Old Sachem Bitters Bottle

One of the myraid varieties of bitters available on the market during the 1860's, this brand was notable for its eye catching advertising graphic. Proportedly borrowing its health benefits from native American virtues, this brand aspired to the popularity of Drake's and Hottstetters.

Of particular note and importance was the unmistakeable beehive shape of this bottle. Several lesser known competitors to Old Sachem, mimmicked the bottle, making this a shape particular to bitters.

The Agent, Geoge Hunnewell, is listed among the other drug brokers in the 1859 New York City Directory, with his establishment at 133 Water Street. Newspaper advertisements appear throughout the country, ones from Georgia and Portsmouth New Hampshire are shown below.

The main purveyor, William Goodrich of New Haven Connecticut, was a notable in social circles. His son, Casper Frederick Goodrich was appointed to the Naval Academy in 1861, graduating first in his class in 1864. He remained in the Navy, retiring as a rear admiral, and is buried at the Naval Academy cemetery.

Merrick and Moore Company was in control of the brand when they appeared in the New Haven, Conn. City Directories, 1864-1867. Mr. Merrick resided in several of the local hotels during this period.

Write a review

Your Name:


Your Review: Note: HTML is not translated!

Rating: Bad            Good

Enter the code in the box below: