Biscombe

William Biscombe, or Biscombes as they were commonly known, was one of the major players in the mineral water trade in the Plymouth area, operating from the mid 1850s until 1953. The company was started at a time when there were only around 4 other companies producing ginger beer in Plymouth and was obviously built on a sound basis! Throughout this period the company operated from premises in Green St, Plymouth which were finally demolished during post-war redevelopment of the city centre.

Unsurprisingly, they have left a vast array of bottles bearing their name, and in many cases, distinctive shield shaped trade mark. The following plates give a representative cross section of the types likely to be encountered. Amongst the codd bottles, examples of the Niagara and Beavis patents are found occasionally.

The Green St premises of W.Biscombe

Various ginger beers used by W. Biscombe

Champagne shape Biscombe ginger beers

Codd and flat based Hamilton bottles used by Biscombes

Earlier Hamilton bottle embossed Biscombe / Plymouth

A 6oz Hamilton bottle used by Biscombes

Various glass bottles used by Biscombes

Various glass bottles used by Biscombes

A fake bottle made in USA in 1970s, beware!

10oz Niagara patent codd bottle from Biscombes

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