Lot 802: Hoile Mackey Russian Bitters Antique Bottle

Very Good. Couple of tiny impact nicks to upper lip, one has a fine 8 x 4 mm bruise down from it on the inner lip. Tiny flake to the lower applied lip. Down near the base on one corner left of the Russian Bitters panel is a scuffed scratch about 15 mm long. There are a few consecutive bruises under this over a total of 12 x 6 mm, these are not hugely deep. Couple of shallow scratches left of this to the blank panel. Scratch near E of bitters. A few tiny annealing marks to inner lip. Little nibbled impact to shoulder. Scuff mark beside this to shoulder. Some dirt internally that will soak out. A few other scratches and minor marks. In 1898 James Thomas Mackey, of 520 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne, wine and spirit merchant, trading as Hoile, Mackey, and Co. ceased business. The causes of insolvency - Bad debts and a general dullness in trade. You may notice this bottle is shaped like a Hartwig bitters, this article from 1879 is of interest "An application by Messrs. Hoile and Mackey, of King Street, for the registration of a label entitled "Russian Stomach Bitters " was opposed by Messrs. Kronheimer and Co., the agents of Hartwig Kantorowicz, on the ground that it was a colourable imitation of that of Kantorowicz; the application was ultimately refused." This is an extremely rare Melbourne bitters. Grade: 7.5 Estimate: $500 - 750