Anyone know how to carbonate a vintage glass siphon seltzer bottle?

[Frank Trotta]

Hi Everyone - I grew up getting seltzer deliveries in the old glass bottles with the metal siphon heads back in the 80s. I just purchased a 5lb C02 tank, regulator, hose, 2L cap, and wondering if there is any way to make seltzer using the old bottles, through the nozzle, with some type of adapter. I attached a photo of the type of bottle I am thinking.

Any help would be much appreciated!
Frank

 

[Brew2Be]

Are the tops not lead? I think they used to be..

 

[Frank Trotta]

That's a good question, I thought they were pewter and brass

 

[Robert65]

Older pewter contained lead and/or bismuth, neither of which is in modern pewter for food use. I've read that lead was not formally banned from this use until the 1970s, though it was uncommon after the 19th century. I'd be wary. Nice decorative antiques.

 

[GilaMinumBeer]

Originally, some would use a vacuum to suck out all the air in the bottle then hold the top under carbonated water to suck it in and fill the bottle.

I suppose an easier way might be to use dry ice.

 

[KevinM]

I wish I knew. Maybe some information here will help: https://www.brooklynseltzerboys.com/seltzer-factory/

 

[Bearing1]

Hi Everyone - I grew up getting seltzer deliveries in the old glass bottles with the metal siphon heads back in the 80s. I just purchased a 5lb C02 tank, regulator, hose, 2L cap, and wondering if there is any way to make seltzer using the old bottles, through the nozzle, with some type of adapter. I attached a photo of the type of bottle I am thinking.

Any help would be much appreciated!
Frank

Frank,
I have been refilling antique seltzer bottles at home for many years. I use a 50psi pump to fill the bottle with water ( I use water from my reverse 9sm9sis unit) turn it upside down and release the air then finish filling the bottle again turn it over and release the pressure. I then hook up my c02 tank through a 50-55psi regulator to charge with c02 best to use cold water and shake the bottle for a few seconds put in a bit more c02. The old seltzer. Bottle works just like the old days. Not as complicated as it sounds.
I have thought about having more adaptors made that clamp onto the bottle and selling them but as yet have the ambition required. [email protected]

 

[fluketamer]

thats cool. i remember the seltzer truck, the tool sharpening truck, the diaper truck, and even the milkman. (no, i dont look like the milkman- lol) .

my dad would literally run ( like we did with the icecream truck) and get all the metal blades he could find. scissors, antique lawnmower blades , knives, even the ax in the garage which would never come anywhere near a tree (growing up in brooklyn) but was sharp enough to split a cats whisker.

before pampers - this seems gross.

this kind of styrofoam lined milk bin sat on my porch empty for 20 years after the truck stopped coming by.

i think for sentimental reasons. not sure. back then we never threw anything out so who knows.

sorry to hijack your thread. good luck. i hope you can fill them, and i hope use them.