Images(5)

Bottle

Object number2011.18.1

Retailer Samuel M. Kier

Datec. 1850

OriginPittsburgh, PA

MediumGlass

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

DescriptionAqua glass bottle.Dimensions6.875 x 2.125 x 1.375 in. (17.5 x 5.4 x 3.5 cm)
Marks"PETROLEUM"; on left side
"PITTSBURGH PA"; on right side, "S.M. KIER".
Historical NotesWith a keen eye for business, Samuel M. Kier (1813–1874) recognized the potential of oil as an illuminant and in 1850, he established the world’s first oil refinery in Pittsburgh. In 1850, a half-pint of Kier’s cure-all petroleum cost 50 cents and was sold across several states from small carts. Kier also owned salt mines near his home in Tarentum, Pennsylvania, ran a packet line along the Pennsylvania Canal, and invested in coal mining and iron making in Pittsburgh.Label TextIn 1850, a half-pint of Kier’s cure-all petroleum cost 50 cents and was sold across several states from small carts.

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