John Bull Eye Wash Cup Value Guide

The John Bull Eye Wash Cup is a notable piece of early 20th-century medical history, patented on August 14, 1917, in the United States. These clear pressed glass eye baths are highly collectible for their distinct pedestal base and anatomical design meant for flushing irritants from the eye.

What Is John Bull Eye Wash Cup Worth?

The typical price range for John Bull Eye Wash Cup is $15 - $25 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 or 'flea bites' along the delicate rim.
• Clarity of the glass, as cloudiness or 'sick glass' from mineral deposits can decrease value.
• Presence of original manufacturing marks and the sharpness of the embossed patent text.
• Current market demand for early 20th-century apothecary and home medicine cabinet ephemera.

How to Identify John Bull Eye Wash Cup?

• Look for the specific patent date of August 14, 1917, often embossed on the base of the glass.
• Verify the clear pressed glass material and the presence of a sturdy pedestal base.
• Check for the characteristic contoured rim specifically shaped to fit the human orbital bone.
• Confirm the 'John Bull' branding, which references the traditional personification of the United Kingdom.

History of John Bull Eye Wash Cup

Patented on August 14, 1917, the John Bull eye cup was a staple of early 20th-century home medicine cabinets. It was designed to provide a hygienic way to flush the eyes with saline or boric acid solutions, common treatments for irritation caused by dust or smoke before the advent of modern eye drops. The name John Bull refers to the personification of the United Kingdom, reflecting the brand's origins.