Antique Torpedo Bottle Value Guide

The Antique Torpedo Bottle, also known as the Codd bottle, is a Victorian-era marvel invented by Hiram Codd in 1872 to revolutionize the carbonated beverage industry. Its distinctive rounded base was a functional necessity, forcing the bottle to be stored on its side to keep the cork or stopper moist and the seal airtight.

What affects the value of Antique Torpedo Bottle?

• Presence of original embossing or manufacturer marks from the Victorian era soda industry.
• Glass color rarity, with deep ambers or cobalts typically fetching higher prices than standard aqua.
• Overall condition, specifically the absence of chips or 'sickness' (cloudiness) in the glass.
• Historical provenance or specific regional markings from United Kingdom bottling plants.

How to Identify Antique Torpedo Bottle?

• Look for the signature pointed or rounded 'torpedo' base which prevents the bottle from standing upright.
• Check for heavy, thick glass construction typical of United Kingdom manufacturing between 1870 and 1900.
• Identify the internal glass marble or specific neck groove used in the Codd-neck patented sealing system.
• Examine the glass for bubbles and imperfections consistent with late 19th-century glassblowing techniques.

History of Antique Torpedo Bottle

Torpedo bottles, or Codd bottles, were invented by Hiram Codd in 1872. Their unique, rounded shape prevented them from being stored upright, ensuring the cork or stopper remained wet and sealed, thus retaining the carbonation of the beverages within. This innovative design was crucial for the burgeoning soda and mineral water industries of the Victorian era.