Lot 1160: Lamont. R. R. H. Aqua. 10 oz. (R. R. Hunter, Ulverstone, Tasmania or Robert R. Hunter, Hamilton, Victoria or Robert R. Hunter, McCrae Street, Bendigo)

Excellent. (8). This is either Tasmanian or Victorian - or both? Generally found in Victoria, generally thought to be Tasmanian? You be the judge! Mr. Hunter from Ulverstone exhibited aerated waters and cordials at the 1888 Melbourne Centennial Exhibition. In 1889, R. R. Hunter sold his cordial business at Gravel Hill to Mr. W. L. Webb who had been the proprietor of the Ulverstone Hotel, with Hunter leaving for the colony of Victoria! (Could explain the bottles being in Victoria?). Alternatively, Robert R. Hunter bought the Grange Brewery in Gray Street, Hamilton from Charles Haferkorn in 1872 and was advertising the supply of first class Ales, Porter and Aerated Waters! The problem with this is that on August 15th, 1874, the Grange Brewery was auctioned off by Hunter - this bottle is somewhat later than early 1870s! But then in 1893 a Robert R. Hunter is listed as a cordial manufacturer in McCrae Street, Bendigo! It looks like Robert R. Hunter moved around a fair bit and so maybe this explains the lack of town details? I do believe broken examples were found at the Ulverstone factory site! Is it possible that these three instances of aerated water factories mentioned linked to an R. R. Hunter were all actually the same person? The bottle itself is in great condition. One little nibbled impact to right heel. Tiny surface flake to mid upper rear. Bubble to lower left has a very fine bruise type mark amongst it. Small open bubble or two. Some fine scuffs and scratches, nothing deep. These are mostly around the shoulder and base edge, with some down the rear as well. Quite an enigmatic and rare bottle. Estimate: $200-300