Unearth a tangible piece of 19th-century maritime history with this rare, shipwreck-recovered olive green case gin bottle.

Manufactured by J.J. Melchers Wz in Schiedam, Netherlands—the historical epicenter of Dutch gin and schnapps production—this small-format "case gin" bottle dates to the late 1800s. Unlike the standard 9-to-10-inch quart bottles, this scarce half-size/pint version measures just 7.5" tall with a 2.25" x 2.25" base.

The Shipwreck Story:

Recovered from the coast of an uninhabited island off Africa, this bottle was found buried in soft sand, likely washed ashore from an unrecorded 19th-century trade vessel shipwreck. It remains in its authentic, as-found state, exhibiting natural surface character from its time in marine sand.

Bottle Highlights:

Embossing: Clear, crisp raised lettering across three panels (with one plain panel originally intended for a paper label):

Panel 1: ⁠J.J. MELCHERS Wz⁠

Panel 2: ⁠SCHIEDAM⁠

Panel 3: ⁠AROMATIC SCHNAPPS⁠

Panel 4: Plain / Unembossed

Features: Classic tapered square body (designed to pack tightly into wooden shipping crates), hand-applied collared lip, smooth cup-mold base, and crude Victorian glass characteristics including seed bubbles and slight wave.

Condition: Intact with no major chips or structural cracks. Displays authentic marine surface patina confirming its ocean recovery.

A fantastic addition for collectors of antique bottles, nautical relics, pirate lore, and maritime history.