Site Update – October 9, 2026: We've added a new Wanted & Trade section to Indiana Bottle Collectors! This page features Indiana bottles and other bottling-related items we're looking to purchase or have available for trade. Other users may also submit items for consideration, and all submissions will be reviewed before being approved for listing. We're also continuing to expand the site with new sections for Beer & Soda Bottles, Milk Bottles, and other Indiana bottling-related categories. The Explore Counties page is currently down while we work on something new that will be simpler and easier to navigate. More updates are coming soon! Have an Indiana bottle or historical information to share? Please visit our User Submission page.

Jacob Spahn & Gustav H. Wagner

  • County: La Porte County
  • Location: La Porte
  • Years Active in the Business: c. 1892 - 1896

Unfortunately, we have been unable to find much information on Gustav H. Wagner. He appears only in the 1893–1894 La Porte County directory, and we have not been able to locate definitive U.S. Census records for him. If you can find any documentation we can confirm as his, please let us know.

In 1892, Gustav H. Wagner and Jacob Spahn formed a partnership to operate the bottling works. The La Porte County Commercial Review (April 1896) reported that “the business of this concern was established by Charles Labes seventeen years ago, who was succeeded by the present firm October 1st, 1892.”

The partnership lasted only about four years. LaPorte Today: Historical, Descriptive, Biographical, Illustrated. (1904). states that the firm was dissolved in 1896 and that Spahn continued the business alone.

The bottling works was located at 601 Washington Street, on the corner of Clay Street.

1894-1894 – Wagner Gustav H (Spahn & Wagner), residence northwest corner of Washington and Clay.

Bottle Photos

#1

Bottle Type: Hutchinson
Embossing: SPAHN & WAGNER / LAPORTE, IND.  
Glass Maker: E.H.E. Co. No. 4 (embossed on heel), Edward H. Everett Co.
Other Marks: 
Notes: 
Photo Credit: Indiana Bottle Collectors

View Full-Size Image

Labels • Ephemera • Ads • Article Clippings

#1

La Porte County Commercial Review, April 1896, Volume 1, Issue 1.

View Full-Size Image

Maps

#1

The Spahn & Wagner bottling works appears near the top-left corner of the 1895 La Porte Sanborn Fire Insurance map.
Note that C. Noll’s bottling works was located just across the street.

View Full-Size Image

Comments

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *