VINTAGE LONDON APOTHECARY POISON BOTTLE
HERNE HILL (c. 1930s–1950s)

PRICE: £18

An authentic and visually striking mid-20th-century British amber glass chemist bottle, standing at 15.2cm tall with a compact 5.0cm x 3.0cm rectangular base profile. Designed to protect chemical or botanical solutions from light damage, this specimen features bevelled panels along its vertical edges. The base is crisply embossed with comprehensive factory markings, displaying a left-aligned "L", the right-aligned mould number "2", a top "X 657" code, and the definitive bottom initials "UGB" for the renowned United Glass Bottle Manufacturers Ltd. The neck is threaded, engineered for a traditional screw-cap closure.
This bottle is enriched by two original, layered paper labels that carry deep pharmaceutical narrative character. The primary dispensary label (approx. 10.5cm x 5cm) is cream-coloured with elegant cut corners, framed by a vivid red border. It features a solid red horizontal block displaying the sharp, reversed warning typography: "NOT TO BE TAKEN". The lower section is stamped in red print with the historic South London retail details: "ALFRED PEEL LTD Dispensing Chemists, 7, HALF MOON LANE, HERNE HILL, S.E.", flanking a section of partially faded but authentic handwritten pharmacist's ink script. 
Positioned just below the neck is a second, narrower cream paper label displaying handwritten ink notations. Despite a historic tear and a slight period alignment offset, the script can be deciphered as a dispensing record for "Frans Balsem" (French Balsam / Tinctura Benzoini Composita)—a famous, resinous old-world botanical remedy celebrated for its intense antiseptic and wound-healing properties.

Condition:
Offered without its original cap, the robust amber glass body is in excellent vintage condition with no chips, cracks, or heavy scratching. The dual paper labels are well-preserved, exhibiting beautiful age-related patination and light distressing that enhances their genuine London provenance. A highly tactile and narrative piece, perfect for adding texture, historical depth, and a rich pop of amber and red tones to an advanced curiosity display or Scientifica shelf arrangement.

Dimensions:
  • Height: 15.2cm
  • Base: 5.0cm x 3.0cm (Rectangular)

Please note: This vintage artifact is sold strictly as a decorative and collectable object for display. It is empty and does not contain any substances.

Shipping Information:
  • Shipping is available at the buyer's expense.
  • We routinely use Royal Mail Tracked 24 for parcels up to 20kg to ensure secure, traceable transit.