BLOG: Coolamon Bottle and Collectables Annual Fair

Who doesn’t love bottles!

Especially when they’re filled with wine and enjoyed from the back verandah, while you put your feet up and take in the sunset.

So when heading to the Coolamon Bottle and Collectables Annual Fair, it’s easy to imagine the history of the lowly bottle and the unique story it has to tell.

Where was it produced? What was it made of? Who designed it? What brand was stamped on it? Which beverage or other liquid once filled it. How many sunsets from the back verandah did it enjoy? 

Coolamon’s Up-to-Date Store hosted the Bottle and Collectables Annual Fair on Saturday, which featured local displays of bottles including antique ink bottles, soft drink and cordial bottles and whisky decanters. Unfortunately, none were filled with wine.

If you went along, you probably got the chance to meet American-Australian collector, Jim Bell, who had brought along his impressive collection of bottles and collectables, as well as his unique sense of humour.

When asked to show off the three most interesting pieces on display, Jim brought out these beauties.

Number 1 – The jug

Produced in around 1880 by Mashman Pottery of Chatswood, this jug was made for the centenary celebrations of 1888. 

Whilst Australia had no official coat of arms at the time, the kangaroo and emu had been floating around as an unofficial emblem for some time.

Fact: This is the only one of its kind remaining

Value: $5,000

Number 2 – The clock

Produced in 1935 to coincide with the release of the Disney movie in 1937, this is film merch at its finest.

Sleepy at 3am, Dopey at 4am and Grumpy at 6am when you have to get up for work. That’s about the truth of it.

Value: $350

Number 3 – the Decanter

 Produced in 1884 by Doulton Lambeth, this wine decanter DID once hold wine! Not anymore though. Because getting tipsy around an $850 vintage Doulton Lambeth wine decanter can only end in tears.

Value: $850