Object number
66/8/2
Description
Probably an early 19th century embossed medicine bottle. Found during the demolition of a blacksmith's forge in Great Shelford.
This is probably an early 19th century embossed medicine bottle. Medicines were the first products to be sold in commercial containers. The early 19th century was a period of massive growth in the sale of quack medicines, spa waters etc., all of which were sold in glass bottles. Embossing became possible in the 19th century due to the introduction of hinged moulds. The earliest examples carry only the name of the contents, merchant or chemist; soon, however, people realised the advertising potential of embossing. This bottle was found with a large collection of bottles of horse potions which were uncovered during the demolition of a blacksmith's forge in Great Shelford.
Physical description
1 veterinary medicine bottle: green glass; good conditionSide faces inscribed 'see that', 'the words', 'Dicey & Co.', 'are printed', 'in the', 'stamp'.
Archival history
MERL ‘Handwritten Accession’ form (Institute of Agricultural History) - ‘Bottle // Livestock- Veterinary // RC Lambeth Rural Industries Organiser, Cambs.// Description: Straight sided six faced medicine bottle in mid green glass. The neck is finished with a single laid on lip. The front and back faces of the bottle are embossed with the words “TRUE DAFFY’S ELIXIR” and “DICEY & Co. No. 10 BOW CHURCH YARD LONDON” respectively. The side faces are embossed “SEE THAT/ THE WORDS/ DICEY & CO/ ARE PRINTED/ IN THE/ STAMP.’// Dimensions: Base 7.5x 4.3cm, Height 12.5cm // Associated information: The would appear to be an example of an early 19th century embossed medicine bottle. Medicines were the first products to be sold in commercial containers. The early 19th century was an period of massive growth in the sale of quack medicines, spa waters etc., all of which were sold in glass bottles. Embossing became possible in the 19th century due to the introduction of hinged moulds. The earliest examples carry only the name of the contents, merchant or chemist; soon however people realised the advertising potential of embossing. Found in the forge with veterinary bottles of Great Shelford, Cambs.’
Production date
1800-01-01 - 1824-12-31
Production period
Early-nineteenth century
Object name
Material
Associated subject
Associated person/institution
External document
- L:\MERL\Objects\JISC 2012\60 series negatives\60_14292.tif - High resolution image
