Catalog: Antiques: Instruments and Implements (100)

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.

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 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 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 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.

An exceedingly RARE and all-original, commanding group photograph of 1880's NURSES with a bit of the mysterious - might be depicting recent graduates of a nursing program with male and female head instructors or may be a photograph of hospital staff nurses with head nurse and administrator/physician. A bit of intrigue for certain, and most definitely a highly rare and unusual period nursing photo of substantial size! Found in a New York state estate.

Framed in original, period frame with wood backing (20 x 15.5 inches); the tattered matting has been removed. Photo dimensions - 14.5 x 19.5 inches. Very good condition with some light fading in the upper portion and a minute ding next to the writing. One of the nurses has the words "BAD GIRL" written above her head!

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 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!

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.

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!

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 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 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 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 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 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.

Measuring 2.75 inches in diameter by 3 inches high, this darling, circa 1890's, English, porcelain, double quill holder features a startled mother dove attempting to fend off a serpent about to devour the three eggs in her nest!

Likely Staffordshire, the quill holder features lovely polychrome coloration. Condition is wonderful with no chips, breaks, repairs, or repaints. Age crackling to glaze is evident along with a tiny stain on the dove's breast.

A darling piece!

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.