It has been estimated that as many as 60,000 bottles were produced for the college and most collectors have one of the 1000-plus survivors in their collection.
The Wine Bottles of All Souls College, Oxford, 1750-1850 by Fay Banks identifies 20 different seals and 24 different types of bottle. Most date from 1750 to c.1850 as the focus of wine drinking changed from the taverns to the college itself.
Pictured here are two typical bottles of subtly different types and scarcity. The 19th century bottle with the seal ASCR sold for £75 at Sworders (25% buyer’s premium) on June 21.
Bottle with the seal All Souls Coll CR – £320 at Aldridges.
The 18th century mallet shape bottle with the seal All Souls Coll CR took £320 from an online bidder at Aldridges of Bath (20% buyer’s premium) on May 31.
