[Illustration: GLASS WINE BOTTLES UNEARTHED AT JAMESTOWN RANGING IN DATE
FROM 1640 TO 1690. THOUSANDS OF FRAGMENTS OF THESE BOTTLES HAVE BEEN
RECOVERED.]

[Illustration: AN ASSORTMENT OF GLASS BOTTLE SEALS IN THE JAMESTOWN
COLLECTION. SOME OF THE WEALTHY PLANTERS HAD THEIR INITIALS (OR OTHER
ORNAMENTAL DEVICE) STAMPED ON THE SHOULDERS OF THE WINE BOTTLES WHICH
THEY ORDERED FROM ENGLAND.]

[Illustration: THIS DUTCH GIN BOTTLE EXCAVATED AT JAMESTOWN WAS IMPORTED
FROM HOLLAND.]

About 1650 the practice of affixing glass seals or buttons on the
shoulders of English wine bottles was begun. The seal was inscribed with
a name, or initials, or a date; sometimes a coat of arms or a crest, or
other device or ornament. Many of these glass bottle seals have been
found at Jamestown. As a rule, only the wealthy and influential planters
had seals stamped on their wine bottles.

Gin bottles found at Jamestown are tall and square with thin glass
sides. Imported from Holland, many were made as early as 1625. One gin
bottle was miraculously unearthed intact, and not as much as a chip or
crack was found on this 300-year-old fragile specimen.


FOOD STORAGE VESSELS AND FACILITIES

Many earthenware jars, pots, bowls, and jugs excavated at Jamestown were
used for the storage of foods. Wooden and wicker containers were also