MOSES
BOTTLES
The Moses Bottles were first created for the grand opening of the Poland
Spring Hotel, Poland Spring, Maine in 1876. They were filled with
the famous Poland Spring Water and given as souvenirs to those who
attended the opening.
Over the years 1876 - 1972, 43 different varieties of Moses Bottles were
created for Poland Spring Water, Gin, Sloe Gin and Whiskey. Often a
bottle would be made to commemorate a special event. Because of the
wide variety of types, sizes, colors and the uniqueness of the shape, the
Moses Bottle has always been a noted addition to any collection.
One of the most popular Moses Bottles is the 1925 type. 1925 was the
last year the clear Poland Spring Moses Water Bottle was made. It is
the fourth of the "facsimiles" (all bottles made after the
destruction of the original mould in a fire around 1878 were marked
"facsimile"). Each new generation of Moses Bottle has it's
own characteristics and the 1925 Moses is no exception. The facial
features were broad to begin with and the more the mould was used the
flatter his features became; thus the nickname "Old Flat
Face". As a rule these bottles also have a high
iridescence. Today the 1925 bottle in good condition sells for $65.
One of the prettiest Moses Bottles ever made has to be the 1931 Honeymoon
Bottle. Made in quart size, this brilliant Emerald green bottle was
given as a special gift to honeymooning couples staying at the Poland
Spring Hotel. Today's value is $175 to $200.