Antique Victorian Glass Morphine Poison Empty Bottle –Applied Silver Skull Snake

Presenting an exceptionally rare and highly collectible antique Victorian EMPTY morphine bottle. This piece is a striking surviving example of 19th-century medical history and macabre artistry. Featuring intricately applied metal motifs and a beautifully detailed repoussé cap, this bottle was likely crafted for a physician’s travel case, a high-society gentleman’s apothecary kit, or a specialized private collection.

 During the Victorian era, the use of opiates like morphine was widespread for pain relief and various ailments, before the addictive dangers were fully understood. As regulations slowly increased, the need to clearly identify dangerous or potent substances became paramount. While many commercial poison bottles relied on colored glass (like cobalt blue or emerald green) and textured ridges, bespoke or high-end apothecary vessels often utilized explicit visual warnings.

The applied memento mori symbols on this bottle are both functional and deeply symbolic. The skull serves as a universal, unmistakable warning of toxicity and death. The serpent, while often associated with poison, is also a classical symbol of medicine and healing (as seen in the Rod of Asclepius), perfectly capturing the dual nature of morphine as both a vital painkiller and a lethal poison.

Design & Craftsmanship As seen in the detailed macro photographs, the craftsmanship on this piece is extraordinary:

• The Glass: A clear, elegant, flask-shaped glass body, designed to slip easily into a pocket or a velvet-lined medical case.

• Applied Motifs: The front of the bottle is adorned with three distinct applied silver emblems : a deeply cast skull showing precise anatomical detailing, a coiled serpent with individually articulated scales, and a curved cartouche boldly reading “MORPHINE”.

• The Cap & Collar: The bottle is crowned with an exquisite brass/gilt-metal collar and a hinged cap. The domed lid features stunning, high-relief repoussé work depicting intricate floral and scrolling foliate patterns.

• Functionality: The hinged lid opens smoothly to reveal the glass rim of the bottle (please refer to the open-cap photo for details on the interior neck).

Condition (Please review all close-up photographs carefully as they are the most important part of the condition report.)

• Glass: [Insert condition here – e.g., Excellent antique condition with no major chips or cracks. Minor surface scratches commensurate with age.]

• Metalwork: The applied skull, snake, and label are secure. The metal displays a beautiful, unpolished antique patina. The hinged cap mechanism operates correctly and closes flush.

• Overall: An outstanding display piece.

Dimensions

• Height: 8 cm

Shipping & Handling This exceptional piece will be packed with the utmost care, utilizing professional materials to ensure it arrives safely. Shipped fully insured with signature confirmation required upon delivery.

Seller’s Note: Items of this specific subject matter and caliber—combining medical history, memento mori motifs, and fine Victorian metalwork—seldom come to the open market. A centerpiece for any serious collector of apothecary antiquities, poison bottles, or macabre curiosities. Please feel free to message with any specific questions regarding hallmarks, provenance, or additional macro photo requests.

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!