Early 1800s Apothecary Measuring Jug | English Hand-Blown Glass with Ounce & Dram Graduations

For the collector … an exceptional English glass apothecary measuring jug dating to around 1820-1850, hand-blown and hand-etched with calibrations for fluid ounces and drams.  Standing 4-1/4 inches high, the jug would have been used primarily for precise measurement and preparation of liquid medicines and compounds, such as tinctures and elixirs.  It displays a prominent pontil mark on its base, a hallmark of its creation during the glassblowing process, and would make a memorable gift for a glass collector or someone in a healing profession.

The dram was a standard unit of measurement in the apothecary system of weights and measures, used by druggists and physicians for medical prescriptions and compounding medicines.  The system divided a pound into 12 ounces, and an ounce into 8 drams.  By the mid-18th century, English druggists began transitioning to avoirdupois weight, in which an ounce was 1/16 of a pound.  The Medical Act of 1858 required the use of avoirdupois measurements, and by 1878, only the apothecaries' ounce remained in permissive use.  

Dimensions: 4-1/4” high x 2-3/4” (base) x 3” (opening, including spout)
Weight: 5.4 ounces

Condition notes: Excellent antique condition overall with no discernible chips, cracks, or clouding. Graduations remain sharply etched, including dual ounce and dram scales and larger upper “3” capacity mark indicating a full 3-ounce measure to the engraved fill line. Etched lines are crisp and fully legible. Glass is completely clear; any cloudy appearance in photos is caused by texture on the book beneath showing through the transparent glass body. A few tiny occlusions and air bubbles visible within base, typical of early hand-blown glass. Base shows original ground pontil mark from finishing. Other items in photos not included.  See photos for more detail and contact the shop with any questions prior to purchase.

Unless noted, all items are hand-wrapped and gift-boxed. We offer flat rate shipping via USPS Ground Advantage for $10, or USPS Priority Mail for $15. Orders over $100 ship free via USPS Priority Mail — any shipping charges for orders over $100 will be refunded after checkout. We pack with safety and care using recycled and recyclable materials whenever possible.

Sorry, no returns or cancellations.  Please view all photos for more detail and feel free to contact the shop with any questions prior to purchase.