Old I.W. Harper Decanter

Scarce & MINT! Antique American advertising "Pinch" decanter style Whiskey back bar bottle with 3 dimensional white enamel lettering, circa 1890's-1920. A "Pinch" bottle is much scarcer and is typically smaller than the usual quart size or larger decanter style back bar bottles. They are called Pinch bottles as the bottle has 2 indentations in the glass so that the pourer can easily pinch the bottle with their fingers when pouring a shot of whiskey. This fancy and desirable Pinch back bar decanter style bottle was used in bar rooms and saloons so that patrons could "call up" their favorite brand of Whiskey. This bottle is about 8 1/2" tall and about 4 1/8" wide from front to back base. The Old English style lettering, as well as the block style lettering is hand applied in raised white enamel decoration. The lettering reads, "OLD I.W. HARPER" (whiskey). This white lettering can be rubbed off or damaged when wiping or cleaning the bottle. Almost all bottles with this style lettering have some wear to the enamel; but the lettering on this one is in mint condition. Usually in these old bottles, there is scattered light deposits on the inside the bottle; however, this pinch bottle is in mint condition, with the glass being clear and glistens. This bottle has the original hand blown glass stopper, as the shoulder of the neck of the stopper seats perfectly into the top of the bottle and also fits very tightly into the neck of the bottle. The stopper is also in mint condition except for a couple of small chips on the bottom edge which is typical and is not distracting to the overall appearance of this piece. This is an outstanding piece of Americana in mint condition; and if not for the very minor chips on the edge of the bottom stopper, this piece would be considered to be in pristine mint condition. This piece is suitable for the best bar, back bar, play room, saloon, gambling hall, decor piece, conversation piece, and can, of course, still be used today to hold your favorite Whiskey, wine, liquor, or other spirit.