German Apollinaris Mineral Water Stoneware Bottle, c. 1870–1890

Story

Discovered in 1852 by winegrower Georg Kreuzberg, the Apollinaris spring yielded naturally effervescent mineral water that took the world by storm. Millions of these durable stoneware jugs were exported globally in the late 1800s, turning a small Prussian valley into the source of 'The Queen of Table Waters.'

Maker / Origin

Georg Kreuzberg bought a vineyard in the Ahr Valley only to find his vines failing because the soil contained too much carbon dioxide. Upon drilling, he hit a naturally carbonated spring, which he named after St. Apollinaris. His spring became so successful that the trademark anchor symbol became globally recognized, eventually leading to massive commercial export networks.

Condition & Value

The bottle shows minor surface discoloration, minor chips along the foot rim, and typical firing imperfections consistent with 19th-century utilitarian stoneware. The impressed mark is remarkably crisp and fully legible, which preserves its value.