Vintage Apothecary Poison Bottle – Stramonium Tincture B.P. by J.M. Loveridge Ltd (c.1940s–60s)
-
This vintage apothecary bottle is a striking and authentic example of mid-20th century pharmaceutical glassware, used to contain Stramonium Tincture (B.P.), a once-common but highly toxic medicinal preparation.
---
Item Description
Label:
STRAMONIUM TINCTURE B.P.
Dosage: 0.6 to 2 mL, every 10 to 30 minutes – clearly indicating it was a carefully controlled substance.
Marked “POISON” in red – common for dangerous compounds.
Manufacturer: J.M. Loveridge Ltd., Southampton – a known British pharmaceutical manufacturer.
Pharmacopoeia Reference: B.P. = British Pharmacopoeia, indicating a standardized formula in use, likely from the 1940s–1960s.
-
Bottle:
Brown (amber) ribbed glass with ground glass stopper – designed to reduce light exposure and prevent chemical degradation.
Ribbed back and embossed markings suggest it’s a poison bottle – a tactile warning design, particularly before widespread literacy.
Base markings include “20” and possibly “A610” – typical of production codes used by British glassworks in the 20th century.
Stopper with vertical ridges also reflects standard apothecary safety and sealing measures of the time.
---
What is Stramonium Tincture?
Stramonium is derived from the plant Datura stramonium (also known as Jimsonweed or Thorn Apple), which contains tropane alkaloids such as atropine, hyoscyamine, and scopolamine – powerful anticholinergic agents.
-
Historical Uses:
Treatment for asthma (as a bronchodilator)
Muscle spasms
As a sedative or pain reliever
Occasionally used in belladonna-like preparations
-
Risks:
Highly toxic in incorrect doses – causes hallucinations, delirium, and even death.
Largely discontinued for medical use due to its narrow therapeutic margin.
---
Age & Manufacturer Info
J.M. Loveridge Ltd., Southampton operated primarily in the mid-20th century as a pharmaceutical supplier. Bottles like this were typically in circulation from the 1930s to the early 1960s, especially before plastic containers became widespread.
The style of the label, bottle colour, and poison warning are consistent with post-war British pharmacy practice, possibly around 1945–1960.
---
For collectors of apothecary, poison, or pharmaceutical memorabilia, this bottle is highly desirable due to:
Original intact label
Unique poison ribbed design
Period-correct stopper
Toxic contents reference (Stramonium)
-
⚠️ Disclaimer
This item is sold strictly as a decorative collectible or for historical/educational interest only. It is not intended for use, consumption, or the storage of any substances. The bottle may reference or once have contained toxic or hazardous compounds; therefore, please handle with care and keep out of reach of children and pets. Objet d’Art Stuff accepts no liability for misuse of this item.