Bottle, Medicine, Emerson Bromo-Seltzer, Set of 2, Cobalt Blue Glass, Baltimore, USA, Antique, 1905

This set of two antique cobalt blue apothecary bottles once held Bromo-Seltzer, each embossed "Bromo-Seltzer Emerson Drug Co. Baltimore, MD" — a charming pair of American druggist history, now empty.

• Maker: Emerson Drug Co
• Materials: Cobalt blue glass, automatic bottle machine (ABM) molded, rounded band tops; one bottle shows a large pontil mark, the other a possible "M in a circle" Maryland Glass Corporation mark
• Dimensions: 4.0" tall, 1 5/8" diameter (each)
• Origin: Baltimore, MD, USA
• Era: Antique, 1905–1920s (estimated)
• Condition: Excellent antique condition. No chips or scratches on either piece; not cleaned, as many enjoy the natural patina of old glass. Please review photos closely before purchasing, as all sales are final.

Makes a lovely gift for a bottle collector or history buff — display them together on a windowsill, or use as a matched set of small bud vases.

Both bottles show two mold seams running to the top, consistent with automatic bottle machine (ABM) production — one carries a large pontil mark, while the other bears what may be an "M in a circle" mark used by the Maryland Glass Corporation, though it's difficult to confirm. These details, together with known Bromo-Seltzer bottle history, help date the pair to between 1905 and the 1920s, though as with any dating estimate we encourage collectors to do their own research if precision matters. Bromo-Seltzer was introduced by Captain Isaac Edward Emerson around 1888 in Baltimore as a powdered headache remedy that became popular for hangovers and upset stomach as well. In 1907, Emerson opened the Maryland Glass Company to keep up with bottle demand, which went on to produce blue glass for other well-known brands like Milk of Magnesia, Vicks VapoRub, and Noxzema. Sodium bromide was pulled from the market in 1975 due to its toxicity, and Maryland Glass Corporation closed for good in 1981.

We also have a larger single 5" Bromo-Seltzer bottle — browse our shop for more antique apothecary bottles to round out your collection.