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Two Rare San Francisco Whiskey Bottles and One Token CA - San Francisco, - 1899-1909 - 2012aug - Sal

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Western Americana Start Price:250.00 USD Estimated At:500.00 - 1,000.00 USD
Two Rare San Francisco Whiskey Bottles and One Token CA - San Francisco, - 1899-1909 - 2012aug - Sal
Invoicing and lot pick up will NOT be available at the live auction.
Lot of 2 rare San Francisco flasks, one from The California Saloon, which has an accompanying token, and one Herman Hohn whiskey bottle with a paper label. The California Saloon bottle, slug plate embossed, "THE CALIFORNIA 50 MARKET ST. S.F. J.L. MOLLENHAUER", is a clear glass pint, with an unground double roll top, that is air vented at the shoulders. Listed in Thomas, No. 152: "(1908-11) John L. Mollenhauer opened his first saloon in San Francisco in 1902 on 228 Market Street. The great San Francisco earthquake and fire caught him in 1906, destroying his business. He remained away from liquor sales for a year, and then in 1908 opened The California Saloon at 50 Market Street. At this time, he had a pumpkinseed flask embossed to advertise his new bar. Here he stayed until 1918 when the Volstead Act was passed, and the country went dry. In 1912, although the business was in the same place, the address was changed to 48 Market Street. This should delight bottle collectors as it helps to date these flasks. Also, from this time on, the business was listed as Mollenhauer & Co. John was the sole owner of the company." The Good For 12.5 cents in trade token curiously is from The California with John L. Mollenhauer as proprietor, but embossed with a different address, 26 Market St., S.F. The second bottle has a paper label intact with the words "BOURBON WHISKEY HERMAN HOHN, 1301 BUCHANAN ST. SAN FRANCISCO" still visible. Herman Hohn, 1301 Buchanan St. San Francisco, CA, is listed in the 1899 phone directory. He was still listed in 1907 and 1909, so his business apparently was unaffected by the earthquake. This half-pint shoo fly flask has a ground outside screw top, is air vented at the shoulders and has ample air bubbles. Pairings of matching flasks and tokens are rare, and a great opportunity to round out your collections of flasks and tokens! - Feisel Collection -59135