Antique early 20th or late 19th century poisonous bottle by sanizal. This decorative and collectible bottle looks great displayed with other bottles (see pictures illustration only).
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Some age related wear. It has a green tint to it.
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Poison bottles played a significant role in Victorian and Edwardian medicine and healthcare. Their distinctive shapes and colours were crucial for identifying dangerous substances in a time before stringent regulations and modern labeling standards. These bottles, often made of blue or green glass and featuring ridged surfaces or unique shapes, were designed to be easily identifiable by touch, even in the dark, to prevent accidental poisonings.
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Evolution of Poison Bottles:
Early Regulations:
In the 1850s, Parliament attempted to regulate poison containers, requiring them to be embossed with "Poison" and designed for easy tactile identification.
Distinctive Shapes:
Chemist, doctors, and glass companies collaborated to create distinctive shapes, such as hexagons with ridged surfaces, or even coffin and skull shapes, to make poison bottles easily distinguishable.
Color Cues:
Blue and green glass, often used for poison bottles, further aided in their identification, especially when combined with tactile features.
Materials:
While some bottles were made of cobalt blue or green glass, others were crafted from darker, often opaque glass, designed to be easily recognized by their texture.
Why Poison Bottles Were Necessary:
Pre-regulation Era:
Before stringent regulations, many poisonous substances were readily available in general supply shops.
Lack of Modern Labels:
The absence of clear, modern labels made it easy to mistake a poison bottle for a medicine bottle.
Preventing Accidental Poisonings:
Distinctive shapes and tactile features, along with color cues, were designed to prevent accidental poisonings, particularly for those who could not read.
Examples of Poison Bottle Designs:
Hexagonal Shapes: Often with ridged surfaces, these bottles were designed to be easily felt and identified.
Coffin and Skull Shapes: While rare, these designs were highly sought after by collectors.
Ridged Surfaces: Bottles with ridges or other raised patterns were designed to be easily identified by touch.
Impact of Poison Bottles:
Preventing Accidental Poisonings:
The distinctive designs of poison bottles played a crucial role in preventing accidental poisonings.
Cultural Significance:
Poison bottles became a symbol of the Victorian era's focus on safety and the dangers of readily available poisons.
Collecting and Preservation:
Poison bottles are now highly sought-after collector's items, preserved in museums and private collections, serving as a reminder of a time when safety regulations were less stringent.
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Size: 19 cm tall 9 cm wide 4 cm depth