A Collection of Antique Glass and Stoneware Mineral Water and Ginger Beer Bottles from Chard

A collection of antique mineral water and ginger beer bottles originating from Chard, Somerset, dating from the late 19th to early 20th century. The collection comprises two stoneware bottles and several glass bottles in varying shades. The stoneware items include a large cream-glazed bottle with black transfer-printed text for Mitchell Toms & Co. Ltd. of Chard, and a two-tone tan and cream glazed ginger beer bottle for North & Co. of Chard, featuring a circular transfer logo and fitted with a cork.

The glass portion of the collection includes three dark amber or black glass bottles with embossed lettering for Mitchell Toms & Co., Chard, one of which features a central crest. There are four aqua glass bottles, three of which are of the Codd-neck variety, characterized by an internal glass marble stopper used for carbonated beverages. The remaining aqua bottle is a standard mineral water design. These items serve as a regional historical record of the aerated water and brewing trade in Somerset.