W.H. & J. Morgan
Antique W.H. & J. Morgan Ginger Beer Bottle | Port Elizabeth (c.1900s)
Antique W.H. & J. Morgan Ginger Beer Bottle | Port Elizabeth (c.1900s)
1 in stock
Couldn't load pickup availability
A striking relic from turn-of-the-century Port Elizabeth, this antique stoneware bottle once held ginger beer bottled by W.H. & J. Morgan — a brand that proudly declared its commitment to "Purity" with a distinctive angel-winged heart emblem. Crafted in salt-glazed stoneware and imported from the renowned Price potteries of England, this piece embodies the functional charm and robust utility of early South African bottling history.
Display it as a conversation-starting collectible on a shelf, style it as a rustic bud vase for a single bloom, or incorporate it into a vintage bar setup or kitchen vignette. Its warm glaze and bold black graphic lend it just the right amount of utilitarian beauty.
Dimensions
Dimensions
- Height: 16.4 cm
- Diameter: 6.9 cm
Condition
Condition
- Excellent - This bottle is in excellent antique condition.
- No cracks or chips visible.
- Light wear consistent with age and use.
- The glaze is rich and intact with a beautiful sheen, and the printed logo remains bold and legible.
- There are some imperfections from the manufacturing process
Additional Information
Additional Information
1. Historical Context:
- W.H. & J. Morgan was a known bottling company based in Port Elizabeth (now Gqeberha), operating during the late 1800s to early 1900s.
- The "Purity" trademark—featuring an angelic or cherubic figure with wings and a heart—was common among Victorian and Edwardian branding, emphasising cleanliness and health, which were selling points in bottled beverages.
- Stoneware was chosen for its durability and ability to keep liquids cool.
2. Markings:
- The bottle features a transfer-printed black design reading "W.H. & J. Morgan, Registered Trade Mark, Purity, Port Elizabeth"
- Impressed "Price 0" stamp at the lower front, indicating its origin from Price of Bristol, a major English manufacturer of stoneware bottles used widely throughout the British Empire.
3. Historical Significance:
- Bottled in Port Elizabeth in the late 19th or early 20th century, when ginger beer was a popular non-alcoholic refreshment often consumed in pubs and homes alike.
- The bottle was manufactured by Price, Bristol, as indicated by the impressed mark near the base ("Price 0"). Thick-walled, utilitarian construction made to survive repeat use and transport.
4. Use in Its Time:
- Intended for the sale and delivery of ginger beer, these bottles were typically stoppered with corks and returned for reuse.
5. Uses & Versatility:
- Display it as a conversation-starting collectible on a shelf, style it as a rustic bud vase for a single bloom, or incorporate it into a vintage bar setup or kitchen vignette.
- Its warm glaze and bold black graphic lend it just the right amount of utilitarian beauty — equally at home in a farmhouse kitchen, industrial loft, or heritage-inspired space.
Share
