A substantial English 19th century apothecary jar in dark blue glass with gilt label and faceted stopper.

This eye catching antique jar is labelled TR:PYRETHRI in black lettering on a band of gilt underlined in black and maroon. Pyrethrin is flea powder and standing 35 cm high and weighing 1.4 kg (empty) this bottle would have held enough powder to lay waste a plague of fleas – a testament to the extent of the infestation problem in early Victoriana. The round stopper is nicely faceted and without chips or damage. The hand blown glass is asymmetrical and has a rich deep dark blue hue. A broken pontil at the base dates this piece to pre 1850.

• From the Phisick collection