Early 20th Century Owens Clear Glass Cocaine Pharmacy Bottle

An incredible piece of pharmaceutical history, this unassuming clear glass bottle actually contained a solution of cocaine.  Cocaine was historically used to treat many ailments from toothaches to anxiety and depression and was widely used without prescription.  In 1914, cocaine was banned except for medical use and by 1970 cocaine was labeled a Schedule II controlled substance making it strictly illegal for recreational use.  

This particular bottle was manufactured by Owens Bottling Company in the early 1900s.  It features an embossed 3 1/2 number on the back, "Owens" on the bottom and it's original paper label.  This bottle was sold by L.B. Spencer Drug Co. of Blackstone, Virginia a druggist that opened in 1890.  "2% Solution Cocaine" is typewritten on the label.  The original cork has fallen inside the bottle.

It is incredibly rare to find these bottles with the original labels and bottles which contained cocaine.  They are highly collectable and would make a wonderful addition to any curio cabinet.