Michael Polak’s obsession with outdated bottles began innocently sufficient in 1974 whereas digging within the grime of an deserted dump in Tonopah, Nev. To listen to Polak inform it, that dump within the former silver-mining boomtown was nearly probably the most thrilling place on the earth.

In fact, Polak was a person who discovered enjoyable rummaging by the stays of long-ago-deserted outhouses. And for those who assume that’s odd, properly, you’re not alone. As Polak as soon as confessed, “simply convey that up at a household gathering and also you’re certain to kick the dialog into excessive gear.”

Digging for bottles will be addictive. And so it was for Michael Polak, a famend bottle collector and writer, who died Oct. 6, 2024.

Picture courtesy Michael Polak

For a half century, Polak was a passionate bottle hunter, collector, historian and writer, turning into one of many nation’s main authorities on bottle amassing. That group misplaced a pricey buddy when Polak handed away Oct. 6, 2024, after a brief battle with most cancers. He was 78.

Polak wrote greater than a dozen books on bottle amassing, together with what has lengthy been thought of the “Bottle Bible” by collectors: Vintage Dealer Bottles: Identification and Value Information, which offered greater than 100,000 copies throughout its eight editions. Referred to as the “Bottle King” by many or “Tonopah Mike” by his bottle-collecting mates, Polak was smitten with a collector’s enthusiasm, mirrored in his private assortment of greater than 3,000 bottles.

Referred to as the most effective useful resource within the bottle-collecting group, the “Vintage Dealer Bottles: Identification & Value Information,” eighth version, by Michael Polak.

Kovels Vintage Dealer file photograph

Polak was additionally a contributing editor to Kovels Vintage Dealer. Earlier this 12 months, he reported on the Phoenix Antiques Bottles & Collectibles Membership’s present in Phoenix and was at all times obtainable to assist readers determine outdated bottles.

Creator and bottle skilled Michael Polak on the Phoenix Antiques Bottles & Collectibles Membership’s Present with chairperson Betty Hartnett.

Courtesy Michael Polak

A multi-faceted individual, Polak lived a captivating life past amassing. He labored 45 years within the aerospace trade, getting his begin as America raced to the moon. He was later concerned within the Area Shuttle program and the event of the F-35 fighter jet.

Polak is survived by a son and daughter, 9 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren, in addition to a legion of mates and appreciative collectors. He’s preceded in dying by his beloved spouse, Jaqueline.