Jay:
 
     I found two or three examples of the bottle you describe in a Russian
     hospital trash pit in Sitka, Alaska. The trash was deposited in about
     1864. The bottle contained mineral water, not any kind of spirits
     (Selters = Seltzer). I believe it was a German manufacturer. The
     Russians received a good deal of their goods from Germany.
 
     I have my report at home, so can't give you any additional data at
     this time. However, you might check out our report at your nearest
     federal documents repository:
 
     Catherine Holder Blee, Marianne Musitelli, Linda J. Scott, D. Kate
     Aasen, and Stephen A. Chomko
 
     1986  Wine, Yaman and Stone: The Archeology of a Russian Hospital
           Trash Pit, Sitka National Historical Park, Sitka, Alaska. US
           Government Printing Office, Denver.
 
     We have drawings and complete references for the information in the report.
 
     Hope that helps!
 
 
     Cathy Spude
 
 
 
______________________________ Reply Separator _________________________________
Subject: stoneware bottle maker's mark
Author:  "M. Jay Stottman" <[log in to unmask]> at NP--INTERNET
Date:    1/12/98 12:06 PM
 
 
I am trying to find some information on an impressed mark on a stoneware bottle
found in an 1860s to 1880s context.  The bottle is 25cm tall with a small loop
handle near the lip.  The mark was impressed near the shoulder in the middle of
the bottle with a lion wearing a crown surrounded by the letters "SELTERS".
Below this mark were the impressed words "Herzogthum Nassau."  I have checked
the usual ceramic maker's marks references and have been unable to find it.  Has
 
anyone seen this mark before?  Does anyone know about it and what may have been
the contents of the bottle?  I suspect that the bottle contained some type of
liquor.
 
Thanks
 
 
M. Jay Stottman
Kentucky Archaeological Survey