Free-Blown Glass Bottle Fragment or 'Kick' Base

This item is the heavy, thick-walled base section of a hand-blown glass bottle, likely an early wine or spirits vessel. The glass displays a deep amber or olive-green color, commonly referred to as 'black glass' in antiquarian contexts due to its opacity in thick sections. The base features a prominent 'kick' or push-up, a structural element intended to distribute sediment and increase stability. The exterior is heavily impacted by significant iridescent weathering and 'sick glass' syndrome, appearing as a crusty, opaque white or silvery exfoliation. This occurs when glass is buried in moist, acidic soil for centuries, causing the minerals to leach out and create a laminated surface. The glass itself is filled with seed bubbles and impurities, indicating early manufacturing techniques predating standardized industrial glass. The rim where it was severed appears uneven and jagged, suggesting it is a shard from a larger vessel rather than a finished bowl. Based on the thickness, color, and degree of devitirification, this fragment likely dates from the late 17th to the mid-18th century, possibly originating from an English 'onion' or 'bladder' bottle. There are no visible maker's marks, which is typical for free-blown utility glass of this period.

I have carefully examined the high-resolution images of this free-blown glass kick base. The artifact displays classic hallmarks of late 17th to mid-18th-century English or Continental utility glass manufacture, specifically indicating a 'black glass' onion or mallet-style wine bottle. The deep olive-amber coloration and high density of seed bubbles are consistent with wood-fired or early coal-fired furnace techniques. The most striking feature is the advanced iridescence and devitrification. This 'sick glass' patina, while aesthetically prized by some collectors for its opalescent 'archaeological' appearance, represents a structural degradation of the glass matrix due to long-term burial in acidic soil. This flakey exfoliation and the fact that it is a fragment rather than a complete vessel significantly limit its market value. While a complete, intact English 'onion' bottle from c. 1700 could realize $800 to $1,500, a detached base fragment is primarily a study piece or a 'found object' decorative item. The market for shards is niche, typically appealing to historical archaeologists or specialized glass scholars. Final authentication based on images alone is limited; certain modern 'maritime' reproductions can mimic this weathering using chemical baths. To confirm authenticity, I would require an in-person physical examination to check the weight, smell (burial glass often retains a specific earthy odor), and tactile nature of the exfoliation layers. Provenance detailing the recovery site (e.g., a specific colonial privy or shipwreck) would also be essential for a definitive valuation. Without such documentation, the value stays within the decorative study piece range.