Appraisily

June 14, 2024

Vintage Brown Lysol Bottle Value Guide: What Collectors Will Pay

Discover the value of vintage brown Lysol bottles from the 1910s-1950s. Learn how to identify authentic pieces, price ranges, and what makes these amber glass bottles collectible.

Vintage amber brown Lysol bottle from the 1920s with original embossed lettering and cork top closure
By Appraisily Team Last updated June 14, 2024
<h2 class="section-header__title"> 
<span>Introduction to Vintage Brown Lysol Bottles</span>

</h2>

<div class="section-header__body">Vintage brown Lysol bottles are fascinating collectibles that offer a glimpse into early 20th century household and medicinal history. These amber glass bottles, produced from the early 1900s through the 1950s, have become sought-after items among antique bottle collectors, pharmaceutical memorabilia enthusiasts, and vintage advertising collectors.</div>

The iconic brown glass bottles were designed to protect the disinfectant contents from light degradation. Today, they represent an interesting intersection of utilitarian design, pharmaceutical history, and American manufacturing. As with many vintage items, their value varies significantly based on age, condition, rarity, and specific design features.

Vintage Lysol Bottle Market Overview

$5-$250
Price Range
Depending on age, size, and condition
1910-1950s
Primary Collection Era
Most collectible manufacturing period
Cork Top
Most Valuable Feature
Indicates earlier manufacturing date
<h2 class="section-header__title"> 
<span>Identifying Vintage Brown Lysol Bottles</span>

</h2>

<div class="section-header__body">Learning to properly identify genuine vintage Lysol bottles is crucial for both collectors and sellers. Various characteristics can help determine the age and authenticity of these amber glass bottles.</div>

Key Identification Features

Most authentic vintage brown Lysol bottles share several distinguishing characteristics:

  1. Embossed Lettering: Genuine bottles typically feature raised “Lysol” lettering in script font along the shoulder of the bottle.

  2. Manufacturer Marks: Look for “L & F Prod Corp” (Lehn & Fink Products Corporation) and “Bloomfield, NJ” embossed on the bottle’s base or side.

  3. Closure Types:

    • Cork tops typically indicate bottles from the 1910s-1930s
    • Screw tops generally date from the 1930s-1950s

  4. Glass Color: Authentic bottles have a deep amber/brown color, intended to protect the contents from light degradation.

  5. Size Variations: Common sizes include 2oz, 4oz, and 8oz versions, with larger bottles typically being more valuable.

<h3 class="section-header__title"> 
<span>Dating Your Vintage Lysol Bottle</span>

</h3>

<div class="section-header__body">Determining the approximate age of a brown Lysol bottle requires examining specific design elements and manufacturing techniques.</div>

Lysol Bottle Evolution Timeline

  1. 1910-1920

    Early Cork Top Era

    The earliest brown Lysol bottles featured cork closures, hand-tooled tops, and simplistic raised script lettering. These earliest examples are the most valuable to collectors, often fetching $50-$250 depending on condition.
  2. 1920s-1930s

    Transitional Period

    Bottles from this era may have either cork tops or early screw caps. The embossing became more standardized, and bottles consistently showed "L & F Prod Corp" and "Bloomfield, NJ" markings. These bottles typically value between $15-$80.
  3. 1930s-1940s

    Standardized Production

    Screw caps became the norm. The script embossing remained but manufacturing became more uniform. Values range from $10-$40 for bottles from this period.
  4. 1940s-1950s

    Late Production Period

    The final era of glass Lysol bottles before plastic packaging became widespread. These later examples typically value between $5-$25.
<h2 class="section-header__title"> 
<span>Value Factors for Vintage Lysol Bottles</span>

</h2>

<div class="section-header__body">Several key factors influence the value and collectibility of vintage brown Lysol bottles in today&rsquo;s market.</div>

Age and Rarity

Generally, the older the bottle, the more valuable it is. Pre-1920s Lysol bottles with cork tops are significantly rarer and command higher prices than later screw-top versions from the 1930s-1950s.

Condition Factors

Condition Assessment Checklist

Check all that apply to determine the condition of your vintage Lysol bottle

  • No chips, cracks or damage to the glass
  • Clear, legible embossing with minimal wear
  • Original closure (cork or cap) intact
  • No clouding or interior staining
  • Original label present (if applicable)
  • Original packaging or box included

Size and Design Elements

Larger bottles (8oz and above) typically command higher prices than smaller 2oz or 4oz versions. Unique design features or unusual embossing patterns can also increase value significantly.

Completeness

Bottles that retain their original labels, paper inserts, boxes, or accompanying marketing materials are considerably more valuable than the bottle alone.

<h2 class="section-header__title"> 
<span>Current Market Values</span>

</h2>

<div class="section-header__body">The market for vintage brown Lysol bottles varies widely based on several factors, including the venue where they&rsquo;re sold and the specific attributes of each bottle.</div>

Different angles of a valuable vintage 1920s Lysol bottle showing embossing details

Vintage Lysol Bottle Price Ranges

Current market values as of 2024

  </tbody>
</table>

Recent Sales Examples

  • A pair of 1910-1920 cork top Lysol bottles sold on Chairish for $83
  • Individual vintage Lysol bottles regularly sell on eBay for $5-$15 for common examples
  • A rare 1920s Lysol bottle with original label was listed on Facebook Marketplace for $250
  • Small 2oz bottles in good condition typically sell for around $5 on collector sites

A group of vintage Lysol bottles showing different sizes and production periods

<h2 class="section-header__title"> 
<span>Where to Buy and Sell Vintage Lysol Bottles</span>

</h2>

<div class="section-header__body">Whether you&rsquo;re looking to purchase vintage Lysol bottles for your collection or sell some you&rsquo;ve acquired, there are several venues to consider, each with their own advantages.</div>

Best Places to Buy

  1. Online Marketplaces

    • eBay: The largest selection of vintage Lysol bottles with varying conditions and prices
    • Etsy: Offers curated selections, often at premium prices
    • Chairish: Higher-end examples, often professionally photographed and described

  2. Physical Locations

    • Antique shops and malls
    • Bottle collector shows and conventions
    • Estate sales and auctions
    • Flea markets and yard sales

Best Places to Sell

  1. For Maximum Profit:

    • Specialized bottle collector forums and groups
    • Direct sales to other collectors
    • Etsy or Chairish for higher-end pieces

  2. For Quick Sales:

    • eBay auctions
    • Facebook Marketplace
    • Local antique dealers

  3. For Professional Appraisal:

    • Auction houses for rare or exceptional examples
    • Antique bottle specialists
    • Pharmacy or medical collectible dealers
<h2 class="section-header__title"> 
<span>Collecting Vintage Lysol Bottles</span>

</h2>

<div class="section-header__body">For those interested in starting or expanding a collection of vintage brown Lysol bottles, there are several approaches to consider.</div>

Collection Themes

  1. Chronological Collections: Gathering examples from each decade to show the evolution of the design

  2. Size Variations: Collecting different sizes from the smallest 2oz bottles to larger household sizes

  3. Regional Variations: Some bottles have different embossing patterns or manufacturing locations

  4. Complete Sets: Seeking bottles with original labels, packaging, and advertising materials

Collection Care Tips

  1. Cleaning: Use only warm water and mild soap to clean vintage glass bottles. Avoid harsh chemicals that could damage embossing or residual labels.

  2. Display: Keep bottles out of direct sunlight to prevent the amber glass from fading or developing a purplish tint.

  3. Storage: Store bottles upright in a stable environment with consistent temperature and humidity.

  4. Documentation: Keep records of purchase dates, prices, and any known provenance for each bottle in your collection.

<h2 class="section-header__title"> 
<span>Historical Context</span>

</h2>

<div class="section-header__body">Understanding the historical significance of Lysol and its packaging adds substantial depth to a collection of vintage brown bottles.</div>

The Lysol Brand History

Lysol was first formulated in Germany in the late 19th century as a response to a cholera epidemic. The name derives from “lysol” (from the Greek “lysis” meaning to dissolve) and “ol” (from the alcohol content). It was introduced to the American market in the early 1900s by Lehn & Fink Products Corporation.

Initially marketed primarily as a household disinfectant, Lysol was promoted for a wide range of uses, from cleaning floors to questionable personal hygiene applications. The amber glass bottles protected the light-sensitive formula from degradation.

Cultural Significance

The distinctive brown Lysol bottles became a common sight in American homes throughout the early and mid-20th century. They represented the growing awareness of germ theory and the increasing emphasis on household cleanliness and disinfection that characterized the era.

The bottles themselves showcase the evolution of pharmaceutical packaging and early branded consumer products, making them important artifacts of American consumer culture.

Common Questions About Vintage Brown Lysol Bottles

How can I tell how old my brown Lysol bottle is? 
You can determine the approximate age of a brown Lysol bottle by examining several key features:

    

  • Closure type: Cork tops typically indicate bottles from 1910-1930s, while screw tops suggest 1930s-1950s
    • 

  • Embossing style: Earlier bottles have more elaborate script lettering
    • 

  • Manufacturer marks: Look for "L & F Prod Corp" and "Bloomfield, NJ" on the bottle
    • 

  • Manufacturing techniques: Hand-tooled tops and irregular glass textures suggest earlier production
    • 

  • Bottom markings: Some bottles have date codes or glass manufacturer marks on the base
    • 



The earliest bottles (1910-1920s) with cork tops are generally the most valuable.

Are old Lysol bottles worth anything? 
Yes, vintage Lysol bottles do have value to collectors, though the specific worth varies significantly:

    

  • Early cork-top bottles from the 1910s-1920s can be worth $50-$250+ depending on condition
    • 

  • Transitional bottles from the 1920s-1930s typically sell for $15-$80
    • 

  • Later screw-top bottles from the 1930s-1950s generally range from $5-$40
    • 



Factors that increase value include excellent condition, original labels, accompanying packaging, larger sizes, and unusual variations. Some exceptionally rare examples with all original components have sold for over $250.

How big is a typical vintage Lysol bottle? 
Vintage Lysol bottles came in several standard sizes:

    

  • Small 2oz bottles (approximately 4" tall) - Most common and least valuable
    • 

  • Medium 4oz bottles (approximately 5-6" tall) - Moderately common
    • 

  • Large 8oz bottles (approximately 7-8" tall) - Less common and more valuable
    • 

  • Rare larger sizes for commercial or institutional use
    • 



The 12-ounce bottle was a common household size in later production years, containing enough concentrate to make approximately 9 gallons of cleaning solution when diluted according to directions.

Where can I find old brown Lysol bottles for my collection? 
Vintage brown Lysol bottles can be found through various sources:

    

  • Online marketplaces like eBay and Etsy
    • 

  • Specialty websites like Chairish and PicClick
    • 

  • Antique stores and malls
    • 

  • Bottle collector shows and conventions
    • 

  • Estate sales and auctions
    • 

  • Flea markets and yard sales
    • 

  • Bottle digging sites (old dump sites, with proper permissions)
    • 

  • Networking with other collectors through forums and social media groups
    • 



Prices and availability vary widely across these different venues.

How should I clean my vintage Lysol bottle? 
Proper cleaning of vintage Lysol bottles requires gentle techniques to preserve their value:

    

  1. Never use harsh chemicals or abrasives that could damage the glass or embossing
    2. 

  2. Start with warm water and mild soap, using a soft bottle brush for the interior
    3. 

  3. For stubborn residue, try soaking in a solution of water and denture tablets
    4. 

  4. Be extremely careful with any remaining labels - do not scrub or soak these areas
    5. 

  5. Rinse thoroughly with clean water
    6. 

  6. Air dry completely before display or storage
    7. 



Remember that an imperfectly cleaned bottle with original features intact is generally more valuable than an aggressively cleaned bottle with damaged embossing or removed labels.

External Resources for Lysol Bottle Collectors

<h2 class="section-header__title"> 
<span>Conclusion: Are Vintage Brown Lysol Bottles a Good Investment?</span>

</h2>

<div class="section-header__body">While vintage brown Lysol bottles may not rank among the most valuable antique bottles, they represent an accessible and historically significant collecting category with moderate investment potential.</div>

Investment Potential

The market for vintage Lysol bottles has remained relatively stable, with the rarest examples (early cork-top bottles with original labels and packaging) seeing modest appreciation over time. However, these bottles are primarily collected for their historical significance and aesthetic appeal rather than as pure investment vehicles.

The moderate price points make them accessible entry points for new collectors interested in pharmaceutical, advertising, or bottle collecting. A well-curated collection focusing on the earliest and rarest examples has the potential to appreciate modestly over time, especially as fewer pristine examples remain available.

Final Thoughts

Vintage brown Lysol bottles offer a tangible connection to early 20th century American household and pharmaceutical history. Their distinctive amber glass and embossed script lettering make them attractive display pieces, while their historical context provides depth to their collectibility.

Whether you’re a dedicated bottle collector, pharmaceutical memorabilia enthusiast, or simply appreciate vintage household items, these bottles represent an accessible collecting category with moderate value and rich historical significance. As with any collectible, focus on condition, authenticity, and the rarest examples for the best long-term value.

Category Price Notes
Early Cork Top (1910-1920) $50-$250+ Highest values for mint condition with original packaging
Transitional Period (1920s-1930s) $15-$80 Value increases with original closure and label
Standard Screw Top (1930s-1940s) $10-$40 Common sizes in good condition
Late Production (1940s-1950s) $5-$25 Most commonly found examples
Small (2oz) Bottles $5-$20 Common size with widespread availability
Medium (4oz) Bottles $10-$40 Moderate collectibility
Large (8oz+) Bottles $20-$100+ Less common larger sizes command premium prices
Bottles with Original Labels Add 50-200% Original paper labels significantly increase value
Complete with Box/Packaging Add 100-300% Extremely rare complete examples command highest premiums