I found this most unusual item at the 49er show in Auburn, CA in 2007. Apparently, a snake was placed in this bottle c1880s and then filled about 1/4 with an unknown liquid - perhaps a preserver of some kind in use at the time. This may have been some type of ritual, a burial of a pet or who knows? The bottle has remained intact and sealed for over 120 years until dug up in Oregon in 07! I let the bottle rest upright for the last 2 years and figure it has settled as much as it would. Enjoy!