Antique German Poison Bottle – “GIFT FLASCHE” – Deep Green Hexagonal Glass with Skull & Crossbones – c.1890–1910 European Apothecary
 
Description:
A striking antique German poison bottle embossed GIFT FLASCHE (“Poison Bottle”) along with prominent skull-and-crossbones warning symbols on multiple panels. This deep green hexagonal bottle dates to approximately c.1890–1910, a period when German and Central European apothecary suppliers produced strongly marked poison containers for hazardous chemical storage.
The heavy green glass, crisp ribbing on the side facets, and the bold embossed lettering indicate production by a continental glassworks using early semi-automatic moulding techniques. The base is marked 250 over a secondary mould number, typical of turn-of-the-century pharmaceutical packaging. These larger-capacity poison bottles are less common than small-dose forms and display beautifully due to their colour, proportions, and strong warning iconography.
This is an excellent example of late 19th–early 20th century German apothecary design — visually imposing, well-embossed, and highly collectible.
 
Features:
• Era: c.1890–1910
• Origin: Germany or Central Europe
• Colour: Deep poison-green
• Embossing: “GIFT FLASCHE” + skull & crossbones
• Shape: Hexagonal body with ribbed side panels
• Height approx.: ~5.5 inches (see ruler in photos)
• Base Markings: 250 / mould code
• Thick-walled early apothecary glass
 
Construction / Materials:
• Press-moulded glass typical of late 19th–early 20th century European pharmaceutical production
• Tooled/ground lip with hand-finishing irregularities
• Strong tactile embossing designed for hazard recognition
• Characteristic poison-green glass for visual identification
 
Condition:
Very good antique condition overall. Light age-related wear, minor internal haze, and expected mould and tooling marks from the manufacturing era. No chips or cracks observed. Strong embossing and excellent colour retention.
 
Type:
Antique German poison bottle – early European apothecary / pharmaceutical collectible.
 
A bold and highly characterful poison bottle with strong German embossing, deep green colour, and classic skull-and-crossbones warnings — an exceptional display piece for collectors of antique apothecary glass, poison bottles, or European medical history.