These vessels stored dried herbs, powders, chemical compounds and liquid medicines in nineteenth century pharmacies and dispensaries. Specific items were labelled for contents such as arrowroot or gelatine. Larger carboys held coloured water in shop windows to advertise the chemist's trade to passers-by on the street.

Are the stoppers original?

Many surviving bottles retain their ground glass or fitted stoppers, which were individually ground to fit each specific neck during production. Because stoppers easily became swapped or lost over decades of use, finding a piece with its matching original closure is a notable advantage.

Where were they used?

Chemists arranged these jars on wooden shelving behind the dispensing counter or lined them up on high window sills to catch the daylight. Large carboys and display jars stood prominently in shop windows as symbols of the apothecary profession.

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Victorian Chemist Jar

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These heavy glass and ceramic victorian chemist jar pieces brought order to nineteenth century shop shelves, and today they anchor a room with substance and history.