Skull Poison Bottle Value Guide

- Period
- 1890-1920
- Origin
- United States
- Materials
- Cobalt blue glass
- Category
- Poison bottle
This antique cobalt blue glass bottle, crafted in the United States between 1890 and 1920, is a striking example of early safety packaging. Its macabre skull shape and vibrant color were intentional design choices meant to provide a tactile and visual warning against accidental ingestion of toxic substances.
What Is Skull Poison Bottle Worth?
The typical price range for Skull Poison Bottle is $250 - $250 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:
- The intensity and uniformity of the cobalt blue glass significantly impact the $250 market valuation.
- Condition is critical; the absence of chips, cracks, or 'sick glass' cloudiness preserves the bottle's value.
- The clarity and sharpness of the embossed skull features and lettering drive collector interest.
- Historical provenance and evidence of its original use in pharmacies or laboratories can enhance desirability.
How to Identify Skull Poison Bottle?
- Look for the distinct embossed word 'POISON' featured prominently on the skull design.
- Verify the deep cobalt blue color, which was a standard safety indicator for hazardous materials during the era.
- Check for authentic manufacturing marks consistent with late 19th to early 20th-century American glass production.
- Examine the glass for period-correct bubbles or slight imperfections typical of 1890-1920 molded glass.
History of Skull Poison Bottle
Skull poison bottles, often made from vibrant cobalt blue glass, were designed to stand out due to their distinctive shape and color. This was a deliberate safety measure in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as many common household liquids, medicines, and poisons were stored in similar-looking bottles. The skull motif, along with the word 'POISON' prominently displayed, served as an immediate visual warning to prevent accidental ingestion in homes, pharmacies, and laboratories. These bottles are now highly sought after by collectors for their historical significance, unique design, and the eerie charm they possess.
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