Poison Bottle

Gallery 214, American Art, second floor, Case 15, Historical, Figural Flasks & Bottles

Main Building

Poison Bottle

c. 1880s

Artist/maker unknown, English or American

The first patent for "poison bottles" in the United States was applied for in Philadelphia in 1871, although many glass firms were already making bottles specifically for poisons. In 1829 New York State made it mandatory that the word "poison" be placed on bottles containing harmful substances. These bottles have been found in various forms, with the coffin shape most notable. The fact that a bottle contained poison was variously signified by: pointed surfaces, the inclusion of skull and crossbones, odd shapes, and by making the bottle the color cobalt blue.

Gallery 214, American Art, second floor, Case 15, Historical, Figural Flasks & Bottles

Object Details

Title:

Poison Bottle

Date:

c. 1880s

Artist:

Artist/maker unknown, English or American

Medium:

Green non-lead glass (blown-molded)

Dimensions:

Height: 5 inches (12.7 cm)

Classification:

Containers

Credit Line:

The George H. Lorimer Collection, 1938

Accession Number:

1938-23-223

Geography:

Made in England, Europe or made in United States, North and Central America

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Gallery 214, American Art, second floor, Case 15, Historical, Figural Flasks & Bottles

Main Building

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