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

Circa 1863–1866, applied top, 8 5/8". Vincenzo Squarza, an Italian immigrant, came to San Francisco in 1860 and established himself as a manufacturer and dealer of punches, cordials, and miscellaneous spirits. Squarza was best known for his popular "Squarza's Punch," though advertisements show he also marketed a Cholera Bitters in 1866. It is possible this bottle served as a generic container for any of his various products. Likely produced by Pacific Glass Works, it ranks among one of the earliest bottles blown in San Francisco, with only about five examples known today. Its unusual form sets it apart from virtually every other Western bottle of the period, and it is rare enough that most collectors have never had the opportunity to see one in person. It is also part of a very small group of known cobalt Western bottles from the 1860s that were used for products other than soda.

Description & Condition: Deep cobalt color with light whittle and early glass character. A small flake is present on the “Q,” along with minor abrasion to the side and top of the lip. The neck has a tiny potstone with an associated cluster of shallow, interconnected fissures just below the top, likely originating during manufacture. Overall, an impressive example with strong color and visual appeal.

Min. Bid $3,000 - Est. $6,000–$10,000