Bottle

The beer bottle was found in the cellar of one of the townhouses on Panieńska Street in Szczecin, which had collapsed during war-time bombardment. It was discovered during archaeological works carried out there in 1996, supervised by the Archaeological and Monument Conservation Laboratory in Szczecin. The artefact was made in the Szczecin-based Dramburg & Hertwig brewery, founded in 1868. The company was one of many local beer producers. In the mid-19th century, the city saw a sudden intensification of beer production in response to the constantly growing demand of the local market. The head office of the Dramburg & Hertwig brewery was located in Łasztownia, while the brewery with a malt-house was situated in Drzetowo near Szczecin, which later became one of the city’s districts. Beer was poured into special bottles, which were distinguished by the embossed inscription advertising the brewery and the brewery’s logo – a knight with a sword near battlements. It did not take long until they became the hallmark of the company, which also produced spirits and liqueurs, vinegar, essential oils and essences. Dramburg & Hertwig shut down in 1943, in the wake of the first bombing raids on Szczecin.

Anna Lew-Machniak