Phillips Milk of Magnesia Bottle Value Guide

The Phillips Milk of Magnesia bottle is a staple of 20th-century pharmaceutical history, prized for its striking cobalt blue glass. Originally designed by Charles H. Phillips to protect the medicine from light, these 1930s-era bottles are highly sought after by glass collectors for their vibrant color and iconic branding.

What Is Phillips Milk of Magnesia Bottle Worth?

The typical price range for Phillips Milk of Magnesia Bottle is $15 - $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, specifically the absence of chips, cracks, or 'sick' glass cloudiness.
• The clarity and depth of the embossed 'PHILLIPS MILK OF MAGNESIA' and 'ONE TABLET' lettering.
• Market demand for cobalt blue glass, which remains a popular category for antique bottle enthusiasts.
• The presence of original labels or caps, though rare, can significantly increase the $15-$20 baseline value.

How to Identify Phillips Milk of Magnesia Bottle?

• Look for the distinct deep cobalt blue glass color used to protect contents from light.
• Verify the presence of embossed lettering reading 'PHILLIPS MILK OF MAGNESIA' and 'ONE TABLET' on the body.
• Check for 1930s-era manufacturing marks on the base, typical of United States production.
• Ensure the glass features the characteristic thickness and weight associated with early 20th-century medicinal bottles.

History of Phillips Milk of Magnesia Bottle

Phillips Milk of Magnesia was invented by Charles H. Phillips in 1873. The distinct cobalt blue bottles became an iconic part of its brand identity, designed to protect the contents from light and to stand out on pharmacy shelves. These bottles are highly collectible today, representing a piece of pharmaceutical history.