Antique early 20th or late 19th century Owbridge lung tonic bottle with lid
Antique early 20th or late 19th century Owbridge lung tonic bottle with lid. Very rare, amazing condition, some age related wear. Size 13 cm tall 5 cm wide 3 cm depth.
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I would think the lid or stopper had a band or cork around so it fitted more snuggly. At some stage this has gone but it does not detract from the item.
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Looks amazing displayed with other bottles - illustration only - for sale separately.
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Owbridge's Lung Tonic was a popular cough syrup invented in 1874 by pharmacist Walter Thomas Owbridge in Hull, England. It was initially marketed as a remedy for coughs, bronchitis, asthma, and consumption (tuberculosis). While it gained significant popularity, it was a "patent medicine," meaning it wasn't licensed and was advertised as a cure-all for various respiratory ailments.
Here's a more detailed look:
Inventor:
Walter Thomas Owbridge (born 1844) was a pharmacist who established his practice in Hull.
Origin:
The tonic was invented in 1874 and was marketed widely.
Purpose:
It was initially marketed as a remedy for coughs, bronchitis, asthma, and tuberculosis.
Ingredients:
While the exact formula was kept secret, it's thought to have included Ipecacuanha wine, chloroform, honey, and alcohol.
Popularity:
Owbridge's Lung Tonic gained considerable popularity and was used extensively until the mid-1960s.
Marketing:
Owbridge recognized the importance of branding and used various marketing techniques, including newspaper advertising and paper-based novelties.
