Cobalt Blue Phillips Milk of Magnesia Bottle Value Guide

The Cobalt Blue Phillips Milk of Magnesia bottle is a staple of early 20th-century American apothecary history, prized for its deep, vibrant hue. These glass vessels were designed to protect light-sensitive medicinal contents while serving as a visual warning for potent substances.

What Is Cobalt Blue Phillips Milk of Magnesia Bottle Worth?

The typical price range for Cobalt Blue Phillips Milk of Magnesia Bottle is $15 - $25 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Presence of original paper labels or metal caps can significantly increase the $15-$25 base value.
• Glass clarity and the absence of 'sick glass' or cloudiness from mineral deposits affect desirability.
• Structural integrity, specifically the lack of chips, cracks, or 'flea bites' around the rim and base.
• The specific size of the bottle, as rarer miniature or oversized versions may command higher prices.

How to Identify Cobalt Blue Phillips Milk of Magnesia Bottle?

• Look for the distinct 'Phillips Milk of Magnesia' embossed lettering on the side or base of the cobalt blue glass.
• Examine the mouth for a cork-top finish or early screw-thread design consistent with the 1920-1940 era.
• Check for authentic manufacturing marks on the bottom, often indicating United States glass house origins.
• Verify the deep cobalt saturation, which should be consistent throughout the glass without modern spray-on coatings.

History of Cobalt Blue Phillips Milk of Magnesia Bottle

Cobalt blue glass bottles, often called 'poison bottles,' were historically used for medicines and substances that were dangerous if ingested. The distinctive color was not just decorative; it was practical. Blue glass could filter out certain light wavelengths, helping to preserve the integrity of light-sensitive contents. Phillips Milk of Magnesia was a very popular antacid and laxative, and its iconic cobalt blue bottle became highly recognizable. These bottles are now sought after by collectors for their historical significance and vibrant color.