Rare Giessen's Union Eagle Mustard Jar, recovered at a Union camp near Stafford, VA

This is a rare, excavated jar being offered, it is marked “GIESSEN'S UNION MUSTARD N.Y.” in bold raised lettering and on the other side a large bold American Eagle. It has a rough early open pontil scar on the bottom and a crude rolled over ring lip. It is barrel shaped with rings and stands 5” tall with a 2” diameter at the base. It was recovered in the 1990s with several other bottles at a NY Union campsite near Brooke Station, Virginia (near Stafford).

George C. Giessen started a mustard factory around 1849 in N.Y. he was in the mustard business until about 1875. He sold his mustard business to a close relative named Gulden. Yes, the famous Gulden mustard that is still in business today. Giessen mustard jars are some of the most collectable and highly sought mustard jars. This is reflected by the pricing, some as high as $300.00.

In the great new relic book by Steve Sylvia, there is one of these jars shown. It reads “….rare eagle embossed mustard jar from a hut site in Bristoe Station, Virginia” (see pictures). This is in near mint condition – no cracks or chips and very clean. This is one that would be impossible to upgrade.