Glass Candy Containers first appeared in the late 1800’s. They came in a number of figural shapes including historical, war themed, animals, holiday, doll bottles, household items, transportation related, characters, western themes and more. Specific shapes include liberty bell, hen, ducks, rabbits, dogs, donkeys, buses, train engines, guns, tanks, jeeps, trucks, airplanes, ships, telephones, lamps, lanterns, rolling pins.  They were made from heavy glass. Some are open at the bottom and a waxed cardboard insert was attached to keep the candy inside, some had caps. They were filled with tiny, colorful candy pellets. Philadelphia’s Independence Hall was one of the first which also has a coin slot in the roof, making it a cross over collectible.

These containers were sold at railway stations, five and dime stores, souvenir shops, mail order catalogs like Sears a& Roebuck and Montgomery Ward. Most of the manufacturers were located in a small area in Pennsylvania and included Westmoreland and Jeanette Glass, Victory Glass and L.E. Smith.

Prices can start around for $25 for more common examples to over $5,000 for some rare pieces. Rare pieces include 1920’s refrigerator, country club bus, and statue of liberty.