Bottle

The beer bottle was found in the cellar of one of the townhouses on Panieńska Street in Szczecin, which had collapsed during war-time bombardment. It was discovered during archaeological works carried out there in 1996, supervised by the Archaeological and Monument Conservation Laboratory in Szczecin. The artefact was made by Bohrisch Brauerei A.G. – one of the most active breweries in pre-war Szczecin. The outbreak of World War I significantly stifled its operations. Much of its equipment – including copper vats and pipes – were confiscated for the war effort. Despite a production being shut down for a while, the brewery quickly grew and expanded. The owners also focused on promoting its brand by putting three rings on the necks of their bottles, so that they could be felt under the fingers. This solution was requested by the Association of Visually Disabled Veterans, who deemed it useful and particularly helpful to blinded war veterans. Bottles with the three rings remained in circulation until 1945 – it is worth noting that they still featured traditional labels and embossed markings.

Anna Lew-Machniak