The New England resident has been amassing ginger beer bottles for more than 20 years, as a pastime and hobby, however he’s particularly interested in stoneware ones from the region dating back to the 1940s and 1950s.

“I already have a few different vessels from Muswellbrook, but here are several variations,” Mr Irvine said.

“Way back in the 1930s and 1940s, Saunders & Co of Muswellbrook brewed and bottled their cordials and ginger beer in these stoneware bottles, with their company name and Dogs Head logo boldly stamped on the front.

“They are certainly a far cry from the plastic ones and aluminium cans used nowadays.

“These bottles were utilised up until the mid-1940s, when they were phased out due to health regulations.

“They often had all types of objects, such as cockroaches for example, in them upon return to the companies for refilling, which could not be seen, unlike the glass bottles of the time.

“Saunders was also in competition with other companies from Scone and other nearby towns.

“These old bottles are now very keenly sought-after by collectors far and wide.

“And, some of them can fetch hundreds of dollars, including the Saunders ginger beer bottles.”

If anyone has any of these treasures in their back shed, or wish to make inquiries, you can phone Neville Irvine on 0354 226 330.