
This Saloon Scene in a Bottle was built by renowned folk artist, Carl Worner. Worner’s bottles are becoming increasing rare to the market and his work, along with those of Daniel Rose, are among the most desired by collectors.
This bottle is particularly special and unique because of all the saloon bottles scenes made by Carl Worner this saloon scene is built inside a small 8 inch x 2 ½ inch tall bottle which is the smallest bottle known to have used by Carl Worner for his saloon scenes. It is the only known Worner bottle with the bartender having a round head and holding a bottle in his hand.
The bottle was made for F. L. Lemoine, the saloon owner or a patron. Written on one side of the bottom support is "F.L Lmoine" in pencil. On the other side is "F.L Lemoine" written in cursive. F.L. Lemoine may have been Frank Lemoine who had been a prison guard in Wyoming. The scene is dated Dec. 1, 1918 in pencil under the base piece inside the bottle.
The scene has a bartender and two patrons standing at the bar. The bartender, dressed in white with blue trim, is holding a beer or whiskey bottle near the top of the bar. One patron is dressed in a green top and green/grey pants. The other has a blue top and dark blue pants. Each is holding a tall mug of beer. Between the men is a large keg with a small shrub in a planter box on each side. The word Saloon" is written above the bar in large outlined letters. At the top of the saloon is a steeple-like piece that extends into the neck of the bottle which is sealed with a cork.
The scene is built on a tall supportive structure with Worner’s renowned words: "Find the Missing Man". Carl Worner is famously known for his “missing man” hidden from the front view and found inside a bathroom on the backside of the bottle. In this bottle you can see the "missing man" in a bathroom with an open door.
This is a McKesson & Robbins bottle and is identified with the raised letters “McK & R” inside an raised oval near the top of the back of the bottle. The bottle is very clean and structurally sound with no loose or broken pieces.