HISTORIC ROYAL PHARMACY APOTHECARY BOTTLE CHLORODYNE B.P.C. BY BEKEN & SON, COWES (c. 1910s–1930s)

PRICE: £95

An exceptional, museum-grade British pharmaceutical artifact with profound local provenance, originating from the Isle of Wight. This rectangular, dark amber moulded glass flask is a rare survivors' piece, still retaining its original cork stopper and a 4cm level of its original historical liquid contents.
Designed for regulated substances under early British poison laws, the vessel features prominent, tactile vertical safety ridges embossed across three of its faces—a distinctive feature implemented to prevent accidental poisoning in the dark.
The front face bears its original light beige paper label with striking orange-red warning print. Framed by official Royal Warrants, the label reads: "CHLORODY[NE] / B.P.C.", followed by the strict administration instructions: "DOSE [..] drops... repeated every four hours... CAUTION - It is dangerous to exceed the stated dose." The lower section proudly displays the prestigious retail imprint: "BEKEN & SON, Chemists to His Late Majesty, The Royal Pharmacy, COWES, I.W."
The reference to "His Late Majesty" combined with the Royal Pharmacy of Cowes (famed for its proximity to Osborne House) beautifully dates this piece to the period following the reign of King Edward VII or King George V, offering an extraordinary link to both royal history and the famous Beken family of Cowes.

Condition: Offered in remarkable, untouched historic condition. The dark amber glass structure is entirely sound, free from chips or cracks. The original cork remains firmly in place and sealed, preserving the original liquid contents. The paper label shows an authentic, dry time-stained patina with a historical spill mark partially obscuring the dosage details, heavily enhancing its genuine antique character, social history, and display appeal.

Dimensions:
  • Height: 7.5cm (including cork protruding 1.3cm)
  • Base: 2.9cm x 1.7cm

Please note: This antique artifact is sold strictly as a decorative, historical, and collectable object for display. It contains an obsolete, highly regulated historical substance and must never be unsealed, opened, or consumed.

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.