Antique Cobalt Blue Laudanum Poison Bottle – “NOT TO BE TAKEN” – Frank E. Watson Druggist & Stationer, Greenville, Illinois – c.1890–1910
 
 
Description:
A striking and highly collectible antique cobalt blue laudanum poison bottle, featuring the bold embossed warning NOT TO BE TAKEN along one panel and the original preserved Frank E. Watson – Druggist & Stationer, Greenville, Illinois paper label on the front. Bottles in cobalt glass were intentionally coloured for poison identification, and the combination of embossed warning + original druggist label makes this an exceptional surviving example.
The glass is deeply coloured in rich cobalt blue, with clean hexagonal panels and early machine-moulded form (smooth base, no pontil). The label includes dosage instructions and antidote information typical of late 19th to very early 20th-century American pharmacy practice. Watson’s drugstore operated in Greenville, Illinois, making this a regionally important and highly displayable piece.
This is a premium bottle for collectors of antique poisons, laudanum bottles, and labelled American pharmacy glass.
 
Features:
• era: c.1890–1910
• origin: Greenville, Illinois, USA – Frank E. Watson Druggist & Stationer
• embossing: “NOT TO BE TAKEN” on one panel
• label: Original LAUDANUM / POISON Watson druggist label with antidote instructions
• colour: Deep cobalt blue
• shape: Hexagonal poison bottle with long tapered neck
• height: Approx. ~5.5 inches (see ruler in photos)
• base: Smooth early machine-made base
• rarity: Original labelled laudanum bottles in cobalt are increasingly scarce
 
Construction / Materials:
• Early machine-moulded American glass
• Thick, rich cobalt colour chosen for poison identification
• Crisp embossed warning with excellent readability
• Original period printed label with red skull-and-crossbones iconography
• Tooled / fire-polished lip consistent with turn-of-century pharmacy glass
 
Condition:
Very good antique condition. Label is well-preserved with only expected age toning and light wear. Glass shows minor surface marks consistent with age but no cracks or major chips observed. Embossing is clear and strong. Excellent display presence.
 
Type:
Antique cobalt blue poison / laudanum bottle – American druggist & apothecary collectible.
 
A rare opportunity to acquire an original-label cobalt laudanum poison bottle with both embossed and printed poison warnings — a standout piece for any serious collection of antique pharmacy, poisons, or 19th-century Americana.