Citrate of Magnesia Glass Bottle Value Guide

The Citrate of Magnesia glass bottle is a staple of early 20th-century American apothecary history, used to house effervescent laxatives and antacids. These bottles are highly collectible due to their distinct heavy glass construction and the historical 'U.S.P.' designation, which signaled compliance with United States Pharmacopeia standards.

What Is Citrate of Magnesia Glass Bottle Worth?

The typical price range for Citrate of Magnesia Glass Bottle is $25 - $25 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Condition of the glass, specifically the absence of 'sickness' or cloudiness and the clarity of the embossing.
• Presence of the original porcelain or metal swing-top stopper, which significantly increases collector interest.
• The specific manufacturer's mark on the base, as some regional glassworks are rarer than others.
• Color variations, though clear is standard, any slight tints like aqua or straw can influence the $25 baseline value.

How to Identify Citrate of Magnesia Glass Bottle?

• Look for the specific embossed lettering 'CITRATE OF MAGNESIA' and 'U.S.P.' on the body of the clear glass.
• Examine the bottle for a thick, reinforced lip designed to withstand the pressure of effervescent contents.
• Identify manufacturing marks from the 1890-1920 era, such as side seams that stop before the top of the lip or a hand-finished neck.
• Verify the heavy, durable weight of the glass which is characteristic of medicinal bottles from this period.

History of Citrate of Magnesia Glass Bottle

Citrate of Magnesia was a popular effervescent laxative and antacid, commonly bottled in distinctively shaped glass bottles during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These bottles often feature embossed lettering, indicating the contents and sometimes the manufacturer, as product labeling was evolving. The 'U.S.P.' designation refers to the United States Pharmacopeia, indicating that the product met certain purity and strength standards.