We were driving down the street in the Gastown section of Vancouver, Canada when I spotted it sitting on the sidewalk in front of an antiques store. A huge bottle in a wicker basket. "STOP! Go around the block, I have to go look at that bottle!" We were vacationing with our three kids and our daughter-in-law, celebrating one high school and two college graduations. With all 6 of us in the minivan we had driven from Salt Lake City to Vancouver where we would take a cruise to see the sights of Alaska. Needless to say the car was packed.
Scott drove around the block and I hopped out. Inside the shop I asked about the large bottle in the basket. "Oh yes, the demijohn?" the owner said. " The demi what?" I thought. I was still pretty new at the antique business and while I had a good eye for vintage European pieces I still had a lot to learn.
We managed to squeeze this huge demi john into the back of the minivan which meant that suitcases had to be rearranged with one under our daughter's feet for the rest of the trip home. I don't think the kids will ever let me forget that one.
Since then I have bought and sold dozens of demijohns sometimes called a carboy. They can be found at many flea markets and have become a very popular decor item. These large blown glass bottles were encased in wicker or sometimes a wooden crate to enable them to be transported without breaking. Demijohns typically held potable liquids such as wine, ale, or other spirits. Carboys were used for chemicals. These old discarded bottles are usually quite dirty (just hose them off) but have wonderful earthy texture and can lend an air of European farmhouse style to your home!
I like to join these parties
Great find!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful treasure. Thanks for showing all the demijohns. Now I know all about them.
ReplyDeleteMary
I would absolutely love an authentic vintage French demijohn! I've only ever come across one in my thrifting travels and it wasn't vintage. Thanks so much for sharing yours! We'd love it if you join in our Vintage Charm Party this Thursday morning! xo Kathleen | Our Hopeful Home
ReplyDeleteWhat a great story. So.....why was it out on the street and where do you use it in your home? '-)
ReplyDeleteI've a few demijohns from France, smaller ones that I could easily pack and bring home. I like the different ideas you shared of how to display demijohns.
Thanks for sharing at Home Sweet Home!
ReplyDeleteLove them and your story! Thanks for linking up at FNF!
ReplyDeleteHi Karee! I've just found your blog and so enjoyed this post on demijohns. I especially love the pix of the demijohns and saved it. I'd love to invite you to visit my blog at bringingfrenchcountryhome.blogspot.com. Thanks for sharing. Pat
ReplyDelete