Vintage Speas Vinegar U-Sav-It Half Gallon Pitcher Jar W/ Label.
Vintage Speas Half Gallon Pitcher Vinegar jar with handle circa 1950s- 1960s collectible
Clear glass U-Savit pitcher has vertical molded stripes, HALF GALLON embossed on front and back heel, with mostly intact "Speas Pure Crystal Distilled Vinegar Speas Company Kansas City, MO." label complete with metal twist lid - red graphics on white background - "Speas Vinegars Aged in Wood "
Measures about 9 7/8" tall 5 1/2" wide, 3 1/2 " diameter base, 2 3/4" diameter cap
Weights 2 lbs 3 oz
Excellent condition, with no chips or cracks, Glass is really clear, truly remarkable piece of American Advertising and upcycling practices.
Lettering on bottom reads SPEAS CO. U-SAV-IT PITCHER TRADEMARK 3 REG. U.S. PAT. OFF.
The base is also embossed with difficult to read impression of the aligned under SPEAS CO glass manufacturer's logo:
a single-digit date code for the last number of the year placed to the right of the later “I inside an O” logo:
“1” is a date code and could stand for either 1951 or 1961.
“15” to the left of "oval/I" stands for the plant in Waco, Texas (opened 1938...) or unlikely plant at Okmulgee, Oklahoma (dates of operation 1930- 1940)
Oval with I in center is the second primary mark used by Owens-Illinois Glass Company since the mid- 1950s with the removed of the diamond.
Please see photos for detailed description.
The Kansas City Public Library | 14 W. 10th St. | Kansas City, MO 64105
Victor Speas
Businessman and Philanthropist
1889-1970
“A quiet philanthropist” was how The Kansas City Star often referred to Victor Speas. Few people knew much about the heir to the Speas Company, but millions of dollars have been donated in his name to medical research.
Speas took over the family business at the age of 21, after his father committed suicide in June 1909. Founded in 1888 by John W. Speas, the Speas Company based in Kansas City, MO manufactured vinegar and apple products. Victor Speas was responsible for expanding the local company to 21 plants throughout the United States. Produce included vinegar, apple juice, apple brandy, and apple pectin."