How to Collect Antique Cobalt Blue Apothecary Jars   by Dustin Shaw

Cobalt blue bottles and apothecary jars are collected by many antique glass jar enthusiasts. Rare pieces of these beautiful antique items and collectibles can fetch prices as high as $1,000 to $1,500 when auctioned. Apothecary jars and bottles come in various colors, from amber to green, though cobalt blue and black bottles are the rarest and the most expensive. Cornflower blue bottles are also valuable collectible items.

Cobalt blue glass jars possess a deep royal blue color. They were created when glassmakers added cobalt oxide during the molten stage of the glass. Early cobalt blue glass bottles were used as medicine or bitter bottles and as poison bottles. In addition, they are also used as apothecary jars by pharmacists. Cobalt medicine bottles can be found in many places like thrift markets, flea markets, antique shops, yards sales, and online venues like eBay.

If you want to start building a collection of cobalt blue antique glass bottles, then you must know the basics of dating them. To date any type of old glass jar or bottle, you must determine whether it is a hand-blown glass or a manufactured one. Check first the underside or the bottom of the bottle for a small knobby chunk of glass near the center. This indicates that the bottle or jar is a very old piece from the mid-nineteenth century. Moreover, air bubbles or wave patterns in the glass are often indicators of age. Think of the original glass found on old picture frames. They are not as smooth as contemporary glass frames.

Any old bottles or jars found with their original contents, closures, and paper labels still intact fetch a much greater value. Take note that the openings of old bottles have smooth and rounded edges; they don’t come with the screw shapes found in modern bottles. Any small chip, flaw on the glass, or minimal scratching can lessen the overall value by 10% to 20%. An antique bottle or a jar found in a very rough condition will only have a market value if it is an extremely rare piece.

Another important thing to remember about antique items is to never display them on a window sill if they still have their original label. The ultraviolet light from the sun will ruin whatever’s printed on the label, and you will eventually end up with a faded and unreadable label.

To learn and understand everything about antique jars and bottles, visit Antique Jars.

About the Author

Dustin Shaw writes widely on a variety of topics. His timely and well-thought articles have appeared in many article repositories and databases around the world. You can find some of his articles at Antique Jars.
Little blue glass balls with butterflies?

I don't remember where i got them, but they're little dark blue glass balls with different butterfly images on them. When you role them, they make noise. Any idea what they're called or what they're used for?

Hello. I have some of these, too, except mine are on a string for some reason. They are called Chinese Health Balls!! Anyways, I found this link for you, and apparently they're used for relaxing. Check it out - http://www.chinesehealthballs.org/