Chesebrough Vaseline Bottle Value Guide

The Chesebrough Vaseline bottle is a quintessential piece of American consumer history, representing the brand founded by Robert Chesebrough after his 1859 discovery of petroleum jelly's healing properties. These 1920s-era glass containers are highly collectible for their embossed typography and their role in the evolution of early 20th-century medicine cabinets.

What Is Chesebrough Vaseline Bottle Worth?

The typical price range for Chesebrough Vaseline Bottle is $10 - $15 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• The presence of the original paper label significantly increases the value beyond the standard $10-$15 range.
• Glass clarity and the absence of 'sick glass' (cloudiness caused by mineral deposits) preserve the item's market price.
• The sharpness and depth of the embossed 'Chesebrough' and 'Vaseline' text affect desirability among bottle collectors.
• Structural integrity, specifically the lack of chips around the delicate lip or rim, is a primary factor in valuation.

How to Identify Chesebrough Vaseline Bottle?

• Look for the distinct embossed lettering featuring 'Chesebrough' and 'New York' directly on the glass surface.
• Verify the era by checking for a cork-top finish or early screw-cap threads common in the 1920s and 1930s.
• Examine the glass for a slight blue or green tint and bubbles, which are characteristic of mass-produced glass from this period.
• Confirm the base markings, which often include manufacturer symbols or mold numbers related to the Chesebrough Manufacturing Co.

History of Chesebrough Vaseline Bottle

Vaseline, or petroleum jelly, was discovered by Robert Chesebrough in 1859. He observed oil workers using a gooey residue, known as 'rod wax', to heal their cuts and burns. By 1872, Chesebrough patented the manufacturing process and branded it 'Vaseline'. The product quickly became a household staple, valued for its purported healing properties. Early bottles like this one are sought after by collectors, representing a piece of medical and consumer history.