These little antique tot or sample glasses for Scottish Whisky are highly collectable.
This one is an antique engraved little whisky tumbler or dram glass and was made to advertise (Francis) Bucher & Cos Prescription Whisky. This would have been on sale to customers in Leith and also promoted as being sold further afield in London (although this appears to be a marketing "trick" and no evidence suggests the blend was sold outwith the Edinburgh area).
Francis Bucher was initially a wine merchant established at the end of the 19th Century and was involved in importing and retailing wholesale wine, whisky and brandy, as well as the blending of the whisky.
The company, F. Bucher & Co. was based at Constitution Street in Leith and subsequently at larger premises at Morton Street (now known as Academy Street).
The firm was operating by all accounts until 1926, with a some changes to ownership and management, until their premises and business were taken over by the much larger, Arthur Bell & Sons.
The name Prescription whisky reveals that this glass must date to the later 1890s / early 1900s when there was a glut in whisky production and at the same time, a slump in sales of whisky when consumers were reluctant to drink it. This promotion of whisky as a "medicinal" drink was used to help increase sales.
Interestingly, whisky was also available in the States during Prohibition times when it was issued with a prescription as a medicine! Today - this association with whisky being good for you and prescribed comes with the humorous phrase "it is for medicinal purposes only".
This is a rare survivor from the late 19th century, and is in excellent damage-free condition. It is probably more of an item for the collector of historical artefacts relating to the history of Leith - or collectors of whisky memorabilia.
The glass measures 3 3/4 inches in height. The rim diameter is 2 1/8 inches. The foot is 2 inches. The decoration on the front has all been engraved into the glass.
I haven't been able to find another Buchers' Prescription drinking tumbler for sale - so the rarity of it is reflected in my asking price.
It will be very carefully packed and sent to you in the UK Royal Mail Recorded post. We could probaby deliver free in the Edinburgh area. .