I have noticed on some later (say, post- 1930s) recycled bottles many short
scratches on the resting surface of the bottle base - sometimes on the
widest part of the shoulder - no doubt the result of being rattled about on
bottle cleaning machines. With the earlier bottles that we know were
recycled (eg soda waters) it seems we have to rely on the extent of wear on
the resting surface perhaps?

Does anyone know when bottle cleaning machines began to be commonly used?
Is there any documentation on manual methods of bottle cleaning?

With Thanks,    Robert

         Archaeologist  &  Heritage  Consultant
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