Here is a seldom-seen, 4½” high, clear glass bottle carried and used by US Army field surgeons and doctors during the Civil War period and later.   Most of these types of bottles were produced during the war from 1862 through 1865 held and contained pills or liquid military medicines.   Now a rare collectible, these glass medical bottles were manufactured either at facilities in Pittsburgh, PA or in Baltimore, MD. Of rare-size, this glass bottle specimen is clear and exhibits a two-line, embossed marking in raised ¼” high letters that reads “MEDICAL DEPARTMENT / U. S. ARMY” where the upper line is crescent shaped over a straight lower line.  

Piece is in excellent condition with no cracks, no scuffing or chips.  The rectangular bottle measures 4½” high x 3½” wide x 2½” thick.  Has a flat base, no pontil and a neck style with a narrow 5/8” diameter opening with a 1 1/8” diameter brim. Entire bottle exhibits a smooth hard surface that is free of cracks, chips, repairs and scratches. Bottle features a number of tiny bubbles visible in the glass. Specimen appears to be non-dug. No marker marks. A very fine Civil War period medical glass antiquity that would display well with any medical or hospital collection.