Overview
The item is definitively identified by its original paper label as 'Nee-Sha-Lax', a laxative produced by Scott & Gilbert Co. of San Francisco. The label serves as a clear maker's mark, satisfying the lane's requirement for high confidence.
Identification
Antique Scott & Gilbert Co. Nee-Sha-Lax Glass Medicine Bottle with Original Contents & Label
Photo reference
1 uploaded photo
Story
Produced by the Scott & Gilbert Company of San Francisco, California, which operated prominently during the 1910s to 1930s. This piece represents the transitional era of mass-marketed 'pleasant preparations' that bridged the gap between unregulated Victorian patent medicines and modern, strictly regulated pharmacy. The secondary market for early 20th-century pharmaceutical bottles is niche but active, primarily driven by collectors of local apothecary history and 'quack medicine' memorabilia.
Maker / Origin
Scott & Gilbert Co.
Condition & Value
The bottle retains its original paper label and crown cap, with visible authentic rust on the cap and minor edge fragility on the label. The original dark liquid contents remain sealed inside. Pending confirmation of the unseen back and base, the visible portions of the glass appear free of major cracks, chips, or bruises.
Full Research
See what it's actually worth.
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Market Analysis
The secondary market for early 20th-century pharmaceutical bottles is niche but active, primarily driven by collectors of local apothecary history and 'quack medicine' memorabilia. 'Full survivors'—bottles that retain their original contents, caps, and labels—carry a distinct premium over empty bottles. However, because this is a relatively common clear-glass form rather than a rare colored or heavily embossed variant, it trades in the highly accessible sub-$50 tier.
Value Drivers
▲ 'Full survivor' status retaining original liquid contents and crown cap anchors the premium over empty bottles
▲ Highly legible original paper label with clear Nee-Sha-Lax branding and San Francisco origin
▲ Transitional 1910s-1930s pharmaceutical history appeal attracts crossover apothecary collectors
Concerns
▼ Unverified base and back — hidden chips, cracks, or bruises would significantly reduce collector interest
▼ Label fragility — further tearing or moisture damage during storage or transit will degrade display value
▼ Platform restrictions — shipping or listing antique liquids can sometimes trigger automated takedowns on major marketplaces
Best Venue
List on a specialized antique bottle Facebook group or on eBay under the 'Collectibles > Bottles & Insulators > Medicines & Cures' category. Do not attempt to clean the label, open the rusted cap, or empty the contents, as preserving the 'full survivor' state is critical to its value. To avoid platform takedowns regarding the sale of liquids or medicines, ensure your listing explicitly states the item is an antique collectible, the contents are not for consumption, and it is sold strictly for display purposes.
Upside Potential
If the unverified base features crisp, highly desirable embossing (such as a specific early date code or unique maker's mark), or if two local San Francisco pharmacy collectors bid competitively for a complete example, the bottle could push toward the $40-$50 range.
▾Also found — market-range context
Related comps outside the valuation band· 1 comp
Surfaced during research but not used to anchor the valuation — wrong form, species, era, or no published price. Shown so the market range around this item is visible.
Also found — market-range context
Related comps outside the valuation band· 1 comp
- Early 1900s Carbolic Acid Bottle with Original BoxDifferent maker and different medicine product.$75