Catalog: Antiques: Instruments and Implements: Medical (51)

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!

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 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 lovely, antique, late 19th C, hand-held massaging tool. This skillfully turned hardwood handle and frame features four wood and rubber rollers which facilitate massaging technique. Many modern hand-held massaging tools mimic the design of this antique piece.

Research notes that this early medical instrument was made by the Health Culture Co.

The following patent date is stamped on the interior portion of the wheel (PAT'D APR 12, 02), however, the date of 1892 is also referenced for this particular piece in several sources, so this device appears to have been marketed prior to the granting of a patent for the design.

Measures approximately 5 1/2" x 7 1/2.

Condition is very good! This visually interesting piece retains its original finish which is a warm, honey-colored woodtone with minor stains and wear commensurate with an antique instrument. No damage. It works!!!

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 nice C1900, Fairbanks, NY, Drug Store or Apothecary Prescription Scientific Scale complete with weights. Features of the scale include a mahogany case sporting a wonderful patina, and the bone (or early plastic) name plate which is marked "FAIRBANKS NY", an iconic maker of quality scales of the period. A brass labeled NY (New York) CITY asset tag further enhances this vintage scientific collectible.

Additionally, a brass beam, column and dial create a visual enhancement. There are 2 nickel plated pans and a complete set of boxed weights that round off this appealing scale.

The scale case measures 9"L x 4.25"W x 2.5"H and is about 10" tall with the brass column in place.

The overall condition is very good with the expected scuffs, dings and imperfections commensurate of a 120+ year old antique. Minor tarnish prevails especially on the pans and on metal areas. The boxed weight set is in as found very good condition.

***NOTE*** THE SCALE WILL BE SHIPPED DISASSEMBLED for safe keeping during transit.***

A perfect compliment to one's apothecary - drug store 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 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 is a group of six, very scarce, 19th century, tin, apothecary, storage containers with hand-painted, gold gilt labels and a decorative and stylized floral, front embellishment. The gold gilt labels make these early pharmacy canisters really stand out!

The tins sport an early and original, hand-painted, mustard-colored surface patina. The five smaller containers measure approximately 7 inches high x 4 inches wide x 5 inches deep (front to back including the distinctive front floral embellishment). The one large container measures about 8 inches high x 5 inches wide x 5 inches deep.

Structurally, the canisters are very solidly crafted containers, each with a slanted, well-fitting, hinged cover that snaps into place when closed. There are unobtrusive dings, and the finish shows modest wear and paint loss commensurate with a 19th century, well-loved and well-used, dispensary antique.

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 is a very difficult-to-find grouping of twelve, matching, 19th century, porcelain, apothecary cabinet drawer pulls.

Each pull measures about 2"W x 1 3/4"H x 1 1/2" front to back (not including bolt).

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.

Most of the pulls sport the following, sometimes illegible, maker's mark on the bottom of the knob: "PAT. FEB 12, 89 - M.D.B. CO. - ST. LOUIS, MO".

The pulls are priced at $540 for the matching set of twelve or can be purchased individually at $45.00 PER PULL. Ready for display in your apothecary collection or for retro-chic decorating use on an actual cabinet, be it antique or contemporary!

Back in the days when pills were made by hand, a pill rounder such as this (sometimes called a pill finisher), was used to create perfect pill spheres via use of a circular or figure-8 motion. The pill then would be dusted with powder, ready for dispensing by the apothecary.

Made of light-colored fruitwood (treen), this handsome tool of the trade has two different recessed depths used to finish or create, two different diameter pills.

Dates to C1880 and the condition is very good. Sporting a wonderful patina, this pill rounder measures approximately 2.75 inches in diameter x .8 inches high.

Will make a delightful addition to your pharmacy or medical collection!

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 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 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 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 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!

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!