From A Shipwreck Off The Norfolk Coast – An 18th Century Black Glass Wine Bottle

A wonderful late 18th-century black glass wine bottle, circa 1780. 

English origin. With a string rim, elongated neck, cylinder-shaped body and kick-up base.

Salvaged from the seabed off the Norfolk coastline, close to Great Yarmouth, by a fisherman many years ago.

There are several wrecks off this part of the English coast, including HMS Gloucester, termed “Norfolk’s equivalent to The Mary Rose”. Discovered in 2007 by the Barnwell brothers, the royal warship sank on May 6, 1682, after hitting a sandbank while carrying James Stuart, the Duke of York and future King James II, to Scotland. The sinking, which resulted in the deaths of 130 to 250 people, is considered one of Britain’s most significant maritime discoveries, akin to the Mary Rose. The discovery revealed a “time capsule” of artefacts, including navigational instruments, ceramics, and wine bottles, providing valuable insights into 17th-century life.  

Provenance – Unknown regarding the wreck that it came from.

Condition – As per the images. The surface has gained a wonderful time-worn surface from exposure to both saltwater and the seabed. 

Size – Height 24 cm (9 1/2″)