Abbott Laboratories Appraisal

Elixir Nembutal Pharmaceutical Bottle (Abbott Laboratories)

This is a vintage pharmaceutical glass bottle for 'Elixir Nembutal' (Pentobarbital), produced by Abbott Laboratories of North Chicago. The item is a small, rectangular amber glass bottle with rounded shoulders and a screw-top finish, specifically a 1 1/4 fluid ounce 'Complimentary Package.' The glass features horizontal ribbing or 'grips' on the upper and lower sections of the body, a common design for medicine bottles to prevent slipping. The paper label is largely intact, featuring a light blue/teal wave pattern background with black and white text blocks. Key markings include the Abbott 'A' logo, the list No. 3142, and a 25% alcohol content warning. The label also displays the registered trademark symbol for Nembutal and a habit-forming warning. Regarding its condition, the label shows some edge wear, minor staining, and slight fading consistent with age, likely dating from the 1940s to the 1950s. The black metal or plastic screw cap is original and shows minor surface oxidation. There are no visible chips or cracks in the glass, though internal residue from the original elixir may be present. This is a significant piece of medical history, as Nembutal was a widely prescribed barbiturate during the mid-20th century.