Cobalt Blue Medicine Bottle Set – 1940s–50s Apothecary Pair

Cobalt blue glass was the pharmaceutical industry’s standard choice for light-sensitive medications through the first half of the twentieth century — the deep blue absorbing UV wavelengths that degrade active compounds, making it functional as well as visually striking. This set of two bottles represents two distinct pharmaceutical form factors in use during the 1940s–1950s: a rectangular flat-sided bottle and a more cylindrical rounded form, each the kind of vessel that would have held tinctures, antiseptics, or topical preparations in mid-century American medicine cabinets.

Embossing: Both bottles unembossed on the body. The rectangular bottle has chamfered corners; the rounded bottle has a smooth cylindrical profile. Both carry base marks confirming pharmaceutical-grade production.

Condition is good on both pieces with authentic age-appropriate patina. No chips or cracks on either. The cobalt blue is vivid and consistent throughout both forms.

Dimensions: Rectangular: approx. 4" H × 1.5" W | Cylindrical: approx. 3.5" H × 1.25" W | Cobalt blue glass | Set of 2 | Good vintage condition

The two-bottle set works well as a coordinated apothecary pair — the different forms in matching cobalt read as deliberately collected. Use them together on a bathroom shelf or medicine cabinet vignette, as individual bud vases for a single dried stem each, or as candle holders for slim tapers where the cobalt blue casts color onto the surface behind them.

Recovered from New York City’s historic shorelines and landfill sites by Brooklyn Sea Glass. Ships carefully packed.