Title
Bigeloil Liniment Bottle (16 fl. oz.) – Bigelow-Clark Inc.
Author
Bigelow-Clark Inc.
Image
Description
This is a vintage 16-ounce glass bottle of Bigeloil, a topical liniment distributed by Bigelow-Clark, Inc. of Elmont, New York. Labeled for use in massaging sore muscles and relieving aches, it was also advertised as an antiseptic and palliative for minor cuts, bruises, skin irritation, athlete’s foot, and insect bites. Active ingredients include menthol, methyl salicylate, thymol, capsicum, salicylic acid, juniper and pine oils, and 75% alcohol.
Condition
Bottle in very good condition with approximately one-quarter of the original liquid remaining. Label intact with minor staining and edge wear. Black screw cap original and secure.
Gallery
Historical context
Bigeloil was first developed in the early 20th century and became popular with equestrians and athletes alike. Originally marketed for horses as a soothing liniment, its crossover into human use was part of a broader trend of equine-to-human product adaptation in the era of patent medicines. During the mid-1900s, it gained traction as a household remedy for muscle strain, sprains, and fatigue-related soreness—fitting neatly into America’s love affair with topical “cure-alls” during the golden age of liniments.
Curious Facts, Ephemera, and Trivia
The name “Bigeloil” is a portmanteau of “Bigelow” (the original maker) and “oil.”
Its intense aroma and heating effect were beloved by athletes but notorious among children who hated the burning sensation.
In earlier advertisements, it was commonly recommended for “Charley Horse,” “Tennis Arm,” and “exposure to cold”—a catch-all phrasing common to vintage liniments.
Bigeloil remains in production today but is now sold primarily as an equine liniment.
Excerpt
“A Massage for ‘Charley Horse,’ ‘Tennis Arm,’ stiffness and soreness due to strain, strenuous activity, fatigue, bruises or exposure to cold—apply Bigeloil liberally full strength and rub briskly.”
— Product label directions
Why it is in the Cabinet
This bottle represents the enduring legacy of American liniments, bridging the world of veterinary care and everyday medicine. It’s a beautifully preserved specimen of a product that was once as common in a medicine cabinet as aspirin—especially in athletic households. Its lingering scent, vintage typography, and multipurpose claims make it a perfect fit for showcasing mid-century medicinal marketing.
Support Dr. Bebout’s Cabinet of Medical Curiosities
If you enjoy the history, the oddities, and the effort, help keep this cabinet open. Every little bit helps preserve and share the strange wonders of medicine's past.
Buy Me a Ko-fi ☕ Buy Me a Coffee ☕ Tip via PayPal 💵