If you’ve ever poured maple syrup over pancakes, you may have noticed the tiny handle near the neck of the familiar glass bottle. It’s far too small to function like a normal handle, which has left many people wondering why it’s there. Surprisingly, its exact original purpose has never been firmly established, despite the feature appearing in syrup bottle designs for generations.

The little handle can be traced back nearly a century. In 1933, glass designer Edwin W. Fuerst received a U.S. design patent for a jug featuring a small handle near its shoulder. The design was associated with the Cary Maple Sugar Company and also appeared in maple syrup packaging in Canada.

A more recognizable version arrived in 1951, when Edwin’s younger brother, Brooks D. Fuerst, patented a syrup container described as a “jug or the like.” His design featured an oval glass flask with a small handle near the neck, closely resembling the classic maple syrup bottles many people recognize today. Early versions had a more angular appearance, while later designs became more rounded.

The Cary Maple Sugar Company of St. Johnsbury, Vermont, was the first documented company to use Brooks Fuerst’s distinctive flask for maple syrup. The bottle was produced in several sizes and helped establish a traditional look that became closely associated with maple syrup packaging.

So, does the tiny handle actually serve a practical purpose? Probably not in the way most people imagine. Although its original function remains uncertain, historical records show that it was deliberately incorporated into early bottle designs. That little handle may seem like a quirky detail, but it has become a charming reminder of the long history—and distinctive design—behind a familiar breakfast favorite.