all original antique c. 1872-1873 intact blue aqua soda water bottle manufactured by william mccully for chicago bottler henry filer. the squat body and high, sloping shoulders are finished with a short neck and applied oval blob top. the front body is embossed, "h.f. & co. / chicago", while the heel is embossed, "w mcc & co" with a raised "c". the base is smooth and evidences manufacture with post mold. crudities are typical of its age and date of manufacture, including bubbles and whittling. the privy dug bottle exhibits minimal discoloration and haze. henry and charles filer are first listed in the chicago city directory for 1872-1873 as soda manufacturers at 500 w. halsted. in the 1873 directory charles is listed alone as a soda water maker. during the next three years he is listed as a tanner and currier. in the 1860's and 1870's , henry and charles are never listed as bottlers of ale, porter, or cider, though it seems they gave it a try, at least during their first year in business as h f & company.