Dr. Bell’s Golden Tonic Bitters

Dr. Bell’s
Golden Tonic Bitters

B 39

G. W. Silver & Company, Chicago, Illinois

Amber Figural Bell

Provenance: Ex Ferdinand Meyer V, William C. Ham, and Carlyn Ring Collections

Dr. Bell’s Golden Tonic Bitters is an extremely rare figural bottle reminiscent of an old school teacher’s bell. This bottle is an exciting form not duplicated in American Civil War-era vessels.

When looking at one side of the bell you see that the embossed ‘DR BELL’S’ copy is on the upper area of the bell and arched downwards with the ‘R’ of ‘Dr’ treated smaller and raised. ‘GOLDEN TONIC BITTERS’ is centered and embossed in two lines beneath. There is an applied ring mouth. The base has a metallic pontil. Examples are typically found in shades of amber and have been found with foil seals on the mouth. The reverse is where a paper label may have been applied. Red iron pontil examples exist.

The framed advertising piece above says, “Dr. Bell’s Golden Tonic Stomach Bitters! Manufactured Solely by G. W. Silver & Co., 213 East Madison St., Chicago, Illinois.” In 1867, G. W. Silver & Co. was comprised of George W. Silver and Larkin Coleman. In 1866, the company name was Coleman & Silver. The company dynamics changed later in 1867 when H. E. Cornell replaced Larkin Coleman. By the early 1870s, G. W. Silver was listed as working for the Chicago mayor’s office. His primary vocation was a carpenter as he was listed in this occupation prior to and after his short stint with bitters.

Newspaper advertising occurs from 1866 to 1870. A typical advertisement reads, “Dr. Bell’s Golden Tonic Stomach Bitters are a superior appetizer and contain no more spirit than is necessary to produce the effect desired. They are also recommended by the proprietor as a sure and safe remedy for Fever and Ague, Dyspepsia, and Nervous Debility.”

The Carlyn Ring and W.C. Ham listing in Bitters Bottles is as follows:

B 59 DR. BELL’S ( au ) / GOLDEN TONIC / BITTERS // c //
10 ¼ x 5 ½ (6)
Figural bell, Amber, ARM, Metallic pontil mark, Extremely rare

Primary Image: Dr. Bell’s Golden Tonic Bitters bottle imaged by the FOHBC Virtual Museum midwest studio by Alan DeMaison.

Support: Reference to Bitters Bottles by Carlyn Ring and W. C. Ham. Use of Dr. Bell’s Golden Tonic Bitters illustration courtesy Bill Ham.

Support Images (3): Auction Lot 41: “Dr Bell’s / Golden Tonic / Bitters” Figural Bottle, America, 1845-1860. School bell form, medium amber with a yellow tone, applied mouth with ring – iron pontil mark, ht. 10 inches. R/H #B-59 Listed as extremely rare. Retains partial original foil seal on mouth. Fine condition. – Norman Heckler, Norman C. Heckler Auctions | Auction #141

Support Images (2): Auction Lot 62: “DR BELL’S / GOLDEN TONIC / BITTERS”, (Ring/Ham, B-59), American, ca. 1865 – 1870, amber figural bell, 10 ¼”h, red iron pontil, applied ring mouth. – Jim Hagenbuch, Glass Works Auctions

Support Image: Framed Dr. Bell’s Golden Tonic Stomach Bitters advertisement – Ferdinand Meyer V collection.

Join the FOHBC: The Virtual Museum is a project of the Federation of Historical Bottle Collectors (FOHBC). To become a member.