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This is an authentic 19th‑century embossed bitters/medicine bottle for Lancaster’s Indian Vegetable Jaundice Bitters, marked “Colonel Sam Johnson, Proprietor – Richmond, Virginia – 1852.” This is the smaller medicinal-size variant, not the tall full-size bitters bottle. It has a beautiful deep green glass, strong embossing on the panels, and a clean, classic mid‑1800s form.
The bottle is in excellent antique condition with no cracks or chips. The embossing on the sides is clear and readable. The base shows wear consistent with age; the raised ridge appears more like a mold feature than lettering, and the “1852” is still visible. The glass has been lightly rinsed with water only — no chemicals, no polishing.
This is a genuine piece of pre‑Civil War patent medicine history, sold as a liver and jaundice remedy during the 1850s–1870s era when bitters and vegetable tonics were widely marketed across the United States.
Condition
• Excellent antique condition
• No cracks, no chips
• Strong embossing on all readable panels
• Base embossing partially worn but still identifiable
• Clean interior (lightly rinsed with water only)
• Beautiful deep green glass with natural bubbles and character typical of the period
History & Background
Lancaster’s Indian Vegetable Jaundice Bitters was a popular mid‑19th‑century patent medicine, produced under Colonel Sam Johnson of Richmond, Virginia. Bottles from this line appear in multiple sizes; the smaller medicinal format like this one was used for travel doses, sample quantities, or physician-dispensed amounts. The embossed “1852” refers to the product’s established date and is a known feature on these molds.
These bottles are collected today for their color, embossing, and early American medicine history
Shipping
Packed with care and shipped quickly.
