Catalog: Antiques: Instruments and Implements (100)

Offered is a handsome, C1870s, woodworkers, Adjustable Dado Plane. It is marked "W.COATES 57 BRIDGE STREET - MANCHESTER" and is most likely of English origin.

Dado planes are designed to cut a groove across the wood's grain. The front-mounted nicker iron would score the edge of the groove and thus avoid splitting and lifting the grain. The adjustable depth stop (which is controlled by the brass screw on top) regulates how deep the blade cuts into the wood.

This plane cuts 1/2 inch grooves and sports two functional blades that are in well-maintained, sharp, usable condition. The plane shows various scratches, dings, and minor wear commensurate with a modestly-used antique tool.

Measuring just over 9 inches long and very solid, this tool of the trade is ready for your collection.

Offered for sale is a desireable Civil War era, wide mouth, apothecary bottle sporting “FLOR. CASS.” on the under glass label! I believe that it means FLOWER CASSIA.

The nine inch tall bottle sports the following embossing on the base: "W.N.WALTON PAT'D SEPT. 23D 1862." The fancy, applied recessed label is complete, shows minor age related flaws and is in very good condition.

The bottle has a few unobtrusive manufacturing bubbles and flaws; otherwise no damage. The stopper is missing as seen. The inside of the bottle notes remnants of original contents.

Very nice indeed!

SOME HISTORY:
Cassia sieberiana, a deciduous tree primarily found in Africa, has been used in traditional medicine as purgative, diuretic, analgesic, antibiotic, anti-inflammatory agent.

Offered is a very scarce, 19th century, strength measuring medical device known as a dynamometer that was manufactured by the G. Tiemann Company, New York, the most renown and respected surgical device manufacturers of the 19th century. Sold in the US by a gymnasium apparatus company out of St. Louis, the Fred Medart Company, the device was designed to assess the strength of the chest, back and legs up to a pull capacity of 1400 lbs.

This fabulous early tool of the medical trade sports a visually-interesting, graphic, brass face with a scale delineating increments from 0 to 1400 pounds. There are 2 dials - one that notes the actual pressure achieved, and the second stationary dial that serves as the reference.

This instrument enjoys wonderful, rich patina on both the metal and wooden sections. It measures 13 inches at the widest point and 10 inches at the wooden handles.

A fabulous device which has great visual appeal and displays wonderfully! Sure to spark some interesting conversation at your next gathering!

Offered is a wonderful example of mid-19th century craftsmanship. This elegantly designed HAND ADZE exhibits a perfectly formed handle that fits in the palm of one's hand like a glove!

Hand adzes, which are swung with one hand, are used for smoothing or carving wood. This early adze with its captivating, primitive look exhibits appropriate wear commensurate with a modestly used tool of some 160 years of age. Various dings, scratches, wood loss are evident in this piece yet add wonderful character to this early tool of the wood workers trade. Attached to the handle is a hand-forged, 4.5 inch iron blade that is nearly flat. As seen in one of the photos, there exists an older, 19th century wedge, though likely not original, which has served as a more than acceptable replacement over the years.

*****PLEASE NOTE: THE ATTACHED STICKER INDICATES THE YEAR 1985- THE YEAR I PURCHASED THIS TOOL FOR MY OWN COLLECTION.*****

A lovely, early example of a woodworker's tool, designed, as was required during the 19th century, to assist with a specific woodworking function.

Offered is a wonderfully hand-crafted, 19th century SMOOTHING PLANE.

This lovely example has a subtle, coffin-shape form and sports a dovetailed base that was expertly joined. This handsome tool measures 7.25 inches long and retains its original, aged, brownish patina. The owner's initials, "N.S", are stamped on the heel of this plane.

The condition is commensurate with a mildly-used, antique hand tool. There are the expected unobtrusive small dings, scratches and imperfections typically seen in vintage tools. The blade is sharp, well maintained and has a "BUCK BROTHERS" stamp imprinted upon it. The wedge and blade fit perfectly.

A smoothing plane is typically the last plane used in woodcraft, and when skillfully employed, it offers a finish superior to that of fine sandpaper!

Offered is a very rare, highly ornate and meticulously detailed, 1887, medicine advertising mirror made for the G.G. Green Pharmaceutical Manufacturer of Woodbury, New Jersey. It features 3 PATENT MEDICINES, patent-owned and offered by Surgeon, Colonel G.G. Green. (brief Bio below)

This gorgeous advertising mirror was gifted to select pharmacists who were required to sign a contract promising to consistently offer the particular Green's medicines that were imprinted on the mirror's frame: Green's August Flower, Ague Conqueror, and Boschee's German Syrup.

The frame measures 21" square with an elaborately embellished decorative face of embossed detailing and is constructed of a plaster-based material. The name "G.G. Green, Woodbury, NJ" is prominently embossed on the bottom portion of the frame.

The frame's construction remains quite sturdy. The overall condition is good with some restoration required, if so desired, to the missing pieces as seen in the photos. The missing pieces cause minimal distraction from the beauty, intricacy and rarity of this frame. The mirror had been replaced at some point prior to our ownership.

A brief biography: Colonel George Gill Green served as a Union surgeon during the Civil War and later became a manufacturer of patent medicines. He reached millionaire status after buying the rights to Ague Conqueror, Boschee's German Syrup and Green's August Flower and then, successfully marketing their use. A local philanthropist, he provided the funding for the construction of Woodbury's Opera House. He also built the G.G. Green Manufacturing building, and both structures are now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Offered is a very difficult-to-find, large grouping of twenty one, 19th century, porcelain, matching apothecary cabinet drawer pulls, priced at $45 for each pull.

Each pull measures approximately 1.4"W x 1.3"H x 1" front to back (not including bolt). (Please note- "INULA HELEN" is sold.)

The condition of the pulls is very good with only a few minor manufacturing imperfections that add to the desired patina of an antique of this age and period. The decorative gold embellishments painted above and below the medicinal labeling of each pull show moderate loss, primarily "use-wear", due to decades of continual handling over their 140+ years of age. Please note that the "TEREBINT" pull has a rear chip as noted in the individual, close-up photo.

The pulls each sport the following maker's mark on the bottom of the knob: "PAT. FEB 12, 89 - M.D.B. CO. - ST. LOUIS, MO", although on some of the pulls, this marking has been illegibly applied.

Ready for display in your apothecary collection or for retro-chic decorating use on an actual cabinet, be it antique or contemporary!

Offered is a grouping of ten, highly decorative and seldom-found, 19th century, apothecary or pharmacy drawer pulls. These nonmagnetic, metal pulls are adorned with fancy ornamental scroll work and stunning, applied copper labels which identify the specific drawer contents.

These antique, circa 1890s pulls are complete and are quite visually appealing, displaying very well. They show mild wear and imperfections commensurate with their 130+ years of age. For example, some are slightly misshapen or very subtly flattened as seen in photos. Each pull is approximately 4 inches long x 1.75 inches wide. There are no mounting screws.

These lovely and scarce antique pulls remain quite sturdy, ready for another 100+ years of service.

Offered is a fabulous, antique, all original, Apothecary Show Globe complete with an outstanding and highly detailed Gargoyle hanger and elaborately designed, all brass-plated fittings! Recently acquired out of an amazing collection of exclusive, high end art glass. Photos provide close-up views of this intricately detailed, high end show globe, and the photo from the WHITALL TATUM COMPANY catalog, dated 1891, establishes the age of this beauty.

One prominent feature of this piece to be considered is the excellent condition of all brass components including the hanger! Nearly all of this wonderful brass plating remains, retaining its original glossy sheen enhanced with a rich, aged patina.

Of course, the attention to the detailing and design of all of the brass components of this globe are second to none, pushing this show globe into a class by itself. Note the intricacy and the elegance of design incorporated into both the show globe collar and the finial - simply outstanding! The gargoyle hanger typifies the Victorian era embrace of elaborate detailing with its combination of curves and curlicues, ending with the head of a fierce, warrior-like gargoyle with wide open jaws- quite capable of supporting this gorgeous show globe.

The show globe measures 22 inches tall from the top of the crown to the tip of finial. The hand blown glass globe condition wise is near perfect on the exterior, while the interior notes a mild, unobtrusive haze which will not be visible when the globe is filled with the colored water of your choice. The haziness should clean up if desired.

The elegantly sculpted wall bracket measures 10.25 inches high x 2.75 inches wide, while the ornately and richly detailed gargoyle hanger is 14.75 inches wide x 9.5 inches high.

Acquisition of this rarely found and beautifully stunning show globe is an opportunity not to be missed, absolutely the best apothecary show globe I have had the privilege of offering in over 40 years!

Made, warranted and patented in 1863 by Charles Emerson of Charlestown (a suburb of Boston), Massachusetts, this all original razor strap miraculously retains its original cardboard sheath.

The historically-fascinating sheath label is in exquisite condition with minor edge wear noted to the sheath. The strap shows evidence of use and also remains in fine condition.

The 9.35 inch long strap was advertised for use in sharpening not only shaving razors, but also pen knives and surgical instruments!

A rare piece of early Barber Shop Memorabilia!

Offered is a very lovely, antique, 12 tube Pharmacy Apothecary Suppository Mold, circa 1880. This example measures 9.5 inches long x 1.75 inches wide x 1 inch high and weighs more than 4 pounds. I believe it is made of bronze and is plated in a nickel finish.

This very durable mold has 2 wing nuts on the base that hinge downwards to facilitate opening. To close, the nuts swing upwards and are locked by screwing in place.

The only markings noted are the numbers '1' and '2' stamped on the end of each plate.

The condition is as follows: scattered small surface dings and modest dings to the edges as seen in the photos. The surface shows scratches and some loss of plating commensurate with age and an honorably-used pharmacy device. The interior surface is similar to the exterior. Overall this antique mold is in very good condition!

Measuring 3.25 inches high by 3.75 inches in diameter, this lovely Victorian Barber Shop, mustache or shaving cup or mug remains in excellent condition but for the subtle wear to the gilt-edged rim.

The cup is embossed with swirls, dots and bows as well as decorated further with gold-drawn designs and 2 large, hand-painted pink roses with 1 smaller cream-colored rose. The cup base is scalloped and the fancy handle is gold-gilded.

A very pretty piece!

Offered for sale is a hard to find, turn-of-the-century, apothecary pharmacy bottle that stands 7.5 inches tall. The stopper is embossed with a large "W" signifying WRIGHT's Patent.

This unusual tincture bottle is in excellent condition. The bottle interior is clear and the stopper, which sports ground glass, is in very nice condition except for some unobtrusive interior edge chips and two very minor flecks on the (L) edge of the stopper.

A hard to find circa 1900 patent pharmacy bottle ready for your collection!

Offered for consideration, is a wonderful and rarely found, early 20th century, English, "DENTIST" sign in brass measuring 12 3/4ths inches wide x 7 inches high.

The sign advertises the office of "James H. Groom. Dentist.", and remains in fine condition with rich, deep-toned, original patina and some very minor warping due to its many years of age. The lettering is actually impressed into the surface and is painted black. Any white marks appearing on the front of the sign are due only to light/sun reflection---the sign has a very even-toned coloration.

The sign has a hole at each corner to facilitate hanging, or it may be easily displayed upon a shelf!

A fabulous, scarce, rich-looking display piece with great "eye appeal"!

*****SOME HISTORY*****

We were contacted by the granddaughter recently with this insightful information.

I thought you might be interested to know that I have a photograph in my family photo archive that shows this very sign in situ. The photo has my great grandfather in the doorway of a chemist shop called Nicholls in Camborne, Cornwall. On the door post I can just make out this brass plaque (using a magnifying glass and good light - takes quite a bit of concentration). Anyway, I thought it would help if you knew where it came from. On the 1911 UK Census, there is a James Henry Groom age 28, living as a Boarder at the house of Jane Bray, 19 Basset Street, Camborne. His occupation is described as 'Dentistry' and it says he was born in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire. The photo I have is probably taken after 1911 but probably before 1920. Interesting for whoever might buy it to know its history.

Offered are two desirable hand tools from the mid 19th century.

The first tool is a diminutive hammer which was probably used to drive small nails and tacks. The handle measures 8.5 inches long and sports a shapely head made of iron. This hand wrought primitive tool has a nice original patina and shows wear commensurate with age.

The second tool is called a RACE KNIFE which was a tool of the carpenter, cooper, lumberman and shipwright. The hooked blade scored timbers, staves, or logs with identification marks. This hand tool measures 6 inches long and has 2 cutting blades, one of which closes into the handle like a penknife. The metal component is hand-forged and is affixed to the wooden handle. The condition is very good, with a few ancient hairline splits noted to the handle. The metal has the expected minor pitting and wear of an early tool.

This pair of early tools-of-the-trade would make a great addition to your collection or display!

This handsome, late 19th century leather case is a wonderful example of a physician's traveling medicine case of this era. This particular example is larger in size and number of sections than is typically found, and additionally sports the personalized label, "Dr W. J. Gier MD" in old, silver-toned lettering on the front of the folded case.

The vintage black leather case with carrying handle on top, measures approximately 10.5" wide x 32" long when fully opened and 10.5" wide x 5.5" long x 4" deep when closed. The case is comprised of four different folding sections that house up to 28 corked vials per section, with only one vial missing from this medicine case. The clear glass medicine vials come in 2 sizes and measure about 2 to 2.5 inches tall including cork, with most vials sporting both paper label and cork. There are a few bottles labeled in red print as opposed to black, which indicates that the contents are poisons. Included are one OPIUM vial and 3 POISON vials.

The condition of the case indicates that Dr. Gier must have had a busy and lucrative practice as the case shows modest wear and tear to the leather components: loose seams, some leather loss in areas, partially detached flaps, one completely detached flap- all of which are commensurate with age and use. Some of the vial labels are also incomplete as noted in the photos.

In total, a fabulous example of the retinue of medicines that the late 19th century physician had on hand when making house calls.

Offered are two, decorative, late 19th century, English, porcelain, dental, toothpaste, pot lid containers. They are priced separately with the ORIENTAL TOOTH PASTE pot lid offered at $115.00, and the WOODS CHERRY TOOTH PASTE pot lid offered at $75.00.

The ORIENTAL TOOTH PASTE pot lid measures about 3 inches in diameter, sports a marbled exterior and is in very nice condition with a few faint edge chips to the base. There is a slight variance in color between the top and base.

The WOODS CHERRY TOOTH PASTE pot lid measures over 2.5" in diameter, sports red printing on top and is in very good condition. This container has some small chips on the interior edge of the base.

Displayed together as a pair or individually, these dental pot lids will add visual interest and appeal to your collection!

Offered are two, very special, late 19th century, hand-blown medical ear syringes, one that retains its original wooden case.

First is a choice, five inch, wooden-cased hand-blown glass syringe that appears unused and is in excellent condition. The plunger glides smoothly and the syringe fits snugly inside the treen case.

Second is a 6 inch example that appears lightly used. The plunger is in fine, perfect condition; however,it seems to be stuck inside the syringe, and I have chosen not to try to move it.

An additional, third syringe included in this grouping is missing its tube, but is otherwise in good condition.