State Embossed Bottle Appraisal

Half Pint Clear Glass Bottle with State of Minnesota Embossing

The item presented is a clear, colorless glass bottle, clearly marked as a 'HALF PINT' capacity. Its construction is that of molded glass, resulting in a somewhat rectangular or flask-like body with noticeably rounded corners and gently curving shoulders leading into a relatively short, sturdy neck. The lip of the bottle appears thickened and flared, designed to accommodate a cork or perhaps a universal stopper rather than a threaded screw cap, which is indicative of its manufacturing era. The glass itself appears thick and durable, consistent with utilitarian bottles. The bottle's surface exhibits some minor irregularities and seams typical of its molded production process. Most notably, the bottle features embossed lettering. Along the upper curvature of the front panel, the phrase "...OF MINNESOTA." is partially visible, strongly suggesting "STATE OF MINNESOTA" – a crucial detail for assessing its origin and purpose. Centrally located on the lower front body, the words "HALF PINT" are clearly and legibly embossed. Additional manufacturing details, as provided, include "10158", "D 23", and "02A" embossed on the base, which are likely mold numbers, plant indicators, or date codes, offering valuable clues to its specific production history. Regarding its condition, the bottle displays significant internal and external haziness and dirt, giving it a cloudy appearance. This indicates a natural patina from age and exposure rather than recent cleaning, but no major structural damage such as chips, cracks, or breaks are apparent from the provided images. Minor surface abrasions, consistent with an older item, may be present. This type of heavy, embossed glass bottle, particularly one bearing a state name and specific capacity, falls within the early to mid-20th century, likely dating from or shortly after the Prohibition era (1920s-1930s), when state liquor control boards often mandated or distributed such containers. Its primary value lies in its historical context and regional collectibility.