Majolica Bottles and Decanters

One of the more unusual areas of collecting among majolica collectors is the majolica bottle. These generally fall into two categories: character bottles and barber bottle decanters.

Character bottles were often originally sold as containers for liqueurs or whiskey and are overwhelmingly German and French in origin. Barber bottles and decanters are usually English in origin.

Character bottles come in two sizes, large and small. The large bottles often have corked lids also made of majolica that fit into the base. They also sometimes  have a small opening or spigot for pouring. They are extremely popular with collectors, particularly the animals.

Kraus majolica bottle. Made in two sizes

Wasmuël decanter, possibly Napoleon 

Boar majolica bottle marked H.B.

German/French majolica bottle marked B.L.

Bernard Bloch majolica bottle

Majolica bottle marked H.B.

German majolica bottle marked B.L.

Majolica bottle marked H.B.

German majolica bottle marked B.L.

Continental majolica monkey decanter

Majolica bottle marked H.B.

German majolica bottle marked B.L.

Kraus majolica figural bottle

Mafra palissy majolica decanter

The smaller bottles have plain cork plugs.

Brownie majolica bottle

Many of the late 19th century and early 20th century majolica character bottles have cork stoppers. Many were made by the Saint-Clément Pottery for the Garnier company as containers for spirits.

Saint-Clément majolica parrot bottle

Saint-Clément majolica dog bottle

Saint Clément majolica cat bottle

The barber bottles and decanters are very different in both look and desirability. They aren't nearly as popular as the character bottles. They too have majolica lids fitted with cork stoppers These shown below are by Brownfield and Wedgwood.

Pair Wedgwood majolica bottles

Brownfield majolica decanter

Brownfield majolica bottles

Brownfield majolica bottle

This bottle by Adams & Bromley, has been seen by us two ways, with a round majolica cork stopper like the one below, and with a majolica drinking cup that sits upside down over the top.

Adams & Bromley pineapple decanter

The prices for the figural animal bottles can sometimes reach astronomical levels with some selling for thousands of dollars. The human figures sell for considerably less, generally under $400. The small character bottles can usually be purchased for under $150.

Barber bottles and decanters don't really have an established price point, with the available examples bringing what the market will bear.