Rare blue Cassin's Grape Brandy Bitters bottle soars to $155,000 at American Bottle Auctions

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - Jan. 7, 2020 - PRLog -- A 150-year-old blue Cassin's Grape Brandy Bitters bottle so rare that for years many doubted its very existence has sold for a staggering $155,000 at the Part 1 sale of the Ken Fee collection of mostly Western bitters bottles, held November 29^th by American Bottle Auctions (www.americanbottle.com). Part 2 will go online February 14^th and end February 23^rd.

The Cassin's Grape Brandy Bitters was the undisputed headliner in American Bottle Auctions' Auction #67, Part 1, an online-only affair with phone and absentee bids also accepted. Part 2 will be the same. What made the Cassin's so desirable to bidders was its bluish-teal color, which many bottle collectors, even seasoned pros, had never seen and were skeptical one even existed.

"No one had seen Ken Fee's collection of over 300 bottles in four decades," said Jeff Wichmann of American Bottle Auctions. "It only came to light following his death in November of 2018. I've been working with the family ever since." Many of the bottles are outstanding examples that brought a few hundred to many thousands of dollars. Part 2 contains many desirable rarities, too.

The Cassin's Bitters is arguably one of the greatest Western bitters blown.  Made in San Francisco in 1867 and 1868, its shape was meant to resemble a cello. The first variant of the bottle had thin corners and because of the fragility of the bottle only a few mint examples remain intact today.  The second variant eliminated the fragile lines of the bottle and some still survive today, although there are still believed to be only a half-dozen or so in undamaged condition.

American Bottle Auctions is always accepting quality consignments for future sales. To consign a single bottle or an entire collection, you may call them toll-free, at 1-800-806-7722; or, you can e-mail them at info@americanbottle.com. To learn more about American Bottle Auctions and the Part 2 auction of the Ken Fee collection (February 14^th-23^rd), visit www.americanbottle.com