Antique Cobalt Blue Castor Oil Chemist Bottle – F. W. Whitwell, Oundle – c.1910

Antique Cobalt Blue Castor Oil Chemist Bottle – F. W. Whitwell, Oundle – c.1910–1925

Displayed with other bottles illustration only not included for sale separately

11 cm tall

5 cm round at base

A wonderful survivor from the days of the traditional high-street chemist, this antique cobalt blue glass medicine bottle retains its original paper label for Castor Oil, dispensed by F. W. Whitwell, Chemist & Optician, Market Place, Oundle.

Dating to the early decades of the 20th century, the bottle is made from beautifully coloured blue glass with a rounded shoulder, short neck and substantial rolled rim. The glass has the subtle irregularities and character associated with early commercial bottle manufacture.

The real appeal, however, is the original printed chemist's label. Despite its age, much of the lettering remains wonderfully clear, including:

CASTOR OIL

F. W. Whitwell

M.P.S., F.S.M.C.

Chemist & Optician

Market Place, Oundle

Even the original dosage instructions survive, prescribing one to two tablespoonfuls for adults and half to two teaspoonfuls for children — a fascinating little reminder of everyday domestic medicine more than a century ago.

About F. W. Whitwell

The initials following Whitwell's name tell us that this was no simple general store. M.P.S. indicated professional membership of the Pharmaceutical Society, while F.S.M.C. related to qualification through the Worshipful Company of Spectacle Makers, reflecting Whitwell's combined business as both chemist and optician.

Historical records also identify a Frederick William Whitwell, a Peterborough-born chemist operating in the area during the early 20th century. It seems very likely that the F. W. Whitwell named on this Oundle bottle was Frederick William Whitwell, although we have not found sufficient documentary evidence to state this attribution with complete certainty.

The combination of pharmacy and optical services was characteristic of the period, when a well-established provincial chemist might dispense medicines alongside spectacles, photographic goods and other scientific or medical necessities.

Condition

A genuine antique bottle showing plenty of age-related character. There are scratches, surface marks and minor manufacturing irregularities to the glass, together with wear around the mouth and rim. The original paper label has considerable age toning, staining, foxing and general wear, but importantly remains substantially intact and clearly legible.

There is no stopper.

The bottle is empty and is sold purely as an antique decorative and collectable item. It should not be used for medicines, food or drink.

Why we love it

It is the combination of that wonderful blue glass and the remarkably evocative local label that makes this one. Rather than simply being an old chemist's bottle, we know precisely where it stood: on the shelves of a chemist and optician in Market Place, Oundle. A small but tangible piece of Northamptonshire's retail and medical history.

Perfect for a collection of antique bottles, chemist and apothecary ware, medical memorabilia or local Oundle and Northamptonshire history. It would also look fabulous amongst a collection of old glass bottles in a bathroom, kitchen or vintage-inspired interior.

Date: Circa 1910–1925

Material: Blue glass with original paper label

Origin: Oundle, Northamptonshire, England

As with all our antique and vintage pieces, this item has lived a previous life and shows signs of age and use. Please study the photographs carefully as they form an important part of the description. Colours may vary slightly according to individual screen settings. Our descriptions are given to the best of our knowledge and research.