Q: I just found this bottle in my grandparents’ attic and wonder if it is worth something. On one side it says “Luke Beard Howard St Boston” and on the other it says “This bottle is never sold.” Any help would be appreciated.

A: Your bottle dates to about 1855 and originally contained soda water. Luke Beard was a manufacturer of French mineral and soda waters, porter (a dark lager), ale and cider. The company was in the Howard Atheneum Building on Howard Street in Boston. The bottle is commonly found in shades of green that range from blue green to dark olive green. It has a pontil mark. A bottle’s desirability depends on condition, color and sometimes its history. Luke Beard bottles like yours have sold for prices ranging from $200 to $500.

 

Luke Beard Soda Bottle