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The Big Four (arched) / Whiskey (reverse arched)

A frosted Maltese cross enclosed within a circle outline appears between the top and bottom lines, with a leafy hop vine running in the background. The cross is etched with tsp text: TRADE / PURITY / MARK. Two lines of text arched/reverse arched to the left of the cross read: THE BIG FOUR / DISTILLERIES. Arched/reverse arched to the right of the cross is: LEXINGTON / KY.

ID#: RRP5141
How do I buy this glass?
see details below
Glass Category:Liquor advertising
Glass Type:Thin-walled shot
Label Type:Usual white-etched label, gold rim
Dimensions:2-1/4" x 1-7/8" x 1-7/16"
Edmonson:Not listed
State:KY
City:Lexington
Brand Registered:1907
Notes:
R S Strader & Son listed from 1890-1911.

"Big Four" was a registered (1906) brand of Michael Letzelter of Pittsburg, but the glass is probably from Strader & Son who were associated with the Ashland and Pepper distilleries.

The history of Strader and Son has been research extensively by Bill Ambrose (2002) who provides the history that follows.

R. S. Strader & Son was founded in October 1890 by Robert S. Strader and his son, Wilson P. Strader. After his father’s death in 1891, Wilson Strader became the sole owner. The firm’s offices and four story warehouse was located at 74 East Main Street, near Limestone.

Each year the firm supplied the liquor for the “Great Trots Meet” held in the fall at the Red Mile track. They were wholesale brokers of “high grade Kentucky whiskies, imported cigars and tobacco, fine wines and famous mineral waters.” Their proprietary brands included “Old Pugh” and “Old Barton” brands of bourbon and rye whiskey. From 1891 to 1897 their whiskies were distilled at the Ashland distillery, owned by William Tarr, a family friend. They also handled the famed “Palo Alto” wines, from Leland Stanford of California, and the “Vina” brandies from Europe.

In September 1897 they became the exclusive agent in Kentucky for the Jas. E. Pepper & Company and their brands of “Old Pepper” and “Old Henry Clay” whiskies. The Pepper distillery also began producing their proprietary brands: this is the distillery that appears on their letterheads from this time period.

In May 1902 the firm expanded into a two story warehouse, down the street from their main office, that was used for the wholesale and shipping departments. This was the former office of J. A. Lail & Company. The company also produced “Red Heart”, “Kentucky Belle” and “Old Kentucky Home”.

In October 1902 the firm established a branch liquor house in Cincinnati, at 137 East Pearl Street. This warehouse was located near the railroad depot and managed by Joseph N. Strader.

By 1914, the company had entered the insurance business. The market control by the whiskey trust had eliminated the need for brokers.



Brand names used by this company include: "Kentucky Belle", "Kentucky Belle", "Lexington Red Heart", "Old Barton", "Old Kentucky Home", "Old Mountain Brandies", "Old Pugh", and "Red Heart."

Company name timeline:
R S Strader & Son

Address timeline:
226-228 E Main (1902), 112 W Main (1904-1911)

Find out more about R S Strader & Son
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This glass is shown for informational purposes only and is not for sale.

We MAY be able to find a glass like this for you, however.

Be warned, these glasses are rare antiques, around 100 years old. Prices typically range from $30 or so on the more common glasses (e.g., a Hayner or a Detrick) to $250+ on desirable picture glasses.

Please send a message expressing your interest using the comment box below -- and don't forget to include an e-mail address or we have no way of knowing who to reply to!


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