Cobalt blue glass is a deep royal blue color, created when the glass maker adds a compound of cobalt oxide at the molten stage. Early cobalt blue glass was used in medicine bottles, poison bottles, bitters and numerous other uses, including apothecary jars.
Antique Cobalt Blue Bottles and Apothecary Jars
Most collected cobalt blue bottles were made in the late 19th century and into the early 20th century. All colored glass was expensive to produce, but regardless, cobalt blue medicine bottles can be found for under $100. The very rare pieces are valued much higher. For example, an 1850s cobalt blue water bottle with a Vichy paper label is valued at $1,500 according to one listing found on eBay.
Glass in aqua shades were more commonly used for medicine bottles, making cobalt blue highly collectible due to it's scarcity. Bottles in shades of cornflower blue are also collectible.
Antique apothecary jars in cobalt blue glass are also rare finds for the collector, as well as being pricey. Collectors can expect to pay hundreds of dollars for a rare jar and very rare pieces can sell for over $1000.
Buying Tips for Glass Apothecary Jars and Bottles
- Apothecary jars and bottles were also made with other colors, like amber and green. These along with cobalt blue often sell at a premium.
- A good way to date a glass bottle is to learn if it hand-blown glass or manufactured. Check the underside of the bottle for a little nubby chunk of glass in or near the center. It may indicate that it's a very old piece from the mid-19th century.
- Air bubbles or waves in the glass is often an indicator of age, much like the original glass on old picture frames.
- Bottles with original contents, closures and paper labels have greater value.
- The openings of very old bottles will have smooth rounded edges, not a screw shapes.
- A small chip, flaw, or minimal surface scratching could reduce the value by 10% to 20%. A bottle or jar in very rough condition, will only have value if it is a very rare piece. But the value should be very reduced.
- Learn to know the difference between reproduced and authentic original antique bottles. There are many being reproduced.
- Blue glass antique bottles that have the medicine or chemist's name embossed into the glass are often harder to find.
- Cobalt blue apothecary jars are more valuable with the original label extant and under glass.
Displaying Glass Apothecary Jars and Bottles
Colored glass collectibles are fun to collect and display. They look great in a window with the light shining through them, or on shelves or tables. The most effective colored glass displays are all one color.
It's unwise to display old apothecary jars and bottles in a window if they still have the label attached or the label under the glass. The ultraviolet light coming through the window can fade the script or print matter on the labels.
Cobalt medicine bottle can be found at antique shops, thrift markets, yards sales and a good place to begin the search is online venues.
Lorraine Syratt - Lorraine Syratt is a freelance writer, gardener and part-time antique dealer. Please see her full profile for more information.
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