Catalog: Antiques: Instruments and Implements (101)

An outstanding, mid 19th century, European-made, porcelain inkwell featuring two gentleman hunters physically fighting over the ownership of a just-snared hare, their hunting dogs loyally assisting in the jostling match for ownership beside them!

Measuring 7.25 inches wide by 4.75 inches deep by 6.25 inches high, this outstanding, circa 1860 - 1870's, polychrome inkwell features removable cover which reveals a base containing two inkwells without pots. Cover features seven quill holes.

Condition is marvelous with some very minor paint wear to edges where one would place hands to remove the top- as noted in photos (tiny white spots seen on the grass and ground areas). Paint/glaze imperfection to top of brown-haired gent's head as noted in photos. No chips, breaks, hairlines, repairs, or repaints.

A fabulous, rarely found, all-original, 150+ year old, antique writing implement guaranteed to complement any collection!

Offered is a rarely seen Patent Medicine from Maine that is in unused, as-found condition and is complete with all of its original components: its wooden mailing tube, its colorful and decorative advertising insert, and its unopened corked bottle with intact label and contents. Simply a home run when considering a Patent medicine find!

The clear glass medicine tube sports a complete, highly decorative label marked "BALM OF TULIPS", "A SURE CURE for COLD SORES", inclusive of use directions, etc, and finally followed by "Dr. ROBINSON - FOXCROFT, Me."

The highly decorative advertising insert is quite colorful and beautifully lithographed adding additional interest to this "cure" medicine. The wooden shipping container has small, difficult to read print stamped upon its side, possibly noting "ROBINSONS SAFETY POSTAL PACKET"?

The bottle measures close to 3.75 inches tall and safely resides in the 5 inch long mailing tube. Dates to the 1880-1890 time period.

Offered is a rare, circa 1910-1921, Macgregor DEEP GROOVE Golf Club that was designed to significantly enhance the backspin of a golf ball. As history would have it, the clubs actually worked and gave an unfair advantage to those professionals who were adept at using them.

The back of the club is stamped as follows: WONT-RUST 9-R ACCURATE - BAKSPIN (with arrow) MASHIE-NIBLICK and an oval stamp with MACGREGOR, DAYTON OH.

In 1921, RIBBED GOLF CLUBS were banned by the R&A and USGA just after the OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP.

Measures 35.5 inches from heel to top of shaft. The leather grip appears to be original and is in good condition. The hickory shaft is straight, sturdy, and has the following stamping near the grip: THE CRAWFORD MACGREGOR & CAMBY CO. DAYTON, OHIO. The head of the club shows moderate and honorable wear, worn grooves with a good surface.

A nice example of an early club with a controversial history.

For more details search DEEP GROOVE GOLF CLUB - JOCK HUTCHISON - RIBBED GOLF CLUB

Offered are two, very nice, circa 1910, Seymour Dunn, DEEP DOT Face, hickory shaft golf clubs.

These scarce clubs are stamped on the back "MAKER - SEYMOUR DUNN - LAKE PLACID NEW YORK U.S.A. - a CROWN (VIET ARTE)..". The leather grips are in good condition, and the shafts sport a nice aged patina.

The PITCHER measures 35.5 inches from heel to top of shaft. The MIDIRON measures 37.5 inches from the heel to top of club, and there is a slight bend in the shaft. Both clubs have various small dings to the metal surface and areas of wear commensurate with the club's use and 110+ years of age.

Seymour Dunn, of Scottish origin, was the nephew of Willie Dunn, an accomplished golf pro, course designer and club maker. Seymour worked with his uncle for two years until setting up his own shop in 1910. Seymour, just like his uncle, became an accomplished golf pro, course designer and club maker, and additionally, was a successful author of books on golf and a frequent contributor to golf magazines. Quite a talented family!

Hard to find pharmacy or chemists bottle comes complete with colorful contents and original label. Measures about 5 inches tall and ready for your collection. Dates to the early 1900s.

Offered is a fabulous pair of antique Apothecary Show Globes which includes one fancy Victorian style hanger. Photos provide close-up views of these intricately detailed, high-end show globes, and the 1891 photo from the WHITALL TATUM COMPANY catalog, establishes the age of these beauties.

The overall condition of the globes is very good with the imperfections and wear expected given their 130+ years of age. The decorative frames are sturdy and the globes hold water with ease. At some point long ago, the metal components were painted a gold/brass color. Today, the paint retains a delightful brass tone with an antiqued patina.

The attention to detailing and design of these show globe frames are second to none, pushing these show globes into a class by themselves. Note the intricacy and the elegance of design incorporated into both the show globe collar and the finial - simply outstanding!

The show globes measure 22 inches tall from the top of the crowns to the tip of finials. The exterior of the hand blown glass globes are in good condition. The interior of the globes note a modest yet common and unobtrusive haze which will not be visible when the globes are filled with the colored water of your choice. Additionally, the haziness should clean up if desired.

A singular, fancy wall bracket that swivels from side to side is included, measuring about 15" long x 9" high .

Acquisition of these rarely found, matching, beautifully stunning show globes is an opportunity not to be missed!

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 are a scarcely-found group of three pharmacy ointment mill tube fillers that date to the circa 1910 - 1930s era. These tools-of-the-trade were typically found in compounding pharmacies. This particular grouping came from the estate of a pharmacist who first began practicing in the early 1900's.

The first example, as seen on the left, measures 3.5 inches and has a heavy brass base and an aluminum compression rod. There is a removable brass nozzle that screws into the base. This diminutive hand size mill would fill 1 to 2 ounce medication tubes and sports a nice patina. There are no markings seen and just minor superficial wear is evident.

The second mill, as seen on the right, measures 4 inches and has a one piece molded aluminum base and a brass compression rod. Perfect for filling smaller tubes, this example fits comfortably in one's hand. The condition is very good except for a small chip noted at the end of nozzle.

The third and final mill featured in the center of the primary photograph sports 3 legs and two removable brass nozzles. The nickel plating covers what appears to be brass, showing minimal wear only to the top of the feet. This unmarked 6.25 inch high beauty has all-original patina and has capacity enough to have filled either multiple or larger-sized medicine tubes.

Also included are four medicine recipe cards from the 1950's noting proprietary medicines from "BUTLERS" drug store establishment.

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!

Two circa 1915, aluminum, mallet head putters with hickory shafts are offered for your consideration. Both clubs are marked on the top with the following info: "STANDARD GOLF CO. - Mills Patent - Sunderland".

Club #1 has the patent # 171795 and "ENGLAND" stamped on the top. The base is stamped "BRAID-MILLS 1915 MODEL UPRIGHT LIE 9ozs 15drs". The face has a checkered pattern, slightly curved shaft and good early leather grip. It measures 35.5 inches from the heel to the top of shaft. The condition is very good with a small piece of metal missing at the front of hosel.

Club #2 is stamped on top with the patent # of 137374. The bottom is generously stamped with the following: "J.P.B. (owner), BRAID-MILLS 1915 MODEL - MEDIUM LIE - 9ozs 15 drs - HARRY O. LEE & CO. NEW YORK" (Retailer). The face has a checkered pattern and the hickory shaft is straight, sporting a good leather grip. It measures about 34 inches from the heel to the end of the grip. Overall the condition is very good commensurate with a club over 100 years old.

Together they make a nice duo of playable clubs.

SOME HISTORY:
Sir William Mills began experimenting with aluminum golf club heads in the 1890s. Mills was a marine engineer and used his company, William Mills Ltd, to branch into the golf business, leading to the Standard Golf Co.

Offered are three nice, collectible, C1920 - 1930 era, hickory shaft golf clubs.

The first club is stamped on the back with the following: "Hillerich & Bradsby Co. - Louisville, KY - GRAND SLAM" with the "hand and cards" cleek mark". The "#7" is stamped on the sole. The face is DOT stamped with a fancy "GRAND SLAM" mark on the sweet spot. The straight shaft measures 35.5 inches to the heel and sports a replaced leather grip.

The second club is stamped on the back with the following: "LADY BURKE" in an oval - the "#11", the "SCALES" cleek mark and "NIBLICK". The straight shaft is 35 inches long to the heel and sports a nice patina and original grip with a small piece missing. The face has a straight line configuration.

The third club, which has "MASHIE" stamped on the sole, measures 36.5 inches and has an original leather grip and a shaft with a slight bend. The back has the following stamps: "Approved by GOLFERS ASSN. of AMERICA" and "CRAIG WOOD - LOUISVILLE G.C. - MASHIE and P-52".

SOME HISTORY:
The Burke Company was the offshoot of another Ohio golf manufacturer. Its founder, William Burke, had managed MacGregor's club-making for nearly 15 years before branching out on his own in 1910 and converting his new company into Burke Golf Company, beginning with a full production of complete golf clubs.
Truly one of the world’s best golfers during his era, Craig Wood, was the winner of 21 PGA Tournaments including both the Masters and U.S. Open in 1941. He spent many of his most competitive seasons as a head professional in New Jersey and was a member of three Ryder Cup teams (1931, 1933, 1935). He worked at Forest Hill Field Club in Bloomfield from 1928-31 and at Hollywood Golf Club in Deal from 1932-35.

Craig Wood was the first player to lose all four major championships in extra holes. His major wins came late in his career at age 39.

Offered is a choice, late 19th century, physician's, Homeopathic Medicine Case No. 1 from Parke Davis & Company.

It is a nearly complete example containing 23 of the original 24 screw cap empty vials! This example was most likely part of a set of 2 or 3 other matching cases offering various additional remedies as the gold printing on the flap notes the following: "TABLET TRITURATE CASE NO. 1. A partial printed label marked "ASSORTMENT A..." indicates that Parke Davis offered a large assortment of different homeopathic medicines.

Each cylindrical vial measures approximately 3 inches in length including the cap. The vials are nestled in the leather case with most of them sporting a small paper label that is hand written or printed upon. The fitted leather case measures 7" long x 1.5" wide x 3.5" high and shows wear commensurate with its use and its 120+ years of age. Modest loss to the flap closure is noted with general wear and mild loss of material. One flap is separated as seen in the photo.

A wonderful pharmaceutical relic representative of late 19th century homeopathic medicine!

Offered is this very scarce, circa 1910, Willie Dunn, Smooth Face Hickory Shaft Golf Club. Although smooth face golf clubs fell out of fashion by the very early 1900s, they were still offered in catalogues for a number of years beyond this date.

This smooth face club is stamped on the back "WILLIE DUNN - NEW YORK". The leather grip is in good condition, and the slightly bent hickory shaft sports a nice aged patina.

Measures 39 inches from heel to top of shaft and is probably a MASHIE although it is not marked as such. There are various small dings, mild pitting to the metal surface and examples of wear commensurate with this club's 110+ years of age and use.

Of Scottish origin, Willie Dunn settled with his wife and son in New York and established his club manufacturing business there. Not only was he a very talented golf club maker, he was also an accomplished professional golfer, finishing 2nd in the inaugural US OPEN, but also had gained a fine reputation as an outstanding golf course designer.

Offered is an unusual group of 2 Patent Medicines all of which were indicated for issues related to brain function or emotional conditions.

First, is a sample bottle of FLORAPLEXIN prepared by Franklin Hart of New York. The label notes that it is, "A positive cure for Dyspepsia, Liver complaints, NERVOUS EXHAUSTION, & Consumption." Lots of small print on the back noting that if this medicine is used, "you will be cured" of your particular symptoms which include being NERVOUS, IRRITABLE & GLOOMY or having EVIL FOREBODINGS - rather interesting claims not often made by patent medicine producers. Measures about 3 inches, in very good condition.

Second, is a diminutive, corked, 2.75 inch bottle labeled "THE ENSIGN REMEDIES, "Remedy No. 1." The label notes: "For Abnormal Mental States, Fears, Forebodings, Persistent Thoughts and Evil Suggestions". It is quite rare to find medicines that were specifically indicated for the treatment of mental illness. The Ensign Remedies company was from Battle Creek, Michigan, and was mentioned often in the various medical journals published during the late 1800s and early 1900s. The bottle is excellent and the label shows modest wear, loss and fading.

Third, is Dr. Schoop's is sold.

These nostrums give credence to "good things come in small packages". A desirable duo indeed!

Offered is a wonderful example of a late 19thC Pharmacy "tool of the trade" known as a pill machine but often referred to as a pill roller.

Pill machines were designed to enhance the productivity of the early pharmacist, and this design was, indeed, popular for many, many years. This pill machine is designed with 24 tubes for medicine-making.

The condition is very good, sporting a nice patina commensurate with its age and use. It is constructed of walnut and embellished with brass edge guards as well as brass grooved molds. The base measures approximately 11.5" L x 7" W x 1.5" H including the footed base. The paddle is 15.25"L x 2.25"W.

An apothecary classic, ready for your collection!

Offered for sale is a neat 19th century apothecary bottle – TINCT. COLCH. SEM. - sporting a white with gold bordered painted glass label!

The 8.5 inch tall bottle has the manufacturer's letters “W.T.CO. – Pat. 1889 - USA” embossed on the base.

This label under glass (LUG) tincture bottle is in fine condition. The stopper sports ground glass construction as well. The label is complete and displays well.

This appealing bottle originated from a former pharmacy in Putnam, CT, which closed in 1949.

Here is a fine example of a club created by a skilled craftsman! It is a circa 1910, smooth face hickory shaft golf club sporting a wonderful patina, stamped on the back "NICHOLLS SPECIAL".

Smooth face golf clubs fell out of fashion, and perhaps function, by the very early 1900s, yet they were still offered in catalogues for a number of years beyond this date.

The grip is missing except for the listing which is in good condition, and the almost-straight hickory shaft sports a nice aged patina. There is a stamp near the base of the grip noting the following: ???? A.& C.P. CO. Mfgr - Westboro, Mass. It measures 37 inches from heel to top of shaft and is likely a MASHIE NIBLICK although it is not marked as such. There are various minor dings to the metal surface and examples of wear commensurate with this club's use and 110+ years of age.

Interesting notes: This club was most likely imported from Scotland and sold by the English brothers Gilbert and Bernard Nicholls who emigrated to the US in the early 1900s. Both brothers (who were not clubmakers) had excellent professional golfing careers. Interestingly, Scotland imported thousands of wooden shafts from the US during the hickory golf club era as evidenced by the Westboro, Mass stamp on shaft.

Up for your consideration is a handsome Hillerich and Bradbsy 7 Iron, sporting a hickory shaft and a professionally replaced leather grip. Measures 35.5 inches from heel to end of the straight shaft. The stamping on the back includes the "HAND & CARDS" CLEEK mark, and "Hillerich & Bradbsy Co. Louisville, KY". The popular club model "GRAND SLAM" is proudly stamped on the front sweet spot. The condition is very good with the expected minor scratches and dings complete with a newly replaced leather grip. Overall, this club sports a nice patina and is worthy of any collection. I believe that this club dates to the 1920 - 1930 era.

SOME HISTORY:
H&B operated as a carpentry business starting in 1855 by J.F. Hillerich. In the mid 1880s, his son expanded the business into making bats for a local semi-pro baseball team which were an instant hit with the players. In 1894, they were labeled the "LOUISVILLE SLUGGER", and in 1905, HONUS WAGNER signed an endorsing contract attesting to their quality. Salesman, Frank Bradsby, became a partner in 1916, and the company was renamed "The Hillerich and Bradsby Co". This same year, the company started making golf clubs. By 1923, TY COBB, BABE RUTH and Lou GEHRIG all used their bats!