The bottle was recently purchased at the Doncaster Antiques Fair.
The price was just £30 but a subsequent Facebook post led to the suggestion that it might be the real thing. The seal carries the initials GR, a cruciform and the date 1682.
The bottle collecting field are calling it ‘one of the best ever finds’.
Although inundated with enquiries to sell it, the Barnsley vendor has since consigned it for sale at BBR in Elsecar where it will take pride of place in the July 8 auction that closes the 28th UK Summer National bottle and advertising fair.
Proprietor Alan Blakeman says the only similar ‘transitional’ sealed shaft and globe with a distinctive broad rim sold at auction was another carrying the initials TL and below the date 1686. It sold for £21,250 at Bonhams in November 2014.
