Hamilton Torpedo Bottle Value Guide

The Hamilton Torpedo Bottle is a classic of Victorian engineering, featuring a distinctive pointed base designed by William Hamilton to keep corks moist. These hand-blown teal glass vessels are highly collectible for their unique aerodynamic shape and their role in the early carbonated beverage industry.

What Is Hamilton Torpedo Bottle Worth?

The typical price range for Hamilton Torpedo Bottle is $25 - $27 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• The intensity and clarity of the teal glass significantly impact the market value.
• Condition is critical; chips or heavy 'sickness' (cloudiness) in the glass can reduce the $25-$27 price point.
• Presence of original embossing or manufacturer marks can increase desirability among UK glass collectors.
• The structural integrity of the rounded base, which is prone to impact damage, affects final valuation.

How to Identify Hamilton Torpedo Bottle?

• Look for the signature rounded or 'torpedo' shaped bottom which prevents the bottle from standing upright.
• Examine the glass for a deep teal color and characteristic hand-blown imperfections like air bubbles or seeds.
• Check for an applied lip or a crude finish consistent with mid-to-late 19th-century manufacturing techniques.
• Verify the presence of a pontil mark or mold seams that fade near the neck, typical of the 1850-1890 era.

History of Hamilton Torpedo Bottle

Commonly known as a torpedo or Hamilton bottle, this design was patented by William Hamilton in 1809. The rounded bottom was a clever engineering feat intended to ensure the bottle was stored on its side, keeping the cork moist and preventing carbonated beverages like soda or mineral water from losing their fizz.