What was in old poison bottles?
Back in Victorian times there was no electricity, so people needing to get up in the middle of the night, would reach for their medicines by candlelight. However, if they reached for the wrong bottle and mistakenly picked up a bottle of carbolic acid, they could be poisoned!
What does a bottle of poison look like?
Antique poison bottles were often made in colors like cobalt blue, inky black, and dark green with raised lettering or inlays spelling the words “POISON” or “DEATH” amid patterns of raised latticework, deep grooves, geometric shapes, and, most commonly, the skull and crossbones.
Are old medicine bottles valuable?
Since antique and vintage medicine bottles are not particularly difficult to find, they don’t bring in high values at auction. Bottles that are rare, come from iconic companies, or are related to popular culture or the historic zeitgeist, will sell for more than the average pharmaceutical bottle will.
How do you date old medicine bottles?
You can often determine a bottle’s intended use by viewing its embossing effects. In addition, if a company embossed its name on bottles for many decades, you can determine the time period during which the company produced that type of bottle.
Is green glass worth anything?
The values are similar for all styles. Produced by Hocking Glass Company around 1929 to 1933, this green glass cup is a common find. The value has generally held steady around $5 for a single cup for a few decades.
Why collect antique poison bottles?
The irony of old poison bottles is that while they once contained mortally harmful compounds, they are truly exquisite works of historical and cultural art. If you enjoy collecting items, here is a guide to collecting the oldest and rarest of antique poison bottles dating back before 1900.
What size is a Glasgow bottle of poison?
Mint Old Ribbed & Dotted ” GLASGOW” POISON BOTTLE! Antique Scotland Medicine! Nice example TINY 2 1/2 inch tall Lattice “POISON” embossed bottle, rare size!
How tall is a blue coffin shaped poison bottle?
Cobalt Blue Coffin Shaped Poison Bottle 3 & 1/2 Inches Tall Damaged. ~WOW~JAMES ROBINSON~RELIANCE ANT DESTROYER POISON + GLASS STOPPER~MEMPHIS, TENN. HUGE 10 inch!