hard to find cobalt blue glass soda or mineral water bottle manufactured for bottler george lomax, chicago, il. the slope-shoulder soda bottle tapers into a short neck and applied oval blob top. on the front body block lettering reads "g. lomax / chicago" the bottle features crudities typical of its age and date of manufacture, including bubbles, whittling, and minor surface wear. the dug bottle has not been tumbled and exhibits some haze or irridization. the early chicago soda or mineral water bottle contains a smooth base with seams evidencing manufacture with hinge mold. george lomax emigrated to the united states from england, arriving in chicago during the early 1850's. george lomax is listed as a 41 year old "master soda maker" in the 1860 census. george lomax was likely related to the chicago bottler john lomax, but records obscure their actual relationship. between 1852-1854 george lomax is listed as a "mineral water" bottler at canal street between lake and fulton. during these three years, edward k. bebbington and joseph entwistle are also listed as bottlers at the same address. from 1855-1863, george lomax was the proprietor of his own soda water manufacturing business--lomax & meagher and then g. lomax & co. (though meagher's name was never embossed on the bottles). the business ceased with his death in 1863.