M & L ANTI-SEPTIC Fluid Bottle for Embalming by Mills & Lacey Circa 1880s

Scarce MILLS & LACEY (M & L) ANTI-SEPTIC FLUID BOTTLE, most likely used to hold embalming fluid. 

Mills & Lacey Manufacturing of Grand Rapids, Michigan was established in 1876 and produced embalming fluid and embalming instruments. Founders C.W. Mills and J.D. Lacey sold their product throughout the United States and Canada. During the late 1800s, the M & L brand of embalming fluid was recognized as superior to its competitors.

The amber glass bottle is 6 ⅝” high by 2 ⅞” wide and just under 2” deep. It is rectangular shaped with beveled corners. The mold lines fade at the beginning of the neck. The bottle is finished with an applied ring.

The embossed markings on the front sidewall reads as follows:

THE M & L
ANTI-SEPTEC
FLUID
MANUF’D BY
MILLS & LACEY
MFG CO
GRAND RAPIDS
MICH.

The marking on the base of the bottle, I G Co L within an indented circle, traces the piece to being made by Ihmsen Glass Companies of Pennsylvania and dates the piece between 1876 and 1883 according to the history of Ihmsen Glass Companies compiled by Bill Lockhart.

The MILLS & LACEY (M & L) ANTI-SEPTIC FLUID BOTTLE is in excellent condition with no chips or cracks. There is a rough spot surrounding a large bubble on the side. (see 4th photo).

Would be a great addition to a collection of medicine bottles, poison bottles or embalming bottles.

Note: Historic bottles should not be used for food or beverage storage.