Vintage Ayrton Saunders & Co. Amber Chemist Bottle with Glass Stopper – Spiritus

I’d date this to around the 1940s–1950s. But maybe earlier Ayrton Saunders was established in Liverpool in 1868, and the name Ayrton, Saunders & Co. Ltd. was adopted in 1908. Interestingly, the Science Museum collection holds an Ayrton Saunders B.P. medicine bottle dated 1954, which supports a mid-century date for ours.

18 cm tall

6 cm round at base

Vintage Ayrton Saunders & Co. Amber Chemist Bottle with Glass Stopper – Spiritus Ammoniae Aromaticus B.P. – c.1940s–1950s

A wonderfully evocative piece of British pharmaceutical history, this vintage amber glass chemist’s bottle was produced for Ayrton, Saunders & Co. Ltd., Manufacturing Chemists of Liverpool and Dublin.

The original paper label identifies the contents as “Spiritus Ammoniae Aromaticus B.P.”, also described as Spirit of Sal Volatile – an aromatic preparation of ammonia historically associated with traditional pharmacy and medicine.

The bottle is particularly appealing because so much of its original presentation has survived. The large blue and cream pharmaceutical label remains clearly readable, including the original dosage instructions, while a smaller label towards the base records the original retail price of just 10d.

It retains its handsome matching amber glass stopper with flattened rectangular top, fitting into the substantial rounded neck. The deep amber colour of the glass would originally have helped protect light-sensitive pharmaceutical preparations and today gives the bottle a wonderfully rich decorative appearance.

Maker History

Ayrton Saunders was founded in Liverpool in 1868 by pharmaceutical manufacturer A. H. Saunders in association with Liverpool doctor F. Ayrton. The company developed into a substantial manufacturing chemist, producing pharmaceutical preparations, medical supplies and related products.

By the early 20th century the business had expanded considerably, and from 1908 traded as Ayrton, Saunders & Co. Ltd. The company became an important name within Liverpool's pharmaceutical industry, supplying both the domestic market and a considerable overseas trade. Historic company records dating from the late 19th and 20th centuries are now preserved within the National Museums Liverpool archives.

This bottle appears to date from around the 1940s to 1950s, making it a lovely survivor from the traditional chemist's shop era.

Condition

Good vintage condition with age-related wear. The amber glass displays well and the original glass stopper is present. The paper labels show considerable authentic ageing, including creasing, small tears, losses and discolouration, but importantly the principal wording and manufacturer remain clearly legible. Please study the photographs as these form an important part of the condition description.

Sold purely as a vintage pharmaceutical collectable and decorative item and not for medicinal use.

Why We Love It

The battered old label is really what makes this bottle. Rather than being simply another piece of amber glass, it tells you exactly what once sat on a chemist's shelf, who made it and even that somebody originally paid 10d for it. A characterful piece for an apothecary collection, bathroom display, medical collection, curiosity cabinet or vintage shop interior.

Our descriptions are provided to the best of our knowledge and research. Vintage and antique items will naturally show signs of their previous life and use, which we believe form part of their individual character