Antique medicine bottles have a long and fascinating history dating back to medieval times. The evolution of these bottles in terms of their shapes, colors, and designs reflects changing trends in medicine as well as developments in glassmaking technology. Today, these bottles are highly collectible artifacts that provide a tangible link to the past.
Whether you‘ve discovered an old bottle and want to learn more about its origins, are curious about the potential value of a medicine bottle, or are interested in starting your own collection, this comprehensive guide will tell you everything you need to know. We‘ll cover how to identify antique medicine bottles, what factors impact their value, and share some tips on buying bottles to start or expand your collection.
The Colorful History of Antique Medicine Bottles
The earliest known medicine bottles originated in medieval Europe, where apothecaries would display ornate bottles filled with herbal concoctions, potions and cure-alls to attract customers into their shops. By the 18th century, some medicines began to be mass produced and sold in bottles with labels and branding.
As more and more competitors entered the market in the 1800s, medicine bottles became increasingly diverse and eye-catching. Bottles came in all sorts of interesting shapes – from cylinders and rectangles to cabins and figurines. Colors ranged from various shades of green and blue to amber and black glass. Designs became more complex, with embossing, fluting, and decorative elements used to make bottles stand out on the shelf.
Medicine shows also became popular in the 19th century as a way to promote these products. Merchants would attract crowds with entertainment like music, magic shows and acrobatics, using the opportunity to peddle their bottled medicines. Some particularly outrageous claims were made about the healing powers of these elixirs and tonics.
By the 20th century, medicine bottle designs generally became more standardized and understated. As regulations were introduced, there was a shift towards clear glass and plain designs focused on functionality rather than pizazz. Despite this, the ornate antique bottles from the 1800s remain the most popular with today‘s collectors.
How to Identify Antique Medicine Bottles: A Step-by-Step Guide
With so many different types of antique medicine bottles out there, trying to identify and date a particular bottle can seem daunting at first. However, by systematically examining a few key features and characteristics, you can gain valuable clues about a bottle‘s age, origin and contents. Here‘s what to look for:
Shape and Form
The shape of a medicine bottle can vary widely, from round and square to rectangular and cylindrical. In general, medicine bottles tend to have thinner glass than other types of bottles. Most have a distinct thin neck and mouth that made them easy to pour from, along with a pronounced rim. Bottles for thicker substances like ointments and salves are typically wider and flatter for easier access.
Rectangular paneled bottles were especially common and widespread from the mid-1800s up until the Great Depression. Bottles from the early 19th century often have a pontiled base with a mark where the glassblower‘s rod was attached. Bubbles and other imperfections in the glass are also more common in older bottles, while more modern examples tend to have cleaner lines and fewer flaws.
Embossing and Labels
Words, letters, symbols or numbers embossed on a bottle can be extremely helpful for identification, if present. From around the early 1800s, some bottles were embossed with the medicine‘s brand name, manufacturer, or even the drugstore that sold it. Bottles from later in the century often have the glass maker‘s mark or logo on the base.
Original labels can provide even more valuable information, but these rarely survive intact on antique bottles. If you‘re lucky enough to have a labeled bottle, hang onto that label! It‘s like a time capsule with details about the product and manufacturer.
Color
The color of the glass is another useful clue, although there are always exceptions to these general rules. Aqua or light blue-green glass was widely used for medicines, especially when manufacturers wanted to show off the color of the contents inside. Amber glass sometimes signaled that the contents were sensitive and needed some protection from light.
Various green shades ranging from deep emerald to pale olive were common, especially on American medicine bottles. Black glass, which is really more of a very dark green or amber shade, was also used in the 1800s. Bottles in other colors like cobalt blue, purple, or yellow tend to be rarer and more valuable. Milk glass is uncommon for medicines.
Pontil Marks and Mold Seams
Examining the base and sides of a bottle can provide useful dating clues based on the glassmaking techniques used. Open pontil marks on the base, which look like a variably-sized broken off tip, generally indicate a bottle made before the US Civil War in the 1860s.
On later bottles, you can often see seams from the bottle mold running up the sides and neck of the bottle. Mold seams that stop before the lip of the bottle may indicate a date earlier than 1860, while seams that go all the way to the top suggest a post-1900 bottle. Seams around the base can also help with dating.
Other Resources for Bottle Identification
While examining the physical characteristics of a bottle is the foundation of identification, having additional references can be extremely helpful, especially when you‘re just starting out. Consider these resources:
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Consult a book on antique bottles, like the "Bottle Bible" series by Michael Polak or "The Bottle Book" by Richard Fike. These references have photos and information on thousands of bottles.
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Use online resources like the Historic Glass Bottle Identification & Information Website, which has a huge database of bottles, or the SHA Historic Glass Bottle Identification page.
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Join collector forums like Antique-Bottles.net, Antique-Bottles.com, or Facebook groups for bottle collectors to tap into the knowledge of the collecting community.
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Take your bottle to an antique bottle show or glass museum to get an expert opinion on its identification and value. Many shows offer free appraisals.
What‘s It Worth? Factors That Affect the Value of Antique Medicine Bottles
As you might expect, not all antique medicine bottles are created equal when it comes to value. Prices for bottles can range from a few dollars for common, unembossed bottles to thousands for rare pontiled or figurative bottles in unusual colors. Here are the key factors that impact a bottle‘s value:
Age
In general, the older a bottle is, the more it will be worth, although there are some exceptions. "Antique" bottles must be at least 100 years old, while "vintage" bottles are between 50-100 years old. Bottles from before the Civil War in the 1860s are highly desirable.
Rarity
Rarity is one of the biggest drivers of bottle value. Bottles that were produced in very limited quantities, had unusual designs or colors, or were from a famous brand or manufacturer command the highest prices. Some especially ornate and rare bottles, like the log cabin-shaped Drake‘s Plantation Bitters or the presidential busts by Bernard Simon, can sell for many thousands of dollars.
Condition
As with any antique, condition has a huge impact on value. Bottles that are free of chips, cracks and staining are much more desirable and valuable than damaged examples. Repairs and missing pieces dramatically reduce value. Mint condition bottles, especially rare ones, will always command the highest prices.
Color
Color can affect a medicine bottle‘s value, although there are always exceptions. In general, amber, clear and aqua are the most common and least valuable colors. Colored bottles in shades of green, teal blue, yellow, purple, and cobalt blue are rarer and more sought-after.
Embossing and Labels
Bottles with embossed lettering, designs or images are typically worth more than plain, unembossed examples. Bottles with especially interesting, ornate or unusual embossing will bring a premium. Similarly, bottles with original labels often sell for 25-50% more than unlabeled bottles because of the extra information the label provides.
Brand and Manufacturer
Bottles from especially famous brands and manufacturers tend to be very popular with collectors. For example, bitters bottles are extremely collectible, with rare examples from brands like Drake‘s Plantation Bitters fetching sky-high prices. Other desirable bottles come from makers like Brown‘s, Fisch‘s, Kelly‘s, and Warner‘s.
Where to Find and Buy Antique Medicine Bottles in 2024
If reading this guide has inspired you to start your own collection of antique medicine bottles, you might be wondering where to find them. Luckily, there are many options available to suit every budget and experience level. Here are some top choices:
Online Marketplaces
Sites like eBay and Etsy have huge selections of antique bottles at a variety of price points. On eBay, check out the Collectible Medicine & Cure Bottles category and use the filter options to narrow down your search by color, age, price and more. When shopping online, pay close attention to photos and descriptions, and buy from reputable sellers with good feedback.
Collector Websites
Websites aimed at collectors, like Collectors Weekly, gather auctions and sale listings for bottles from many different online sources. These can be great places to learn more about the market and see a variety of bottles in one place. Auction result archives can provide valuable data on past sale prices to inform your buying.
Bottle Shows
Attending an antique bottle show is an excellent way to see a variety of bottles in person and meet other collectors. Dealers at these shows tend to be extremely knowledgeable and can help with identification and valuation. Most shows also offer opportunities to get bottles appraised for free. Check the show schedule on the Federation of Historical Bottle Collectors site.
Flea Markets and Antique Shops
Hunting for hidden treasures at local antique shops, flea markets and garage sales can be a fun and affordable way to add to your collection. While you‘ll have to do more of your own legwork when it comes to identification and valuation, the thrill of finding a rare bottle "in the wild" can‘t be beat. Bring along a bottle reference book to aid in identification.
Whether you‘re on the hunt for a particular bottle to fill a gap in your collection or are just starting to dip your toe into the world of antique bottles, following the tips in this guide will help you make savvy buying choices. By learning how to identify and value bottles, you‘ll be well on your way to building a collection that you can feel proud to display and share with others who appreciate their history and beauty.
