How to identify bottle bottom numbers
Bottle bottom numbers can help identify maker, mold, plant, capacity, or date system, but they rarely prove age or value by themselves.
Found numbers on the bottom of a bottle?
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Upload photos for a free first lookStart an appraisalQuick identification checklist
- Photograph the entire base, not just the number.
- Record all numbers, letters, symbols, dots, mold seams, capacity marks, and maker marks.
- Compare the base clue with the lip, closure, embossing, and bottle type before dating it.
Key value drivers
Bottom numbers matter when they confirm a scarce maker, period, plant, or bottle type. They do not automatically make a bottle rare, and many are ordinary mold or factory control numbers.
What similar items actually sold for
To help ground this guide in real market activity, here are recent example auction comps from Appraisily’s internal database. These matched sales are market context only, not an object estimate or identification, and they do not guarantee a price for your specific blown bottle.
Shown USD range: USD 61-USD 231. Median of these 3 USD examples: USD 85.
| Comparable | What sold | Auction house | Date | Lot | Source-reported amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
NEW ENGLAND / NEW YORK FREE-BLOWN UTILITY BOTTLE | Jeffrey S. Evans & Associates | 2025-11-20 | 7 | USD 231 |
 |
BLOWN GLASS BOTTLE WITH DECORATED LIP | Apollo Art Auctions | 2022-08-28 | 195 | GBP 300 |
 |
Antique Dutch Blown Glass Mallet Bottle | Davis Brothers Auction | 2025-02-07 | 625 | USD 85 |
 |
SANDWICH BLOWN AND THREADED COLOGNE BOTTLE | Jeffrey S. Evans & Associates | 2025-11-20 | 177 | USD 61 |
How these auction records were verified
Each row retains its exact source URL, lot identity, retrieval time, access result, and immutable record hash. Live source access was blocked; the exact record matched Appraisily's immutable pipeline provenance. Inspect the public comparable provenance record.
Condition and authenticity cautions
A number can be misread, worn, or unrelated to date. Artificial color, reproduction embossing, reused lids, and common factory codes can all create false confidence.
Photo checklist
- Base straight on, base at an angle, whole bottle, lip, seams, label, closure, and scale reference.
- Close-ups of every number, letter, symbol, dot, heel mark, mold seam, and damage near the base.
Related guides
Collectibles guides, identify old bottles numbers bottom, antique glass bottle markings bottom, how to identify old bottles, how to date old bottles, free bottle appraisal app.
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