 years before shutting it down.

T/M (monogram, as shown).............almost certainly the Modes-Turner Glass Company, Cicero & Terre Haute, IN (c.1900-1905). Earlier known as Modes Glass Company (c.1895-1900). Terre Haute operation later known as Turner Bros. Glass Company (c.1905-1930) and the Cicero plant became known as Indiana Bottle and Glass Company (c.1905-1909).

T M C..................Thatcher Manufacturing Company, Kane, PA; Elmira, NY; other locations (1904-1985). Mark used circa 1910s-1920s. See "T, resembling an anchor" mark, above.

T MFG CO...............Thatcher Manufacturing Company, Kane, PA; Elmira, NY; other locations (1904-1985). Mark used circa 1910s-1920s. See "T, resembling an anchor" mark, above.

T.M'F'G.CO.............Thatcher Manufacturing Company, Kane, PA; Elmira, NY; other locations (1904-1985). Mark used circa 1904-c.1920. See "T, resembling an anchor" mark, above.

T over a V...............Tygart Valley Glass Company, Grafton, WV (1895-1928) and Washington, PA (1928-1959). A maker of many types of generic packer jars and bottles. Their mark underwent some subtle changes over the years, and the last variant, which closely resembles a narrow inverted triangle,(with the downward-pointing serifs of the "T" crossbar almost, but not quite, touching the upper portions of the "V") , was evidently used from about 1940 to 1959. On earlier items the mark is reported (by Toulouse) to have had a somewhat wider "V". Tygart Valley was purchased by Brockway Glass Company in 1959.

T.W. & CO..........Thomas Wightman & Company, Pittsburgh, PA (c.1874-1895+). Successor to Lorenz and Wightman (see L&W mark).

U......................Several possibilities: Underwood Glass Company, New Orleans, LA (1956-1978) & Memphis, TN; Upland Cooperative Glass Company, Upland, IN (1899-1909) or Upland Flint Bottle Co/Upland Glass Co, Upland, IN (1912-1929). In the case of some earlier handblown strapside flasks which are found with a "U" on the base, which probably date before any of these companies' existence, the glassmaker is uncertain.....perhaps Union Glass Works, Philadelphia, PA (1845-c.1876)

U in a keystone........Pennsylvania Bottle Company, Sheffield, PA (1929-1951)

U G B .................United Glass Bottle Manufacturers, Inc. (large conglomerate of many glass factories in the United Kingdom). Mark dates from 1913 to about 1968.

U G P..................United Glass Products, Parkersburg, WV (c.1930-1962); Joliet, IL (1962-19??). Known especially for producing embossed milk bottles for various dairies.

U.G.CO.................Union Glass Company (Works), Philadelphia, PA (1845-c.1876)

Union Glass Works..............Union Glass Works, Philadelphia, PA (1845-c.1876)

V (stylized V trademark, as pictured)............Vitro Corporation, Monterrey, Mexico. A modern mark seen on many glass containers imported into the US. Mark may be indistinct, and sometimes appears on smaller bottles as merely a group of 3 triangular-shaped dots.

V within a circle......Modern mark of Mexican origin, probably Vitro Corporation (see above.)

V.D.CO.................Unknown. Possibly Alfred Vogeler Drug Company?

V M (V above M, inside a triangle. Viewed upside down, mark looks somewhat like a W inside a triangle).............Vidriera Monterrey, Monterrey, Mexico (1909-19??). (Exact period of use of this mark uncertain. I have two bottles date-coded 1956 and 1958.) Vidriera Monterrey is a glass container factory "ancestor" to the present corporation Vitro. (See "V" mark, also see the "M over V in a circle" mark).

W......................most likely either Wormser Glass Company (1875-c.1927) or Thos. Wightman & Company (c.1874-1895+), both of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

W & CO.............Thomas Wightman & Company, Pittsburgh, PA (c.1874-1895+). See "T.W.& Co." and "L&W" marks.

W in a circle..........T. C. Wheaton Glass Company, Millville, NJ (1888-to date). This mark is seen on laboratory, chemical & drug bottles, and has been in use since 1946.

W in a diamond............Whitney Glass Works, Glassboro, NJ (1882-1918)

W in a keystone............Westmoreland Glass Company, Grapeville, PA (1889-1984). This mark was used from 1910 to 1929. See "W superimposed over a G" entry.

W.B.M.CO...............Western Bottle Manufacturing Company, Chicago, IL (1901-c.1930s)

W & C..............Unknown

W.C.D..................W.C.DePauw Glass Works (aka DePauw's American Plate Glass Works), New Albany, IN (1880-c.1895)

W.C.G.CO...............West Coast Glass Company, Los Angeles, CA (1908-1930). Reportedly this company made only milk bottles, but a hand-blown clear prescription bottle found in the east exists with this mark on the base. If another company used these initials, one possibility would be a short-lived venture, the Wightman Co-operative Glass Co, Port Allegany, PA (1916)

W.D.CO.................Unknown.

W.D.& G................Unknown, seen on amber strap-side flask.

Westford Glass Co......Westford Glass Company, Westford, CT (1857-1869). Seen on the face of several flasks.

W.F.M..................Aetna Glass Works (William F. Modes, Proprietor), Pittsburgh, PA (circa 1869). Mark seen on the base of certain "Mason's Patent Nov 30 1858" fruit jars. William Modes was also involved in several other, later glass companies, including Beaver Falls Glass Company, Beaver Falls, PA, and Modes Glass Company of Cicero, IN.

W.F.& S............On certain bottles dating from the 1870s, William Frank & Sons, Pittsburgh, PA (1866-1876). In most cases, this mark (usually seen with "MIL" or "MILW" as part of the embossing) indicates the bottle was made by William Franzen & Son, Milwaukee, WI.

W.F.& S. MIL.......See next entry.

W.F.& S. MILW......William Franzen & Son, Milwaukee, WI (c.1900-1929). This mark is commonly seen on many beer bottles from the midwest. The mark may have been introduced on ware as early as 1896. See N G W mark.

W.F.& Sons.........William Frank & Sons, Pittsburgh, PA (1866-1876). Earlier known as Wm. Frank & Company (1846-1866), although actual glass manufacturing didn't begin until 1858 as during the period 1846 to 1858 the firm was only a dry goods/mercantile establishment. After 1858, when the glasshouse was built, it was also called the "Frankstown Glass Works".

W superimposed over a G.............Westmoreland Glass Company, Grapeville, PA (1889-1984). Seen most commonly on high-quality colored and opaque pressed glass. This mark reportedly dates from 1949 to 1984. Caution: This mark is also seen on some more recent items, such as hen-on-nest dishes, that were made after 1984 from old molds which have since been sold to other glassmaking companies. For more information on Westmoreland and their trademarks, try visiting the Westmoreland Glass Clubs Website .

W.G.CO.................Used by at least 2 or 3 companies (or more). Wisconsin Glass Company, Milwaukee, WI (1882-1886) produced beer bottles with these initials on the base. The mark is also confirmed on a clear rectangular mouth-blown druggist bottle, circa 1900. A possibility for the source of the mark in that case might be the Wagner Glass Company, Ingalls, IN (1895-1908). Company info on Wagner can be found in Dick Roller's Indiana Glass Factories Notes, page 49. Julian Toulouse states Wightman Glass Company, Parkers Landing, PA (1900-1930) as the user of "W.G.CO." I also suspect that some bottles made by Wormser Glass Company, Pittsburgh, might have carried this mark. Note: In the case of Wisconsin Glass Company, the embossing "MILW" is also usually included, but some bottles do exhibit the lone "W.G.CO." marking. See next entry, as well as "WIS G.CO." and similar marks.

W.G.CO. MILW................Wisconsin Glass Company, Milwaukee, WI (1882-1886). Noted on blob-top beer bottles. Also, see "WIS.G.CO."

W.G.M.CO...............Western Glass Manufacturing Company, Valverde, CO (1900-1909)

W.G.W (monogram).......Woodbury Glass Works, Woodbury, NJ (1882-1900)

Whitney Glass Works............Whitney Glass Works, Glassboro, NJ. (1882-1918). In 1918 this factory became a part of the Owens Bottle Company. In 1929, after the forming of Owens-Illinois Glass Co, the plant became O-I plant #8.

Willington Glass Co. ...........Willington Glass Company/Works, West Willington, CT (c.1830-1872). Full name seen on several flasks, as well as embossed in a circle (as "Willington Glass Works") on the base of cylinder whiskies.

WIS.G.CO...............Wisconsin Glass Company, Milwaukee, WI (1882-1886) . [Note: For general information on antique bottles from Wisconsin, you might try browsing this collectors' site: Wisconsin Bottles Website . This site pictures many kinds of embossed bottles used in Wisconsin, including some that were made at the glass factories in Milwaukee, as well as many other bottles from out-of-state glasshouses that were made for, and used by, companies operating in Wisconsin.]

WIS.G.CO. MIL..........Same as above.

WIS.G.CO. MILW.........Same as above.

WIS.GLASS CO...........Same as above.

WIS.GLASS CO./MILW.....Another variation on the above marks. This one is noted on a pickle bottle. (Can be misinterpreted to read "Milw Wis Glass Co", implying the name was "Milwaukee Glass Company", which is in error. The company was known as Wisconsin Glass Company).

Wm. Frank & Sons............William Frank & Sons, Pittsburgh, PA (1866-1876). See "W.F.& Sons" mark.

W.McC.& CO..........William McCully and Company, Pittsburgh, PA (1841-c.1909)

WM.McC.& CO.........Same as above.

Wooster................Wooster Glass Company, Wooster, OH (c.1900-1904). This plant became part of the Ohio Bottle Company in 1904.

W.P.G.Co...............Unknown. Seen on the base of a picnic ("pumpkinseed") whiskey flask, probably made during the 1885-1915 period.

W above a T, within an inverted triangle........Whitall Tatum Company, Millville, NJ (mark used approximately 1922-1938)

W.T.CO.................Whitall Tatum Company, Millville, New Jersey (1901-1938). See below.

W.T.& CO...........Whitall Tatum & Company, Millville, New Jersey (1857-1901). Maker of a huge variety of glass containers. Known among fruit jar collectors for their "Millville Atmospheric" jar. See more on Whitall Tatum here .

Z (backwards Z with horizontal line through the center)............Foster-Forbes Glass Company, Marion, IN (1929-c.2000). (Also, see "FF" entry). This mark is actually a logo composed of 2 capital "F"s connected stem-to-stem, but at a casual glance it somewhat resembles a backward Z with a slash through the center. Mark evidently dates from the 1930s/1940s period, exact time of use is uncertain. If you have more information on this, please contact me.

Fleur de Lis design/logo (seen on the base of pressed glass vase)........Unknown trademark. I suspect this may be of foreign origin, perhaps European?

Oil derrick logo (shown)............Oil City Glass Company, Oil City, Pennsylvania (1952-1969). Also, see "O in a keystone" mark.

Logo consisting of 3 vertical rectangles positioned above a horizontal rectangle (shown)..............Midland Glass Company, Inc., Cliffwood, NJ; Terre Haute, IN and Shakopee, MN (1968-1984?)

Modern European Logo (shown)...................... BSN Vidrala, Spain. Seen on such items as olive jars and other containers imported to the US.

Triangular logo..............American National Can Company (1987-1995).

Rose entwined around a goblet logo..................Unknown, reported to me as being seen on the bottom of a vase. If you have information on this mark, please contact me.

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