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.

I have completed a visual assessment of the vintage Abbott Laboratories 'Elixir Nembutal' bottle (List No. 3142). Based on my examination, the item presents as a genuine piece of mid-20th-century pharmaceutical ephemera, likely manufactured between 1940 and 1955. The ribbed 'poison' style grips on the amber glass and the intact teal wave-pattern label are characteristic of the 'Complimentary Package' size intended for physician distribution. The condition is graded as 'Good to Very Good'; while the label exhibits typical oxidation and minor staining, the absence of glass fractures and the presence of the original cap bolster its collectibility. The market for pharmaceutical bottles is currently stable, with 'cross-over' demand from medical historians and graphic design collectors. Nembutal pieces are particularly desirable due to the brand's cultural notoriety as a controlled barbiturate. Comparable specimens for Abbott 'physician samples' typically realize between $40 and $70 in online auctions and specialized antique shops. The specific 'Complimentary' designation adds a level of rarity over standard retail sizes. However, there are limitations to this digital appraisal. I cannot verify the integrity of the screw cap's internal seal or determine if the residue inside is original or later contamination without a physical inspection. For definitive authentication and a higher 'premium' valuation, I would require provenance documentation regarding its storage history. Furthermore, a physical inspection of the glass base for maker's marks or suction scars would be necessary to confirm the exact manufacturing date. This valuation assumes no hazardous liquid contents remain, as the presence of a controlled substance would significantly impact legal transferability and market value.