Dr. Miles Medicine Bottle Value Guide

The Dr. Miles Medicine Bottle is a classic piece of American patent medicine history, originating from Franklin Miles' medical company founded in 1884. These rectangular aqua glass vessels are highly collectible because they represent the late 19th-century 'nervine' craze and the rise of mass-produced apothecary glass.

What affects the value of Dr. Miles Medicine Bottle?

• Condition of the glass, specifically the absence of chips, cracks, or heavy 'cloudiness' from ground burial.
• The presence of the original paper label or the original cork, which can significantly increase the $15-$25 base value.
• Clarity of the embossed lettering, as crisp and deep impressions are more desirable to bottle collectors.

How to Identify Dr. Miles Medicine Bottle?

• Look for the distinct rectangular shape with a tooled lip and a smooth base typical of the 1890-1910 era.
• Verify the embossed lettering on the side panels, which usually features the Dr. Miles name or specific product titles like 'Restorative Nervine'.
• Check for the characteristic aqua-colored glass, which may contain small air bubbles or 'seeds' from the original manufacturing process.

History of Dr. Miles Medicine Bottle

Franklin Miles founded the Dr. Miles Medical Company in 1884 in Elkhart, Indiana. He was a pioneer in 'patent medicines,' most famous for Restorative Nervine, which was marketed as a cure for various nervous conditions. These bottles were mass-produced in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and are now staples of American glass collecting.