James Goffe and Sons, Birmingham Mineral Water makers

Introduction:

Goffe & Sons—Birmingham's Icons of Mineral Water Innovation

The nineteenth century witnessed a remarkable transformation in beverage consumption, driven by both technological innovation and the public's growing fascination with the restorative properties of mineral waters. At the heart of this revolution stood Goffe & Sons, one of Birmingham's most celebrated mineral water manufacturers, whose distinctive blue and green Codd bottles have become some of the most coveted collectibles in the world today.

Founded by James Goffe in 1837, the company operated from Duke Street in Birmingham's bustling commercial heart. By the 1870s, Goffe & Sons had established itself as the preeminent producer of aerated and mineral waters in the Midlands, benefiting from an exceptional artesian well in Allison Street that delivered an extraordinary 70,000 gallons of pure water daily. This abundant supply of pristine mineral water, with its uniform temperature of fifty degrees, provided the perfect foundation for producing the finest quality beverages of the era.

The company's true legacy, however, rests with their adoption of Hiram Codd's revolutionary bottle design, patented in 1872. These ingenious vessels, sealed by a marble held against a rubber washer under internal gas pressure, proved ideal for preserving carbonation. Goffe & Sons' distinctive Codd bottles, adorned with a crossed-bottles trademark and manufactured in striking cobalt blue and emerald green hues, became symbols of quality and refinement.

Today, original Goffe & Sons Codd bottles represent the pinnacle of mineral water bottle collecting. A pristine cobalt blue example recently achieved an extraordinary auction price of £33,000, making it one of the most valuable English glass bottles ever sold. These bottles endure as tangible reminders of Birmingham's industrial ingenuity and a bygone era when mineral water symbolised both modern progress and natural purity.