How do I join a bottle collecting club and what will I learn?

Bottle collecting clubs are usually easy to join. Many have a website or social media page with meeting times and dues information, and members are generally welcoming to newcomers and visitors. Regional and national bottle collector groups can also point you toward clubs in your area.

You will learn how to date bottles by their manufacturing features, such as seams, lips and bases, and how to identify embossing, colors and makers. Members often share tips on where bottles turn up, how to clean them safely and how to tell rare examples from common ones.

Clubs frequently host bottle shows where you can buy, sell and see displays. If you dig for bottles, ask about legal issues, since digging on public or private property without permission may be against the law, and rules vary by state.