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Antique JOHN RYAN 1866 Excelsior Soda Bottle Savannah Geo Cobalt Blue Blob Top 7.5"
Before Coca-Cola existed, Savannah had John Ryan—and this bold cobalt bottle is one of his survivors. Deep color, strong embossing, and a post–Civil War date right in the glass. This is early Southern soda history with real presence.
Date
Circa 1866
What “Geo.” Means
Abbreviation for Georgia
Maker – John Ryan / Excelsior Soda Works
John Ryan was an Irish immigrant and one of the earliest large-scale soda bottlers in the American South. He founded Excelsior Soda Works in Savannah in the 1850s and expanded across Georgia. These bottles were part of a growing industry bringing carbonated beverages to a hot, pre-refrigeration world.
What Was In It
Carbonated soda/mineral water, often flavored (lemon, ginger, etc.) and sometimes marketed with mild “health” benefits.
What the “1866” Means
Not a patent date—this is a brand/date mark used to signal the company’s identity and post-war era. It ties the bottle to the immediate Reconstruction period after the Civil War.
City & State
Savannah, Georgia — a major port city and commercial hub in the 19th century.
Life During the Period (quick snapshot)
- Just after the Civil War (ended 1865)
- Savannah rebuilding under Reconstruction
- No refrigeration—cold soda water was a luxury
- Medicine and refreshment overlapped heavily
- Glass was hand-blown, hence your bubbles and character
Savannah in the 1860s (local context)
- Captured by Sherman in 1864 but spared destruction
- Became a key port for rebuilding Southern trade
- Rapid return of commerce and small industry
- Growing demand for bottled beverages in urban centers
Condition Notes
Excellent overall; Bright, clean, shiny. Just two small patches of tiny flea-bite-sized scuffs on the shoulder. (see thumb-point-pics)
