Best Of The West Live Auction (November 13, 2026 5:30 PM PT)

Circa 1880s–1890s, tooled top, 2 3/8". A very rare Western ink with only a couple of known examples reported. This example was recovered from an Oakland, California privy about ten years ago alongside a Hostetter's Bitters and a Bliven Soda. It is documented that the California Ink Company was not operating in San Francisco until the 1890s, yet more than one of these bottles have been found in contexts predating the 1890s by at least five to ten years. Interestingly, a California Ink Company was operating in National City, California, as early as 1881. Perhaps that firm maintained an agent or distributor in San Francisco and marketed its products in these embossed bottles. Additional research is needed to better understand the history of this bottle. The design closely resembles the aqua NE PLUS ULTRA FLUID schoolhouse ink bottle, a form that likely predates these examples by several years.

Description & Condition: Amber. Tiny 1/16" bruise/flake to the bottom of the lip and a 1/16" flake near the base edge. Professionally cleaned.

Min. Bid $500 - Est. $1,000–$2,000