Emerson Drug Co Bromo Seltzer Bottle Value Guide

The Emerson Drug Co Bromo Seltzer bottle is a cornerstone of American apothecary history, famous for its striking cobalt blue glass chosen by Isaac E. Emerson in 1888. These cylindrical vessels are highly collectible as they represent the iconic brand that inspired the landmark Bromo-Seltzer Tower in Baltimore.

What Is Emerson Drug Co Bromo Seltzer Bottle Worth?

The typical price range for Emerson Drug Co Bromo Seltzer Bottle is $15 - $17 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 chips, cracks, or 'sickness' (cloudiness) from burial.
• The presence of the original metal screw cap and any remaining paper labeling significantly increases market price.
• Variations in size, as these bottles were produced in several different heights for different dosages.
• Clarity and depth of the cobalt blue pigment, with more vibrant hues generally being more desirable to collectors.

How to Identify Emerson Drug Co Bromo Seltzer Bottle?

• Look for the distinct deep cobalt blue glass color used specifically to stand out on 20th-century pharmacy shelves.
• Verify the cylindrical shape and the presence of a threaded neck designed for a screw cap, typical of the 1910-1940 era.
• Check for the 'Emerson Drug Co' or 'Bromo-Seltzer' embossed lettering often found on the base or sides of the bottle.
• Examine the glass for bubbles or slight imperfections consistent with early to mid-20th-century manufacturing processes.

History of Emerson Drug Co Bromo Seltzer Bottle

Introduced in 1888 by Isaac E. Emerson, Bromo-Seltzer was a popular effervescent granules medication used to treat headaches and indigestion. The distinctive cobalt blue glass was chosen by Emerson to make the product instantly recognizable on pharmacy shelves and became an iconic symbol of the brand, leading to the construction of the Bromo-Seltzer Tower in Baltimore.