Listerine Glass Bottle Value Guide

This 1920s clear glass bottle represents the era when Listerine transitioned from a surgical antiseptic to a household staple for 'halitosis.' Produced by the Lambert Pharmacal Company, these bottles are iconic artifacts of early 20th-century American marketing and hygiene history.

What Is Listerine Glass Bottle Worth?

The typical price range for Listerine Glass Bottle is $20 - $30 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Presence and condition of the original paper label can significantly increase the $20-$30 base value.
• Glass clarity and the absence of 'sick glass' cloudiness or heavy mineral deposits.
• Structural integrity, specifically looking for chips around the delicate rim or base.
• The specific size variant, as larger or unusual apothecary dimensions may command higher prices.

How to Identify Listerine Glass Bottle?

• Look for the 'Lambert Pharmacal Company' embossed text directly on the glass body.
• Check for a cork-top finish or early screw-top threads consistent with 1920s manufacturing.
• Verify the presence of a 'suction scar' or specific maker's marks on the base typical of early machine-made glass.
• Ensure the glass is clear and free of modern iridescent coatings often found on reproductions.

History of Listerine Glass Bottle

Listerine was first formulated in 1879 by Dr. Joseph Lawrence and Robert Wood Johnson. It was initially marketed as a surgical antiseptic and later as a floor cleaner and a cure for gonorrhea. By the 1920s, it gained immense popularity as a mouthwash, effectively coining the term 'halitosis' to market its oral hygiene benefits. This bottle represents an early period of its widespread adoption.