Summer 2026 Auction (August 07, 2026 7:00 AM PT - August 16, 2026 7:00 PM PT)

Circa 1849-1850, 9 1/4", iron pontil. An exceptionally rare and desirable Sarsaparilla from New York City with about two known examples. A very large and impressive bottle in a rich blue color with prominent embossing and a crude rear panel. This particular example was dug in downtown Sacramento in the 1960s and is in as found condition. There is stain on the exterior and interior of the bottle, some very spotty light exterior wear, and a shallow interior open bubble in the base, but no damage or issues. After examining advertisements for this product, it appears that the mold engraver made a mistake and should have embossed it with J.C. Morrison, not I.C. Morrison. The included 1849 advertisement clearly notes that the name J.C. Morrison is embossed on the bottle. The 1840s New York City directories list both John C. Morrison and John C. Morrison Jr. at the 188 Greenwich Street address associated with this product. A study of New York City directories and newspapers suggests that this may be the same John C. Morrison Jr. who arrived in California during the Gold Rush. If so, it would establish a direct connection between this bottle and the John C. Morrison Jr. who later marketed California's famous California Club House Whiskey. Additional research is needed to confirm the relationship. With only about two known examples, this is unquestionably one of the rarest and most important New York sarsaparilla bottles in existence.