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FAQs

Here's where you'll find answers to some on the most Frequently Asked Questions about shot glasses and shot-glass  collecting.  Or then again, maybe not.......... 

What's a "pre-pro shot glass"?
What's "HSG" and "OASG"?
What's an "unlisted" glass?
What's the best way to take photographs of my shot glasses?
What's "glass-lust"?
Where can I buy shot glasses?
What's the best way to find glasses from my great-grandfather's business? 
What can you tell me about a bottle I found?
I have a full bottle of pre-Prohibition hooch.  What's it worth?
Where can I find display cases suitable for shot glasses?
Why are some of my shot glasses purple?
Why don't you guys get a life?
Who is the glassmaster?
Where did this site come from?
Who built this site? 


 

What's "HSG" and "OASG"?

The abbreviations refer to two books on pre-pro shot glasses by Barbara Edmonson.   You can find more details at "Essential Books"

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What's an "unlisted" glass?

Any shot glass that is not listed in HSG or OASG

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What's "glass-lust"

The uncontrollable need to acquire new shot glasses (or even glasses that you already have) even when faced with an irate spouse, two credit cards that have been maxed out, and absolutely no more room to house them.  

Solution:  get a new credit card before the auction closes.

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Where can I find display cases suitable for shot glasses?

Visit the Useful Links page for information on case manufacturers

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Why are some of my shot glasses purple?

A:  Glass manufactured prior to 1917 contained manganese, which was added to neutralize the colors produced by impurities.   The result was a very clear and pristine glass.  Prolonged exposure to UV rays (i.e. sunlight) causes manganese to oxidize and take on an amethyst color.  Thus, the previous owners of your purple glasses probably displayed them by sitting on a window ledge for ten or twenty years, during which time they gradually assumed that attractive purple hue.  Bottle collectors generally treasure amethyst 'desert glass' but shot-glass collectors have mixed feelings.  While the purple tint makes a glass more interesting, it also makes the label less distinct.  Bottom line is that a hint of amethyst is good, whereas a deep purple hue is not.

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What's the best way to find glasses from my great-grandfather's business?

Finding specific glasses can be tough.  If there isn't one on the sales page, then the best hope is to contact the glassmaster and ask to have a want-ad placed on the "Shots Wanted" page.  It's a free service for those people trying to locate glasses from a specific distiller or wholesaler.

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What can you tell me about a bottle I found?

If you're simply interested in knowing how much a bottle is worth, we can't be of much help to you.  Try clicking on over to a bottle website, such as that managed by Digger Odell
But if you're more interested in history, then we may be able to help.  This site contains several databases containing information about brand names, distillers, and liquor wholesalers.  Try searching the City Directory database first, then try the Cumulative Shot Database.  If you don't find anything of interest in either, then consulting a bottle website (such as mentioned above) is probably your best bet.

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I have a full bottle of pre-Prohibition hooch.  What's it worth?

So far as I know, there is no organized group of collectors who specialize in pre-Prohibition vintages.  Full, sealed bottles do appear for sale on eBay once a week or so.  Prices realized can vary widely, from no bids to in excess of $2,500 for a sealed case of 12 bottles.   A good auction estimate would be around $100. 

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Why don't you guys get a life?

A1:  Hey, it's better than collecting train numbers

A2:  I used to have a life but the wife took it away from me for being bad

A3:  Glass-lust is not a treatable condition

A4:  It's cheaper than collecting antique cars

A5:  Who's asking?

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