Marine Etched Bottle Appraisal

Etched Green Glass Onion Bottle with Maritime Motif

This item is a decorative 'onion' style glass bottle, characterized by its bulbous, rounded body and a long, slender tapered neck. The glass is a vibrant, translucent emerald green. The primary feature of the piece is the intricate white needle-etching or glass-engraved decoration on the front of the body. The artwork depicts a three-masted sailing ship, likely a frigate, accompanied by an anchor emblem and cursive script. The text specifically references the 'U.S. Frigate Essex' and 'Salem,' suggesting a commemorative or nautical theme related to the historic American vessel. The construction appears to be a mold-blown decorative piece rather than an antique hand-blown utility bottle, indicated by its uniform color and surface finished. The lip of the bottle has a double-ring finish. In terms of condition, the glass appears structurally sound with no visible chips or heavy cracks, though there are minor superficial scratches consistent with display and handling. The etching remains sharp and legible. Based on the style of the engraving and the clarity of the glass, this appears to be a 20th-century decorative reproduction or commemorative piece rather than a 19th-century original artifact. The craftsmanship displays high detail in the stippled and line-work of the ship's rigging and sails, providing significant visual interest.