Green Glass Medicine Bottle Value Guide

1940's VINTAGE GREEN GLASS MEDICINE Bottle DES PAT. 92148 - OWENS-ILLINOIS® RARE | eBay
Green Glass Medicine Bottle
Estimated Value
$10 – $20
Period
1930-1950
Origin
United States
Materials
Glass

These 1930-1950 green glass medicine bottles are prized by collectors for their vibrant hues and historical role in protecting pharmaceutical contents from UV degradation. Produced by various US companies, their distinct shapes and embossed markings represent a pivotal era in mid-century apothecary design.

What Is Green Glass Medicine Bottle Worth?

The typical price range for Green Glass Medicine Bottle is $10 - $20 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

  • Condition of the glass, including the presence of chips, cracks, or 'cloudiness' from mineral deposits.
  • Rarity of the specific pharmaceutical brand or company name embossed on the bottle's surface.
  • Intensity and uniqueness of the green color, with deeper or unusual shades often commanding higher prices.
  • Presence of original paper labels or cork stoppers, which significantly increases the historical value beyond the $10-$20 base range.

How to Identify Green Glass Medicine Bottle?

  • Look for a distinct green tint ranging from light seafoam to deep emerald, characteristic of mid-20th-century US glass production.
  • Check the base for maker's marks or numerical codes indicating the specific pharmaceutical plant or mold number.
  • Examine the neck and lip for machine-made seams, which are typical for bottles manufactured between 1930 and 1950.
  • Identify embossed lettering or brand names on the side panels that signify specific medicinal or apothecary origins.

History of Green Glass Medicine Bottle

Colored glass medicine bottles were common in the early to mid-20th century, particularly green and amber, because the colored glass helped protect the contents from degradation due to sunlight. Many small pharmaceutical companies produced their own distinct bottle designs, and these bottles are now collectible due to their historical significance and varied aesthetics.

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