Standing only 2¾in (7cm) high, it is remarkable both for its diminutive size, very early shape and almost damage-free condition.
It was offered for sale with star billing at the July 3 sale held by BBR Auctions (15% buyer’s premium) in Elsecar as part of the Summer National bottle and advertising fair. It did not disappoint when it took £10,000.
The sale also included an onion bottle in olive green glass, c.1710-20, with the seal F Bennet.
This is the only example recorded and the same bottle (with chips to lip and a difficult to detect star crack) which sold on eBay in 2004 for £2060. Here it made £2700.