Antique Victorian Doctor’s Poison Bottle – Emerald Green Glass Skull Snake Motif

Presenting a truly exceptional and breathtakingly rare 19th-century Victorian medical artifact. This bespoke doctor’s poison bottle is crafted from faceted emerald green glass, heavily decorated with delicate gilt stars, and features elaborate applied silver memento mori motifs. Unquestionably crafted for a wealthy physician or a high-society gentleman’s private medical case, this museum-quality 9cm flask is a masterpiece of antique macabre apothecary art.

 During the Victorian era, the storage of toxic or lethal substances required strict visual and tactile warnings to prevent accidental consumption. While commercial pharmacies began utilizing standardized colored glass (often green or cobalt) with raised ridges, bespoke pieces for private doctors elevated these warnings into high art.

The deeply colored green glass immediately signaled caution, while the stark silver appliques provided unmistakable warnings:

• The Skull: The classic memento mori and universal symbol of mortality and poison.

• The Serpent: A dual symbol representing both lethal venom and classical medicine (as seen in the Rod of Asclepius).

• The explicitly engraved “POISON” cartouche leaves absolutely no ambiguity regarding the original nature of the contents.

Design & Craftsmanship As showcased in the detailed macro photographs, the craftsmanship is remarkable:

• The Glass: A heavy, beautifully faceted teardrop-shaped body in a rich, dark emerald green. The glass is incredibly unique, adorned with scattered, hand-applied gilt (gold-toned) stars that contrast beautifully with the dark green background.

• Applied Silver Motifs: The front facade features three meticulously cast and applied metal emblems (testing as silver): a finely detailed skull, an articulated coiled serpent, and a central oval cartouche clearly marked “POISON”.

• The Cap & Collar: The bottle is crowned with an exquisite silver collar and hinged cap. The domed lid displays stunning, high-relief repoussé work featuring intricate floral and foliate scrolling. The metal bears a deep, unpolished antique patina.

• Functionality: The precision-engineered hinge operates smoothly, snapping open to reveal the pristine green glass dispensing neck and remaining securely aligned when closed.

Dimensions

• Total Length: 9 cm

Condition & eBay Policy Compliance

• Condition: Outstanding antique condition. The faceted green glass is intact with no apparent chips or structural cracks. The gilt stars remain remarkably vibrant. The silver appliques are secure, and the metal displays a gorgeous, authentic age-related tarnish/patina.

• Mandatory Disclaimer: PLEASE NOTE: This antique bottle is completely EMPTY. It contains absolutely no fluids, residues, or restricted substances. It is being sold strictly as a historical medical collectible and curio for display purposes only, fully complying with all eBay regulations regarding vintage pharmaceutical items.

Shipping & Handling Given the rarity and value of this item, it will be packaged with the highest level of care using professional protective materials. Shipped fully insured with tracking and signature confirmation required upon delivery.

Seller’s Note: It is extraordinarily rare to find a Victorian poison bottle that combines this specific faceted green glass, gilt star decoration, and extensive silver memento mori application. This piece is a premier acquisition for any advanced collector of medical antiquities, antique poison bottles, or unique macabre display objects. Please review all high-resolution images closely, as they serve as the primary condition report, and feel free to message with any inquiries prior to bidding.

It comes with an APPRAISAL CERTIFICATE FOR $2000

If you are not satisfied in 100%,your money back guarantee.

Free shipping to worldwide,fully insured(possible byDHL overnight courier)

NOTE:PLEASE OBSERVE CAREFULLY THE PHOTOS! IT IS A SIGNIFICANT PART OF THE DESCRIPTION. Every potencial defect which is shown in the photos,but not mention in the description,will be considered for described.All the photos shoot by professional Nikon 105 Macro lens under 40x diopter magnification,so you can explore even the smallest detail like under microscope!