Catalog: Antiques: Instruments and Implements: Medical (52)

This rare and unusual, finely constructed, Civil War Era, portable Field Surgeon's Operating or Gleason type Mortuary Table (also known as a Cooling Table) comes from the estate of a 4th generation New England medical doctor, and retains its original finish with wonderful patina.

The decorative and delicate detailing of this piece is at odds with its most gruesome history! Scalloped copper edge guards and the appealing pattern in which the drainage holes in the laminated wood tabletop were laid out contribute to visual appeal. The softwood table frame stands on nicely turned hardwood legs.

When opened and extended to its maximum dimensions, the table measures 72" long X 18.5" wide X 22" high. To facilitate ease of traveling, this portable table slides and folds to 40" long X 18.5" wide X 4" high. A leather carrying handle is attached to the table edge; legs, when folded, are secured in place with hooks.

Very fine original condition: expected overall wear (patina) with one hook missing and minor unobtrusive loss of laminate along lower table top edge measuring approximately 1/3” wide by 7”.

Offered is a recent estate find in Myrtle Beach, SC. This Patent Medicine is an unused CRANE'S Quinine and Tar Cold and Cough remedy circa 1910. This diminutive "Free Sample" is from the CRANE MEDICINE CO., Chicago, Ill and is complete with the original box and insert.

The box approximately measures 4.5"H x 1.5"W and is in fair condition missing both the top and bottom flaps and shows wear commensurate with age. The delightful 4 inch bottle sports complete front and back labels and is in undamaged condition. The insert is included and the paper is brittle with signs of loss mostly at the folded areas.

A nifty medicine for quelling coughs caused by colds, croup, bronchitis and other afflictions. The bottle and box display quite nicely as seen in the photos. A neat find!

This is a fully-functional, ready to use vintage 1900 wood and porcelain pestle.

The condition is very good with only signs of mild wear commensurate of a modestly used tool of the trade. No damage or loss, just scruffs and a nice surface patina.

Measures about 10.5 inches long and ready for your collection or use. The #7 is stamped into the edge of porcelain.

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!

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 very visually appealing Veterinary Medicine Horse Cure Advertising Bag with wonderful graphics from the late 1800s. A very detailed and boldly executed image of an early American farmer with his sick horse brings to focus the unconditional need for this cure!

As noted on the bag, THE GIPSY COMPOUND CONDITION POWDERS were an all-purpose CURE invented by C.H. PROCTOR, of 13 Brown Street, Marlboro, Massachusetts. While the marketing description was specific to horses, the powders were additionally advertised as suitable for use with cattle, poultry, and swine as well! Truly an all-encompassing cure-all!

The paper bag has rich toning commensurate with its 120+ years of age and is in fine condition. Please note that the 3rd photo best demonstrates the actual color and toning. This bag is "new old stock" and was never unused. Measuring 15 inches high x 10 inches wide, this vintage piece would look absolutely phenomenal framed!

Offered is a hard to find painted cast iron meat and juice press from the late 19th century.

This dual purpose pharmacy tool of the trade measures about 9 inches high and retains much of its original black japanned surface.

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 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.

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.

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 diminutive size, 19th century apothecary bottle labeled "SODA MINT". This bottle sports a hand-painted glass recessed label with gold embellishment! Soda Mint today is better known as sodium bicarbonate or baking soda, which is used in cooking, and medicinally to relieve heartburn, sour stomach, or acid indigestion by neutralizing excess stomach acid.

This 5 inch tall wide mouth bottle is in fine condition. The ground glass stopper fits perfectly. The glass label is complete, has mild unobtrusive crackled paint and displays quite well. The base has embossing that notes "W.T.CO. USA.".

A darling little size that will fit with any collection.

Offered is a very difficult-to-find and highly decorative group of six, matching, 19th century, iron, apothecary cabinet drawer pulls featuring stunning labels under glass!

Each wonderfully appealing drawer pull exemplifies the high style era of Victoriana design predominating the second half of the 1800's. Each pull measures about 4.7/8"W x 2 3/8"H x 7/8"D. The labels are reverse painted on glass, all-original and sport a lovely patina.

The condition of the pulls is very good with the exception of only one pull, VIBURN..., showing minor glass damage (see photo). Otherwise, some pulls have very minor paint loss, very faint superficial rust, and may need a slight cleaning of the glass, qualities which are consistent with 140+ year old antiques of the period that experienced consistent use.

Make no mistake, this matching set of stunningly-designed, label-under-glass style apothecary cabinet drawer pulls are a rare find in today's antiques market!

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 very obscure trio of Traditional circa 1900 Chinese Patent Medicines all of which have their original box, contents and are unused. The "KWEI LUK CHEE SHEN" sealed box measures 3.5" x 2.25" x 1.75" and contains Tortoise shell, Deer horn and 3 other ingredients. Condition is excellent. Next is "WAI SHAN YUEN" and contains 4 gold leaf boluses of Deer Horn, White Ginseng, Lotus Nuts and more. The 2.75" box sports 2 colorful stamps and a red label. The smallest medicine measures 3 inches tall "SAM SHE DAM PING ON" Medicine oil is very cool indeed. Rare contents include Snakes Gall Bladder extract! I just love the colorful box, insert and corked glass bottle. Rare Chinese Medicines will complement any collection!

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.