Vintage Apothecary Bottle – “Morph. et Ipecac” Chemist’s Label – L.E.J. Guy M.P.S., Southampton (Early 20th Century)
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Add a fascinating piece of British medical history to your collection with this vintage chemist’s apothecary bottle, a rare and evocative example of early 20th-century pharmaceutical practice. This original glass pharmacy bottle once contained a mixture of Morphine and Ipecacuanha—a potent compound used historically as a cough suppressant and emetic. A striking and nostalgic display piece, this item will appeal to collectors of medical antiques, vintage pharmacy equipment, and scientific curiosities.
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Product Features:
Original Paper Label: The hand-written label reads:
“SHAKE THE BOTTLE. The Mixture: Morph. et Ipecac. Conc. 1 in 5.” This Latin abbreviation stands for “Morphine and Ipecacuanha,” a common 19th- and early 20th-century pharmaceutical blend used to treat bronchitis and persistent coughing.
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Provenance: The label also identifies the chemist as:
“L.E.J. Guy, M.P.S., Dispensing Chemist, 289 Shirley Road, Southampton (Corner of Lumsden Avenue)”
The inclusion of “M.P.S.” (Member of the Pharmaceutical Society) confirms the pharmacist's formal qualification.
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Material: Blown amber-brown glass with a ground glass stopper. The inside shows aged residue and crystallisation, adding to its visual intrigue and authenticity. The pontil mark on the base and slight air bubbles in the glass suggest early 20th-century manufacture, likely between the 1910s and 1930s.
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Dimensions: Approx. 23cm tall including stopper, with a rounded shoulder form and thick base for stability.
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Condition: Very good antique condition. No chips or cracks in the glass. The label is intact, albeit with expected age-related toning and surface wear. The interior has significant chemical residue, consistent with long-term storage of a once-potent mixture. A fantastic time capsule of early pharmaceutical history.
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Historical Context:
During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, mixtures of morphine and ipecac were commonly prescribed by pharmacists for respiratory ailments, combining a sedative opiate (morphine) with an expectorant derived from the South American ipecacuanha root. These mixtures were prepared by qualified dispensing chemists before the widespread regulation of narcotics.
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Bottles like this one, labelled by hand and issued by local apothecaries, are now highly collectible relics of the pre-NHS era of British medicine. They serve as visual testimony to how far pharmaceutical science has come—and are increasingly sought after for educational displays, steampunk décor, or medical-themed interior styling.
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Ideal For:
Collectors of vintage apothecary bottles
Medical history enthusiasts
Pharmacy, chemistry, or Victorian-era displays
Curiosity cabinets, escape rooms, or film/theatre props
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⚠️ 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.
Any residue should not be ingested or inhaled. Bottles like this are sold strictly as collectible display items only.
