From back cover: These seldom studied artifacts represent changes in scientific and medical knowledge starting in the 18th century as well as the social changes towards improving the health and well being of those serving the crown. Examples from around the world have been photographed and categorized along with historical documentation. An additional chapter of related artifacts has also been included. This guide will be of interest to historical archaeologists, medical and military historians, museum professionals and collectors. 

Book Description:

... 234 pages with over 400 colour photos on high quality paper in a 6 by 9 inch format. Published by First Choice Books,  Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.

 Reviewers: Dr. Mark Warner, professor of archaeology, University of Idaho, Grant Keddie, Curator of Archaeology, Royal British Columbia Museum, and Tristan Carl, B.A.

Chapter Descriptions:

  Chapter 1 - Introduction: This covers the extent of where these bottles are found and the overall importance of what they mean in terms of medical and technological advancements, starting at the end of the 18th century .

  Chapter 2 - Possible origins and history of the broads arrow: The use of the broad arrow goes back thousands of years in Europe. Its use in England to mark crown property goes back several hundred years. Especially during the 19th century, almost everything down to the brass screws on the ship would bear a broad arrow stamp.

  Chapter 3 - Contributions from the prison hulk Dromedary: Excavation of the sea floor beneath the prison hulk Dromedary in Bermuda has contributed many previously unknown examples of these bottles. This chapter gives a very brief overview of the Dromedary project. Chriss Addams plans to publish a full report sometime in 2015-2016

  Chapter 4 - Seal bottles of the British Military:  This chapter discusses the time period that glass seals were applied to Royal Navy bottles and some research on when seals were being ordered. The known bottles are categorized and described with full colour photographs.

  Chapter 5 - Archaeological contributions form Antigua: Formal excavations in Antigua have revealed a number of seals and some unique Royal Navy examples. Excavations have also provided evidence of the toxic environment many Royal Navy sailors worked in.

  Chapter 6 - Lime juice and the Royal Navy: More sailors died from disease and scurvy than wounds from battle. This chapter gives some overview of the use of lemon and lime juice in the Royal Navy and features photos of the known and suspected bottles that contained juice. One of the first human trials to discover a cure for scurvy was conducted by the Royal Navy in the 18th century.

  Chapter 7 - Apothecary bottles:  This chapter gives some historical background on the introduction of government supplied apothecary bottles, possibly staring as early as 1795. Figures are included that show the meaning of the number and letter codes that have puzzled archaeologists and collectors alike for many years. All of the letter and number code bottles that were found are shown as colour photographs.  Some of the lists provided indicate that additional examples probably did exist and may yet be found.  

 Chapter 8 -  Victorian Poison Bottles: These are amongst the most commonly found containers bearing government markings. This chapter has colour photographs of all of the examples found.  At least one label indicates that some of these bottles were used by civilians in one of the first National Health Care schemes. All of the examples found are shown in full colour.

  Chapter 9 - Engraved Bottles:  Some of the earliest bottles were high quality but instead of seals they had engraved arrows  along with code numbers and letters engraved. These bottles tend to be rare and those that were found are included in colour.

  Chapter 10 -  Etched bottles:  Especially by the 20th century, a variety of bottles (mostly poisons) have acid etched broad arrows. Photographs and descriptions are included. Some labels show they were being provided by private companies.

  Chapter 11 - Bottom Markings:  A wide variety of bottles are found with broad arrows on the bottom.  Examples that were found were photographed and recorded. Although some appear to be obvious government broad arrow marks confirmation of this is still needed through archaeological or historical records.

  Chapter 12 - Pottery Containers: Pottery medicine and percussion cap jars were recorded and photographed.  The early pottery medicinal jars are very rare. Some of the many known pottery SRD jugs from WW1 are also included in this chapter.

  Chapter 13 -  Soft Drinks, Regimental and Canteen bottles:   The abuse of alcohol was common, so the government encouraged soft drinks in canteens and clubs staring towards the end of the 19th century. They are seldom found in large quantities  and tend to be quite local. A number of examples  were listed and photographs were obtained when possible. An extensive search for these bottles would likely warrant a publication on their own.

 Chapter 14 -  Miscellaneous related artifacts: When Dr Mark Warner reviewed the first draft of this book, he suggested a final chapter of related artifacts. We saw and photographed so many interesting items we were able to add that.  Preference was given to containers, but all of the artifacts could be found in an archaeological setting.

 References: All information from outside sources electronic or paper was referenced.

 Reviews:

Mark Newell. PhD, USA May 2015 :... "A couple of colleagues have recently published  a book providing excellent photo references to bottles and pottery aboard British naval ships of the 19th century. It’s the best of its kind and I believe it may be very useful to you as you begin to further explore the interior of the HMS Erebus"...

Vernon Erwin, collector, USA, May 2015:  WOW! This book is very professionally published. The information and photos are a perfect reference for every bottle collector. I've been in awe looking at the many variations and colors of these bottles. Very well done. If you put this book in the Poison/Black Glass category on Ebay, it would fly off the shelves. Thanks for the mention of me and good luck!

Bill Wilson, Vancouver Island Author for the Fraser Valley Antiques and Collectibles Club of Vancouver, British Columbia, May- June 2015: NEW BOOK!

One of the highlights of the show was a surprise – a brand new book available for sale ($35), coauthored by our Tom Bown and Chriss Addams, formerly of Bermuda; the book was published by Tom himself. It is called “Glass & Pottery Containers of the Royal Navy and British Military: Historic and Archaeological Finds from the 18th, 19th and 20th Centuries.”

To compile the book Tom & Linda travelled to Bermuda. They discovered a treasure trove of information to help explain the “Broad Arrow” and “Fouled Anchor” marks left on Royal Navy artifacts, as well as the unusual numbers often found on the bottles. Tom also reached out to sources in England, Australia, and South Africa, and other countries to gain the “big picture”. I have no doubt that this book will be quoted many times in the years ahead by other historians. Favourite parts? I was really interested in Chapter 6 “Lime Juice and the Royal Navy”, but the lipsmacking photos in Chapter 13: “Soft Drinks, Regimental and Canteen Bottles” were also very good. I was very keen on the BC angles discussed, especially on pages 92 & 103, but do not overlook the discussion of manganese and how it produces purple coloured glass on page 88 – some good stuff there. Chapter 14, called “Miscellaneous Related Artifacts” was a grab – bag of other cool stuff as well.

The book benefits from the passage of time – living close to Esquimalt and being a keen collector and historian since the 1970’s, Tom has observed and now summarized what collectors have found over the years – if you can believe it, divers used to look for bottles right beside the warships back in the day (page 178 &180). He even points to a recent loss of a historic site in Esquimalt in 2012 (page 165).

Overall, this book is a bargain, even if you don’t collect these artifacts. It is very much a worthwhile read and you should be more knowledgeable about our bottle collecting hobby after you finish it.

The cost of the book is US $35 plus actual cost of shipping.  The book can be purchased directly from the author coffinisland@shaw.ca

Surface mail shipping costs at cost: (email for cost if airmail preferred)

Canada: depends on Postal code ($23.07 to $25.46.) 

Typical cost for one copy through Canada Post - U.S.:  $26.24   ...   International: $27.85    

There is considerable savings on shipping for more than one copy.  Please enquire for discounts on orders of 5 or more copies.