Late 1800s ENAMELINE TOOTH WASH Apothecary Bottle – Shortsville, NY

For sale is a late 1800s ENAMELINE TOOTH WASH Apothecary Bottle sold by B.W. Slocum, Ph.G., Shortsville, New York. In the late 18th century, liquid tooth wash marketed to clean and preserve the teeth, harden the gums, and purify the breath. This amber-brown glass bottle features an ornate paper label with an artistic portrait of a woman and classic typography. Bottle is in excellent condition. Bottom of bottle is embossed with a “O” in a square with the digits “1” and “8” on either side of the square. A great patent medicine collectible.

A Ph. G signifies a graduate in Pharmacy, a distinction used during this era to signify a formally trained apothecary professional rather than a self-proclaimed “quack” doctor. Historical records indicate Benjamin W. Slocum was active in the Shortsville and Ontario County pharmaceutical trade around the late 1800s and early 1900s, later running what became known locally as a Rexall store.

Before modern toothpaste tubes became widespread in the early 20th century, oral care products were primarily sold as liquid “washes” (mouthwashes), pastes in ceramic pots, or dry powders. Liquid tooth washes of this era commonly relied on a mix of alcohol, water, soapbark (for foaming action), glycerin, and strong essential oils (like peppermint, wintergreen, or clove) to “purify the breath.”