{"product_id":"scottish-antique-whisky-dram-glass-for-butcher-co-prescription-whisky-leith-london","title":"Rare 1890s Scottish Antique Whisky Dram Glass for Bucher \u0026 Co. Prescription Whisky Leith \u0026 London","description":"\u003cp\u003eThese little antique tot or sample glasses for Scottish Whisky are highly collectable.  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis one is an antique engraved little whisky tumbler or dram glass and was made to advertise (Francis) Bucher \u0026amp; 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). \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrancis 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe company, F. Bucher \u0026amp; Co. was based at Constitution Street in Leith and subsequently at larger premises at Morton Street (now known as Academy Street). \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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 \u0026amp; Sons. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInterestingly, 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\". \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis 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. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI haven't been able to find another Buchers' Prescription drinking tumbler for sale - so the rarity of it is reflected in my asking price. .\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Iconic Edinburgh","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40369699323968,"sku":"Sold for £40 (was £50)","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0271\/1902\/6240\/files\/rare-1890s-scottish-antique-whisky-dram-glass-for-bucher-co-prescription-leith-london-british-552.webp?v=1783941606","url":"https:\/\/www.iconicedinburgh.co.uk\/products\/scottish-antique-whisky-dram-glass-for-butcher-co-prescription-whisky-leith-london","provider":"Iconic Edinburgh","version":"1.0","type":"link"}