Mrs. Winslow's Soothing Syrup Bottle Value Guide

Mrs. Winslow's Soothing Syrup bottles are iconic artifacts of the unregulated patent medicine era, famously marketed to quiet teething infants. These clear glass vessels represent a dark chapter in pharmaceutical history due to their original formula containing morphine and alcohol.

What affects the value of Mrs. Winslow's Soothing Syrup Bottle?

• The presence of original paper labels significantly increases the value beyond the $55 average for bare glass.
• Condition of the glass, specifically the absence of chips, cracks, or heavy 'sick glass' cloudiness.
• The specific variant of the embossing, as some regional or early distributor marks are rarer than others.
• Color variations, though most are clear, any slight aqua or amethyst tints can impact collector interest.

How to Identify Mrs. Winslow's Soothing Syrup Bottle?

• Look for the embossed lettering 'MRS WINSLOW'S SOOTHING SYRUP' and 'CURTIS & PERKINS' on the side panels.
• Examine the glass for a hand-finished lip or tool marks consistent with late 19th-century manufacturing.
• Verify the clear glass composition and rectangular shape typical of the 1880-1910 production period.
• Check for the presence of 'PROPRIETORS' or specific city markings like 'NEW YORK' on the base or sides.

History of Mrs. Winslow's Soothing Syrup Bottle

Mrs. Winslow's Soothing Syrup was a popular patent medicine in the 19th and early 20th centuries, marketed primarily for teething babies. It gained notoriety for containing morphine and alcohol, which effectively "soothed" infants into quietude, though often with tragic consequences. Despite its dangerous ingredients, it was widely advertised and sold, reflecting the unregulated nature of medicine at the time. Today, these bottles serve as a historical artifact, a stark reminder of past pharmaceutical practices.