Restorative raised

A well-preserved and sealed stoneware seltzer bottle with a capacity of 1 liter (34 oz.) was recovered in June from a 200-year-old shipwreck in Gdańsk Bay, off the Polish coast in the Baltic Sea. The bottle (IMAGE ABOVE) is embossed with the word "Selters," the name of a supplier of high-quality carbonated water from the Taunus Mountains area in Germany and was manufactured in Ranschbach, a town located about 25 miles (40 km) away from the springs. The contents of the bottle are being tested to determine whether they were original or if the vessel had been refilled. Preliminary laboratory tests show that it contains a 14% alcohol distillate, possibly vodka or a type of gin called jenever, likely diluted, and its chemical composition corresponds to the original brand of water engraved on the bottle. While the legendary invigorating mineral water has been enjoyed for drinking and bathing for nearly 1,000 years, the bottle dates to the period of 1806-1830, which makes it comparatively young. Underwater archaeologist Tomasz Bednarz of Poland's National Maritime Museum, says, "This means it would not cause poisoning. Apparently, however, it does not smell particularly good."

 

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