A Causal Resemblance?

Most of us are familiar with the Wolf, Janes & Co. slug-plate cylinder.  Up there near the top, it's a tough one; having been awarded the #4 ranking amongst all slug plates. Thomas dated is to ca. 1890. Based on my research, I'd say his guess was darned close to hitting the nail on the head. John Wolf and Lonis Lyman Janes entered into their co-partnership on September 10, 1889. It's flat out rare and I've seen only one example over the years.

For whatever reason, things didn't work out and by 1891, John Wolf had partnered up with William G. Wreden. The cylinders ustilized by the firm are a transitional bottle and were blown with both applied, and tooled tops. That relationship lasted for quite a while and the fifths, although not common, are one of the easier slug-plates to acquire. (I've got three at this time in case someone wants one - I know, a shameless plug~).

Backing up a bit, the first in the John Wolf whiskey lineage is yet another slug plate. The bottles produced for John Wolf & Co date from August 1, 1887 up until the time that Wolf & Janes partnered up. Incidently, Wolf was the "& Co." (he had no silent partners) and he was located at 410 Clay St. at the time. The bottle is embossed simply, John Wolf & Co. / large fancy intertwined logo / San Francisco. It too is rare. Thomas said one in amber and another in clear; both glop tops. Ever wonder what the label looked like?

 

I bet the labels gave old A.P. something close to apoplexy when he spotted them. Well, like my grand-dad used to say, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. It also, no doubt, kept Hotaling's attorneys busy.

A Causal Resemblance?  NOT...