It may not be common knowledge among collectors that George Chesley actually trademarked his bitters twice. The first was in April of 1863, at which time he used the name "Dr Bliss' Cundurango Bitters. Dr Bliss was the co-discoverer of this medicinal plant, native to the Amazon River drainage, claiming that it possessed "wonderful virtues", touting it as a cure for cancer and other malicious diseases. Chesley got wind of this miracle plant and decided to take full advantage of it's perceived healing abilities.It is doubtful that an embossed bottle for the product appeared at such an early date. Most likely, it was put up in generic containers with a paper label.
Severl years later, in December of 1871, Chesley again applied for a trademark for his product. This time the name was changed to "Dr Place's Cundurango Bitters". This is when the familiar bottle, embossed Cundurango on two panels, was introduced. Maybe someone with more knowledge of this "Dr Place", and his relationship with the Cundurango herb, and Mr Chesley, will put this information forward.
I'm working on the history of Cundurango and I found this blog with great information. Is it possible for you to send me all the information and scanned documents you have about Cundurango? I can give you everything I find.
ReplyDeleteI don't think Dr. Bliss discovered Cundurango. Instead it was Dr. Eguiguren from Loja Ecuador that first reported it. Are you sure the first patent is from 1863?