Bottles embossed "Federal Law Prohibits..."

 

It is not uncommon to come across screw-top liquor bottles from the 20th century that are boldly embossed on their shoulders or bases with the above text. After Prohibition was repealed in 1933, US laws once again allowed the legal manufacture and sale of alcoholic drink. Liquor was legal but producing it was subject to greater Federal control.

One law required that alcholic bottles must be embossed with the text, "FEDERAL LAW PROHIBITS SALE OR REUSE OF THIS BOTTLE" This law was repealed in 1964.

If you come across such a bottle, you can date it in this time period. Such bottles do not yet hold much interest or value to collectors. However, if you come across one with good labels that have attractive graphics and it is in perfect condition, hold on to it. These are the collectibles of tomorrow.

Reference: The Illustrated Guide To Collecting Bottles" Cecil Munsey. 1970.