GXI-35 “For Pike’s Peak” Prospector – Eagle Flask – Olive Yellow
GXI – 35
Prospector And “For Pike’s Peak” Eagle And “Ceredo”
Historical Flask
Ceredo, West Virginia Glass Works
Medium Yellow Olive Pint
Provenance: Anonymous
One word says it all concerning this flask and the word is “Gem.” It is always special to find Pike’s Peak flasks in color but to have one in such an unusual color makes this one even more special.
We actually have two GXI-35 examples in our collection, the second being in yellow-green glass (see comparison below). See GXI-35 Prospector – Eagle in yellow-green.
This particular flask was blown at a glass works in Ceredo, West Virginia as evidenced by the word “CEREDO” embossed in the oval under the eagle on the reverse of the flask. These so-called “embossed” Pike’s Peak flasks, having the theme of the glass house on them, are always held in a loftier position as opposed to the unembossed Pike’s Peak flasks.
An interesting feature with this yellow-olive pint flask is the unusually long neck. Apparently, after the gaffer finished the neck, he decided to add another inch in length and apply a banded collar to the mouth. Upon close examination, you can visually see this process performed by the gaffer.
The front and back illustrations of the subject For Pikes Peak flask shown below are from American Bottles and Flasks and Their Ancestry.
The flask was blown circa 1859 and used to carry liquor for the prospectors headed west to Pike’s Peak, Colorado at the height of the Gold Rush. We’re sure that if these flasks could talk, we would hear many interesting stories.
On what is considered the primary face of the flask, you will see a large embossed prospector wearing a hat. The prospector is walking left as you hold the bottle. He is holding a bindlestiff on his shoulder in his left hand. His right hand is holding a long cane that comes into contact with the ground or oval. He is wearing a long coat and has skinny legs and boots standing on even ground. The embossed copy, ‘FOR PIKE’S PEAK,’ occurs over the prospector in arched umbrella copy. The prospector is standing on a horizontal oblong oval that does not contain any embossed copy.
The reverse of the flask pictures an embossed, medium-sized eagle, with its head turned to the left as you hold the flask. The eagle has a small shield with vertical bars. The eagle talons are grasping three feathered arrows or long thunderbolts. A long banner is held in the eagle’s beak waving right. A horizontal oblong oval is embossed on the bottom of the flask. The copy ‘CEREDO’ is embossed within.
Known colors are aqua which is comparatively scarce. Light green is considered scarce. Amber is rare, and yellow-green is very rare. This medium yellow-olive color would be considered extremely rare.
Primary Image: The GXI-35 Prospector And “For Pike’s Peak” Eagle and “Ceredo” historical flask imaged on location by the FOHBC Virtual Museum midwest studio led by Alan DeMaison.
Support: Reference to American Bottles and Flasks and Their Ancestry by Helen McKearin and Kenneth M. Wilson, Crown Publishers Inc., New York, 1978.
Support Images: Auction Lot 71: “For Pike’s Peak” And Prospector – “Ceredo” And Eagle Historical Flask, America, 1860-1875. Brilliant yellow-green, applied mouth with ring – smooth base, pint. GXI-35 Extremely rare and beautiful color. Attractive whittled surface. Fine condition. – Norman C. Heckler & Company.
Support Images: Auction Lot 158: Prospector And “For Pike’s Peak” – Eagle And “Ceredo” Historical Flask, Ceredo Glass Works, Ceredo, West Virginia, 1860-1870. Bright bluish aquamarine, applied mouth with ring – smooth base, pint; (1/8 inch flake from banner, light exterior high point wear). GXI-35 Numerous small bubbles. Generally fine condition. – Norman C. Heckler & Company.
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