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Antique Shaker Cherry Pectoral Syrup Bottle - Canterbury, New Hampshire - Circa 1840–1860
Imagine this little bottle on a New England household shelf before the Civil War: a cork in its uneven mouth, its contents purchased in hopes of easing a troublesome cough. Today, its sparkling aquamarine glass preserves a tangible connection to Canterbury’s Shaker community and the early American herbal medicine trade.
Standing approximately 5½ inches tall, this attractive example is embossed on two narrow panels:
SHAKER CHERRY / PECTORAL SYRUP
CANTERBURY / N.H. / No. 1
Its rectangular body, beveled corners, and recessed lettering panels give it a crisp architectural shape, while the glass itself is full of movement. Wavy surfaces and flowing lines catch the light throughout, producing the lively, slightly distorted reflections that make early handmade bottles so appealing.
A Particularly Characterful Applied Lip
The thick, uneven applied collar is a highlight. Its rounded, almost drippy appearance retains the character of hot glass worked by hand, with visible asymmetry around the mouth and neck. Below, a distinct open pontil scar records where the bottle was held during finishing.
Together, the pontil, applied lip, and irregular glass give this small bottle considerable presence.
The Canterbury Shaker Connection
The Shakers’ contributions extended well beyond their celebrated furniture. Their communities also developed substantial businesses growing, processing, and selling medicinal herbs and preparations.
A history written by Canterbury Shaker sisters credits Thomas Corbett of Canterbury with originating both their well-known sarsaparilla syrup and Wild Cherry Pectoral Syrup. This bottle represents that important intersection of Shaker enterprise, New England history, and nineteenth-century medicine.
“Pectoral” refers to the chest, identifying this as a preparation marketed for respiratory overall antique condition, with bright, clean, shiny glass and beautiful clarity.
No chips or cracks.
No haze.
Two tiny, faint scuff marks on the back. (see finger point pics)
Abundant wavy glass and flow lines from manufacture.
Crude, uneven applied lip and distinct open pontil scar.
The two small scuffs are minor, and the bottle displays beautifully. Please examine the photographs for its individual glassmaking characteristics and condition details.
Measurements: Approximately 5½ inches tall.
A compelling addition to a collection of pontiled medicines, Shaker material, New Hampshire antiques, or early American glass.
