The Cathedral bottles were made in an effort to promote the sale of Carter's Ryto brand of iron-gall ink. These bottles are a special favorite of both ink collectors and bottle collectors. The bottles were introduced in 1929 and seem to have been in production for only a few years. They were no doubt expensive to manufacture, especially since the labels were die cut to fit recessed panels in the glass. This last bottle was blue like the other Cathedrals, but did not have the rounded shoulders near the top.
All sizes are difficult to find, but by far the hardest to acquire is the four-ounce bottle.
Other eagerly sought Carter's bottles include the larger sizes from the late 1930s and 1940s. These have a special pouring spout built into the cap. Today, most ink is made for and sold by the few remaining pen companies. Thanks to Michael J. Conway for the loan of his Carter's bottle collection and to George Swartz, Rick Horne, Vernon Davis and others who provided information and documents. All rights reserved.