1954 Purex Duraglass Owen-Illinois Glass Apothecary Bottle

Name/Title

1954 Purex Duraglass Owen-Illinois Glass Apothecary Bottle

Entry/Object ID

ARC_WT_HL_0014

Description

This amber glass bottle, embossed with the brand name PUREX, originally contained a household bleach product. The bottle features a "No-Stain Cap" in red and silver, characteristic of mid-century consumer packaging, and a raised emblem of "Duraglass" at the base of the bottle. It is marked with the Owen-Illinois "I" in an oval trademark and a "4" as the date code, indicating that it was likely manufactured in 1954. The bottle was discovered on the grounds of Glenwood Cemetery and reflects the maintenance practices employed by cemetery staff during the post-war era. This artifact provides insight into the caretaking and preservation methods employed at Glenwood in the 20th century.

Context

The item serves as insight into the caretaking and preservation methods employed at Glenwood in the 20th century.

Collection

Glenwood Cemetery Walking and Archive Tour Highlights

Glassware Details

Glassware Type

Bottle

Made/Created

Manufacturer

Owens-Illinois Glass Company

Inscription/Signature/Marks

Location

The bottle features a "No-Stain Cap" in red and silver, characteristic of mid-century consumer packaging, and a raised emblem of "Duraglass" at the base of the bottle. It is marked with the Owen-Illinois "I" in an oval trademark and a "4" as the date code, indicating that it was likely manufactured in 1954.

Language

English

Lexicon

Getty AAT

Concept

apothecary bottles, glass (material), cleaning compound

LOC Thesaurus for Graphic Materials

Bottles, Glass

Search Terms

1954, Purex, Duraglass, Owen-Illinois, Apothecary, Glass, Bottle, Cleaning, Bleach

Dimensions

Dimension Description

Bottle

Height

8 in

Width

2-3/4 in

Material

Glass

Color

Brown, Red

Location

Location

* Untyped Location

Vault

Category

Permanent

Condition

Reason for Exam

Exhibition

Overall Condition

Fair

Condition Type

Wear, Missing Areas / Holes, Oxidation

Date Examined

Oct 3, 2025

Surface

The item shows signs of general grime and staining consistent with aging. The bottle is intact and has no visible cracks.

Materials

Glass

Create Date

October 7, 2025

Update Date

October 8, 2025