Antique / VTG E. Schering Formalin 1lb Amber Apothecary Bottle Poison | EMPTY

Description

Up for Purchase is this stunning [empty] brown / amber Formalin apothecary bottle that sat in storage in an attic for some decades. The one thing I know for sure is that this isn't a newly printed reproduction that so many on eBay pass off as 'unique' and 'antique'. However, I'm not an expert, so I can't say with certainty whether this is a 50 year old reproduction or a 100 year old original, though I'm leaning toward the latter. Perhaps you the expert know more just by looking, and if you do, please let me know why you think so. I did a lot of research to try to get to the bottom of it and didn't reach a definitive conclusion.
The bottle itself was unearthed after a relative passed away with a collection of other bottles, so the story was lost with her passing, unfortunately. While I can't tell you the story behind this bottle's history, I'll do my best to tell you everything I
do
know, starting with the bottle specs:
8-1/8" Tall
2-7/8" Diameter (measured on the bottom)
1-1/8" External Diameter (the external measurement of the very top lip)
11/16" Internal Diameter (the internal measurement of the opening)
Bottle weight: 12.9 ounces
This bottle is empty, but there's still a partial cork inside. I chose to leave it instead of removing it to clean the bottle so that you would have the choice. It appears to be seamless, and I've looked a dozen times for that seam but never find it. It's challenging due to the paper label that covers most of the real estate. There's an indentation on the very bottom from the production process, with a little scarring. You can feel the texture of that scarring on the bottom with your finger, but it's pretty subtle. I don't see any bubbles in this bottle, and the only imperfections of note that I do see are stress cracks in the bottle neck which I illuminated with light to take photos, and a few external scratches at the top of the opening.
The bottle has an 'Extract Lip' design, and the paper label measures 8-3/4" wide x 5-1/4" tall. The paper label shows obvious wear, and it was placed onto the bottle slightly askew, which is one of the reasons why I'm leaning toward this bottle being an original. The label is amazing because it has
so much
information, some of which I've taken the trouble of writing out in detail. Here's the primary portion in the center in red text:
FOR EXTERNAL USE ONLY
One Pound
FORMALIN
U.S. Trademark No. 23629, dated September 19th, 1898
POISON
Antidote: Give ammonia in diluted solution with demulcent drinks.
Also inhalations of ammonia.
From E. SCHERING
Manufacturing Chemist, Berlin Germany
Sole Agents for the United States and Canada
Schering & Glatz, New York
Guaranteed by Schering & Glatz, New York, Under the
Food and Drugs Act, June 30th, 1906, Serial No. ???
Here is the introductory section on the upper left hand side of the label:
Formalin
is a most powerful antiseptic disinfectant and deodorant for all purposes. Adopted by Boards of Health and Sanitary Authorities all over the world for the prevention of infectious and contagious diseases.
Especially suitable for the disinfection of sick rooms, houses, clothing and the person.
The ordinary so-called proprietary disinfectants in domestic use have not only been found unreliable by practical experience, but have been proved to be untrustworthy by actual scientific investigation. A careful bacteriological test of fifteen of the disinfectant agents most commonly employed showed that not one of them should be regarded as safe and certain.
Formalin is simple to use, inexpensive, effective and reliable. It is a true disinfectant and deodorizer, which does not, like many of the alleged antiseptics merely cover up and discover the foul odors, but combines them with chemically
and
destroys them.
And here are the label sections (without accompanying descriptions):
I. For Sick-rooms and apartments occupied by patients suffering from contagious diseases.
II. For the Disinfection of Stools, Urine, Expectoration, etc.
III. For Sterilizing Infected Articles.
IV. For personal deodorization.
V. For General Disinfection
Schering's Formalin Lamp & Pastils.
If you have any additional questions, just ask and I'll try to help! You can expect this bottle to be double boxed and shipped swiftly upon receipt of your payment.
Thanks for looking!