Cobalt Blue Poison Bottle Value Guide

Period
1890-1910
Origin
United States
Materials
Cobalt glass

This antique cobalt blue poison bottle from the 1890-1910 era represents an early innovation in consumer safety design. Its striking deep blue glass and unique quilted texture were specifically engineered to provide a tactile warning to users handling dangerous substances in low-light conditions.

What affects the value of Cobalt Blue Poison Bottle?

  • The presence of the original quilted texture significantly increases desirability among medical and glass collectors.
  • Condition is paramount, as chips or cracks in the delicate embossed patterns can reduce the $250 market value.
  • The intensity and clarity of the cobalt blue pigment affect the bottle's visual appeal and final appraisal.
  • Historical provenance linking the bottle to specific United States glassworks from the turn of the century.

How to Identify Cobalt Blue Poison Bottle?

  • Look for the distinct raised quilted or diamond-shaped pattern embossed across the glass surface.
  • Verify the deep, vibrant cobalt blue color characteristic of late 19th-century American glass manufacturing.
  • Check for a hand-finished or tool-finished lip consistent with production techniques from 1890 to 1910.
  • Inspect for embossed 'POISON' lettering which often accompanies the textured warning patterns.

History of Cobalt Blue Poison Bottle

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, special bottles were designed to hold poisonous substances. These bottles were often made in distinct colors, such as cobalt blue or amber, and featured embossed patterns or unique shapes to warn users of their dangerous contents, even in the dark. The quilted pattern on this bottle served as a tactile warning, an innovative safety feature for its time, preventing accidental ingestion. These bottles are now highly sought after by collectors for their historical significance and distinctive appearance.

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