Possible to harvest yeast from 1890's beer ?

[Epimetheus]

The local Worchester/MA craigslist listed some 1890's beer bottles, supposedly never opened. Is it possible to harvest yeast from these?

I am sure these will be gone soon - not me, I prefer to brew rather than collect beer items. Here is the link and some info if the posting disappears:

Beer Bottles, M. J. Finnagan, Worcester, Mass
"Set of 5 1890's M. J. Finnagan Beer Bottles. Bottles are blob top style and like new except for some rust on cap banding. 2 with porcelain top, 3 with lead stoppers. NEVER opened, original contents. Also on front, "196 & 198 Front St. Worcester, Mass." On bottom "Branch 62 Union made Pokeepsie". Cool items."

 

[PsiNyde]

Assuming that they're still air tight, yes. Although because of it's age and rarity, you may want a lab to handle it rather than doing it at home.