Vicks VapoRub Jar Value Guide

The vintage cobalt blue Vicks VapoRub jar is a quintessential piece of Americana, representing the legacy of Lunsford Richardson's 1890s formula. These mid-century glass containers are highly collectible for their striking deep blue hue, which was originally designed to protect the medicinal salve from light degradation.

What affects the value of Vicks VapoRub Jar?

• The presence and condition of the original metal lid significantly impacts the $20-$25 valuation.
• Glass clarity and the absence of chips, cracks, or 'sick glass' cloudiness preserve the item's market price.
• The preservation of any original paper labeling, though rare, can increase collector interest.
• The vibrancy and depth of the cobalt blue coloration, a hallmark of the Vicks brand.

How to Identify Vicks VapoRub Jar?

• Look for the distinct deep cobalt blue glass body produced between 1940 and 1960.
• Verify the presence of the original lithographed metal screw-top lid.
• Check the base of the jar for embossed glass maker marks or manufacturing numbers.
• Ensure the jar dimensions match the standard medicinal sizes produced in the United States during the mid-20th century.

History of Vicks VapoRub Jar

Vicks VapoRub, developed by Lunsford Richardson in the 1890s, was initially called 'Richardson's Croup and Pneumonia Cure Salve.' The distinctive blue glass jars became a hallmark of the brand, protecting the contents from light while also making them easily recognizable. These jars are a nostalgic reminder of home remedies from a bygone era.