Catalog: Antiques: Instruments and Implements (101)

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 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 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 wonderful grouping of five, choice C1900-1920, Patent Medicine Drugstore Pill Vials.

The first two medicines are from Denver, Colorado, are labeled KIDNEY TABLETS, and measure about three inches tall. As noted on their brightly colored labels, they are a remedy for a variety of disorders including: URINARY, LIVER, DIABETES, and LUMBAGO to name a few! The tablets are housed within wooden vials which are covered by the labels. The labels shows mild loss primarily on the ends. The condition of the wooden vials is very good. A hard to find Western medicine!

Thirdly, is another nice Western medicine: SWAIN'S BACKACHE AND KIDNEY PILLS from Kansas City, MO. This three inch remedy mentions the Food and Drug Act and sports a wooden vial housed in a very decorative paper label. The condition is very good with loss of the label on both ends.

The fourth medicine, DEBELL'S KIDNEY PILLS, dates to the early 1900s and also mentions the 1906 Pure Foods and Drug Act. It sports a wood vial enclosed in a paper label. This medicine is specific for kidney and bladder complaints and is from the C.W.BEGGS SONS & Co., Chicago, USA. The condition is good with modest wear and loss to one end of the label.

Finally, is DOAN'S REGULETS touted "A MODERN LAXATIVE" from Foster-Milburn CO., Buffalo, N.Y. The label on this 2.5 inch cutie is complete, mildly worn and colorful. Dates to the 1920s era.

Overall a nice group of early medicines ready for your 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 C1830's, hand-crafted, Woodworking Adjustable Plow Plane w/Bone Insert. This is a wonderful example of an early, unmarked, one-of-a-kind-constructed, woodworking tool with hand-hewn construction and repairs by a semi-skilled craftsman. Amazingly, this tool is approximately 200 years old!

Evidence of hand-craftmanship are scribe marks that extend beyond their desired point. The metal working skate is crudely riveted to the wood. Various early forged screws and nuts secure the sliding arms. To add to the charm of this early tool are two animal horn repairs to the fence, one of which is quite small and difficult to photograph.

The condition is commensurate with the honorable wear one would expect of an antique, utilitarian woodworking tool. The patina is wonderful with a smooth brownish finish, various scratches and dings, and mild wear. The blade and wedge do not exist.

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!

Offered is an early portable Steelyard scale that is designed to weigh goods up to 30 pounds. This primitive iron scale sports hand-forging construction and measures just over 13 inches in length. The manufacturer's identifying name is almost fully readable and is stamped "?? WHITHFIELD & SONS".

The arm on one side is stamped in increments 1 through 9 (pounds) and 7-30 on the opposite side. Photo #5 shows two fancy and not often seen, "cross-shaped" embellishments.

The condition is very good with some mild wear, traces of rust, and faint pitting of the iron, all commensurate with an early tool of the trade.

An interesting and scarce example of early American craftsmanship.

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 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, circa 1870's TONGUE PLANE.

This early example measures 12.5 inches long and sports a lovely aged brownish patina. The toe of the plane has the owner's initials, "L.C.", boldly-stamped upon it.

The condition is commensurate with a modestly-used antique hand tool. There are the expected unobtrusive small dings, scratches and imperfections typically seen in vintage tools. The base of the handle has a 4 inch split that does not effect the integrity of the tool. A small, 1/4 inch split is noted near the bottom of the heel. The blade is sharp, well-maintained and is imprinted with the word, "WELDON", suggesting a probable Scotland-sourced iron. The plane construction, however, is most likely of English origin due to the bold manner in which the owner's initials are imprinted.

Offered is a wonderfully hand-crafted, mid-19th century, woodworking, HAND SCRAPER PLANE.

This circa 1860s example has an expertly carved, smooth-angled handle that ends in a flourished, curl-like shape. The overall form of the tool, when viewed in profile, takes on a somewhat futuristic, space-age design- an interesting concept given that this tool is approximately 160 years old! This handsome tool measures 8.25 inches long and sports a warm, aged, brownish patina.

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 and well maintained. A vintage split next to the wedge tightening screw is present on the underside of the scraper.

The hand scraper in woodworking serves as a shaping and finishing tool. It manually removes small amounts of material and can be used instead of sandpaper.

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 in this grouping are ten, 19th century, antique tools, seven of which represent the woodworking trade. Collectively, as displayed in the feature photo, these wonderful vintage pieces make a stunning wall display. For the advanced craftsman, these vintage tools remain completely functional and offer one that opportunity to step back in time and create using historic implements.

1) A C1870, American, very appealing, rather primitive IRON SQUARE measuring 24 inches in length on the long side and 12 inches in length on the shorter side. This solid tool shows the worn appearance of a well-used tool with moderate pitting and loss yet still displays its hand-stenciled numerals and measurement points.
2) A C1870, English, impressively-constructed MORTISING CHISEL that is in very good, usable condition. The durable hand-wrought, hardwood handle supports a hearty steel chisel that is stamped, "WR BUTCHER", along with the image of the English crown. English tools are well-noted to be of high caliber construction. This 9.5 inch long has a lovely, warm patina with a slight, 1 inch hairline where the handle joins the metal.
3 & 4) Two, mid-19th century, Pennsylvanian, iron, BENCH HOOKS. This hand-wrought pair sports a twisted iron design and measure 6 and 10 inches in length, respectively.
5) A C1860, American, elegantly formed WOODWORKER’S OPEN SCORP designed to shave away thin slices of wood. This handsome, 17 inch long tool beckons the skilled craftsman’s and designer’s eye, as it is in working condition and sports a lovely, rich patina. A 2 inch long split near the steel does not impact the integrity of the tool or its workable strength.
6) This circa late 19th century, American, 3 inch diminutive bicycle WRENCH retains most of its chrome plating and shows minimal wear. Made by Mossberg Co. of Attleboro, MA., this "Junior No.1" embossed tool is fully functional as it easily opens and closes.
7) A late 19th century/early 20th century, handsomely-shaped, brass and steel, PLUMB BOB measures 4 inches tall, sporting a nice patina and is ready to use. This American piece is embossed "GENERAL HARDWARE MFG CO, NY, NY, USA”, and shows minimal wear.
8) A high-quality, delightfully-designed, American steel, CALIPER made by the Starrett Co., sports a patent date of June 2, 1895, measures 4.75 inches long and remains usable.
9)This cute, 4 inch long, hardwood-handled GIMLET is in very good condition, dates to the 19th century and also remains usable if chosen. The tip terminates in a tiny screw shape to help initiate the boring of holes for screws.
10)The final tool of this grouping is a very lovely, 19th century, steel and brass, adjustable, COMPASS with plenty of life left. It is marked "P.S. & W Co.", measures 6.25 inches long, and is in very good condition.

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 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 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 a very special group of 7 Patent Medicines from China that date to the 1900 - 1920 era. This diminutive in size selection measures from a mere 1.5 inch example to the 3 inch box of skin lotion that houses a corked bottle. The 2.5 inch aqua bottle has embossing on 4 sides with one side noting "CHINA". This appears to be the oldest example. I just love the graphics and appealing colored labeling not to mention that they will fit anywhere in your collection. 2 of the boxed medicines each have an external paper label that is printed with the traditional Chinese contents in English. The tiniest of all "U-I-OIL" sports a graphic insert with an image of the (?)companies owner and details in Chinese. Overall the condition of this collection is very good with no damage. Only one label shows modest wear and tear. Just fabulous as a group or by themselves.