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The amethyst glass poison bottle is labeled "LIQ:ARSEN: or ARSENIC, and the cobalt bottle is labeled "EXT:PAPAV:LIQ" - the abbreviation for the Latin PAPAVER which is an OPIUM alkaloid.
Each narrow-neck bottle features a gorgeous, faceted, ground-glass stopper that enhances the appearance of this lovely cobalt and amethyst pair!
The bottles also feature stunning, hand-painted labels as well as hand-painted English shields with double lions.
Each bottle measures 7 1/4 inches high.
A must-have addition to the advanced drug store or apothecary collection!
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The sign measures approximately 6’ long x 12" wide and is double sided. It is in very nice overall condition except for areas of paint loss, some crackling and general wear expected of a vintage sign, noted especially to one side. There is also a very subtle bow to the sign, but this does not take away from its most unusual appeal. There are 2 metal brackets, one on each side, which were originally used for mounting upon a building exterior.
A highly unusual and macabre offering for those who collect funerary pieces!
SOLD
The box is mildly worn commensurate with age and use, with some tape holding the top sides together. It measures 5.5"L x 3.75"W x 3.5"H.
Twenty three of the 24 bottles retain their contents, with the one bottle displaying a dark cork being empty and broken (parts of the glass from this broken vial are stuck to the box interior compartment). The vials measure just over 3 inches tall including corks and sport handwritten labels, most of which are legible (a few are faded and illegible).
Overall a very unusual find when you consider that the contents remain.
Some History:
Although homeopathy has its roots in ancient Greek medicine and in the work of the 16th-century physician, Paracelsus, modern homeopathy dates back 200 years to the work of the German doctor and chemist, Samuel Hahnemann. Hahnemann qualified as a physician but ceased to practice as a doctor because of what he saw as the barbaric medical practices of his day - which included bloodletting and the overuse of toxic medicines, leading to horrific side effects.
A brilliant linguist, he earned a living from translating books and was interested by a reference in a medical textbook describing the use of China (Peruvian bark) as a cure for malaria. Intrigued to know why China worked, he took doses of the remedy until he himself began to exhibit malarial symptoms. He stopped taking the China, and the symptoms went away. From this he deduced that the ancient principle of 'like cures like' actually worked.
His next step was to determine if there were safe levels at which toxic substances could be given - and still cure the type of symptoms that they might otherwise cause. His experiments with dilution led him to discover that the more a substance was diluted, the more potent it appeared to become.
Homeopathic medicine was born, but in practicing it, Hahnemann and his followers were subjected to ridicule and persecution by the medical establishment, despite the fact that they were seeing patients getting better on tiny doses of medicines, prescribed on the basis of 'like cures like'. Many European practitioners immigrated to the United States, where homeopathy flourished in the 19th century – until the traditional medical establishment systematically acted to remove its influence.
Hahnemann ended his days as a renowned and very busy practitioner in Paris, working into his 80's. He is interred at the Cimetière du Père Lachaise, where a large monument honors him and his discovery of Homeopathy.
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The case measures 16"H x 16"W x8”D. Displays wonderfully!
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The box measures 6.5" H and has some unobtrusive hand writing on the front panel. It is also missing the bottom though displays perfectly. The lamp is in original condition, complete and has a wonderful patina.
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This 2.75 inch high amber corked bottle is in very nice condition. The cork is actually pushed inside the bottle.
The labels have darkened with age but remain quite clear and easily readable.
The bottle once contained (it is presently empty) 100 chocolate coated pills consisting of multiple ingredients including the Extract of Cannabis Indica P.T. (Ext. Can. Ind. P.T.) and Morphine Hydrochloride (Mor. Hydrochlo.)!!
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Offered is a very scarce pair of circa 1940's, glass, HOSPITAL signs acquired many years ago out of a New Jersey hospital that was undergoing modernization and renovation.
The glass X-RAY LAB + SPINAL CORRECTION signs once hung near the entryways of the X-ray and Physical Therapy departments and are now ready for your collection.
The signs measure 13 inches long x 3 inches high and are made of thick, heavy, plate glass construction. The signs sport gold-toned, applied lettering and are finished off in black paint such as in the style seen in reverse-painted glass objects. There is some paint loss and slight lifting which is commensurate with older painted glass.
SOLD
The leather case measures 6"L x 4"W x 1.5"H and the corked bottles are just about 3" without cork. No damage to the glass.
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Diminutively sized, this tablet sorter is easily placed anywhere for display, measuring just 6" L x 6" W x 1.5" H.
A rare piece and a must-have for the advanced collector of early drugstore or apothecary items!
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The 30 inch chains are complete and attach to the fancy collar. All parts are in very good condition and the globe CAN hold water. The decorative Victorian hanger and wall bracket make this handsome globe ready to display in your collection.
Showglobes have a rather interesting history in the early drug store / apothecary shop and can be compared to the "Trade Sign" that was hung on the exterior of a business to advertise a product or service. Although there has been much debate over time as to their actual purpose, it has been long thought that the color of the water was symbolic...for example, red and blue water representing arterial and venous blood. Some historians have suggested that showglobes were used as visual communication tools with red water representing plague or disease present in the community, and green water signaling an "all is well" in the community to travelers wishing to stop overnight. It has also been said that show globes in New England apothecaries would be illuminated at night to warn ships in the harbor of sickness, plague, etc.
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Measures 6.5"H x 7"W x 5"D and bears the label, "The Dentists’ Supply Co. of N.Y. – Bioform".
A striking dental display!
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The case contains a total of 53 medicines, all of which are empty. Two of the vials are rather scarce Parke Davis examples: #359, CHORODYNE containing INDIAN CANNABIS and MORPHINE HYDROCHLORIDE, and a second vial labeled #454 NEURALGIC INDIAN CANNABIS. Additionally, the case contains six vials labeled OPIUM, and one vial labeled MORPHINE.
Of the 53 vials, 28 are labelled screw cap examples, plus 20 labelled corked vials and 5 clear glass apothecary bottles, some of which sport a hand written label.
All but one vial displays PARKE DAVIS & CO. on its label plus a description of the vial's contents and dose. Additionally, some note the Food & Drug Act of 1906 or U.S.P. of 1890 on the label. There are 2 POISONS among the vials which carry distinct, red colored labels.
The vials measure approximately 4.5 inches long, are empty, and are in very nice condition including labels. Of the five, 4.5 inch apothecary bottles, two have small chips on the bottom, another has cracked glass at the base (base still intact), and the remaining two are in fine condition.
The heavy leather doctor's case measures 10.5" long x 5.75" wide x 5.5" high and overall demonstrates a nice patina with wear commensurate with age and use. The interior is composed of six distinct compartments, four containing all of the medicines, one containing numerous, small paper packets in which to house dispensed medicines, and one quite small, rectangular compartment with its own lid that may have once held small instruments such as a tweezer or perhaps a tiny folding scale. The leather at the top of the case (the section holding the handle) is completely separated at the front edge fold mark above the 2 locks. This same section is also partially separated (approx 4 inches) along the back top edge (see photos).
A very choice piece with cannabis, narcotics, poisons and documented ownership from a New York City physician!
SOLD
According to Elisabeth Bennion, author of “Antique Hearing Devices” page 31, “The great advantage of the conversation tube as a type of hearing aid was that it obtained greater enhancement of sound by placing the bell close to the mouth of the speaker, thereby allowing for a normal conversational tone;.......It proved very effective as the sound, having been collected at source before being conducted to the ear, the speech sound level could therefore be increased considerably without danger of background noise.”
The ear trumpet conversation tube measures approximately 39.5 inches. The metal bell and gutta percha ear piece are in very nice condition. The spiral conical long aluminum tube is encased in silk or plaited wool that is intact though worn and still appealing . A great “conversation” piece!
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The age of the very neat piece is from the late 1800s to early 19th century. Measures 7.5"L x 5"W x 1"H and is in "as found" condition from a long closed New Jersey pharmacy. The contents are wrapped in paper which sports a complete aged and stained label. There are pieces of wrapper that are missing and some edge loss of product. This honorable wear is commensurate with age, storage and travel.
This specimen is the only one I have seen and belongs in a museum or fine collection.
The sourcing of this product was from sperm whales and was not from their blubber. I will leave it to the new owner to discover the not so colorful history of the whaling trade. Moby Dick is a great start.
$40.00
Some powder still exists! There is unobtrusive tarnishing, but no corrosion. There is a 1/4" area of paint loss to the back top left of the tin. Measures a diminutive 2 1/4" x 1 1/4" and will fit anywhere in your collection!
SOLD
There are 3 pieces to the 33 inch show globe with the base being molded to the bottom globe, the decorative middle section and the finial. The base has an open pontil mark and all stoppers are ground glass which fit perfectly.
A similar example can be found in SCHIEFFELEINS 1883 catalogue and is listed as a “Pineapple Show Globe”.
An original 1940s photograph showing the globe on display in the front window of Delafields pharmacy is included. C.J. Cather, R. Ph., was the proud pharmacist owner of this great drugstore display.
A point of clarification: the hand-blown finial ends in a solid ground stopper- very, very rare- thus, it cannot be filled with color water. However, both the bottom and middle globes can each be filled with a different color liquid if so desired.
A great find indeed!
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The sign states:
"Scott's Santal-Pepsin Capsules A Positive CURE for Kidney and Bladder Diseases.
Cures Quickly And Permanently The Most Obstinate Case of Gonorrhea and Gleet No Matter of How Long Standing.
Absolutely Harmless.
Sold by Druggists Price $1.00.
Put Up Only By The SANTAL-PEPSIN Co., Bellefontaine, O.
SOLD BY PHELPS PHARMACY, F.W. Beavees, Mgr., Cor. Wyoming Ave. and Spruce St., Se******, PA."
This amazing venereal disease cure sign features a most formidable likeness of Mr. Scott flanked by a Laurel Crown in the upper left hand corner, no doubt intended to add fortitude to the claims he makes of his product!
The sign was made by the Scioto Sign Co of Kenton, Ohio, and is so marked in the lower right corner.
This bright yellow sign shows ravages of its 118+ years of age, with crimps and creases to the tin, small holes-- no doubt made to hang the sign up--, scratches to the surface resulting in paint loss, and some superficial rusting where paint is missing. Some fading to lettering in the lower right.
Regardless of its "age marks", this sign is certainly a one-of-a-kind find that will add sparkle to a collection! May be hung on a wall on displayed on a shelf! Not to be missed!
SOLD
Measures 20 inches long x 14 inches wide and is ready for your collection. There is embossing in the words "CAVANAUGH'S WONDER COLIC REMEDY". Created by the Baltimore Sign Co. and dating to the 1930-1940 era.
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The arm is marked "T.O.Co. J. HALL & SON-Makers-Birmingham" and "Class 1 - To Weigh 1 lb."
The scale measures 16"L x 8"W at the wood base and 16 inches high. The condition appears original with only minor distortion to the wood base.
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Measuring 30 inches tall x 11.25 inches wide, this fabulous eye chart is complete with the notation of two holes in the bottom metal panel – purpose of which is unknown. Overall condition of the eye test chart is quite fine with the expected wear to the frame and aging to the milk glass panels!
This 80+ year old vison exam chart with gorgeous "sunburst motif" has wonderful ‘eye’ appeal and would make a great 'visual' addition to your medical collection!!!
The chart is ready to hang, complete with hooks and wire, courtesy of the previous owner.
SOLD
These wonderful tools of the trade measure 12 inches for the capsule counter and 11.75 inches for the pill counter. The front of each device is tapered to facilitate the ability to "scoop" the pills from a tray.
Please note that there is some edge wear on each counter commensurate with age and use. The handles are painted and have evidence of appropriate wear. Overall, the counters sport perfect patina and offer stunning visual appeal!
SOLD
The chains belonging to this 21" tall showglobe do not have the original central hook attachment. The hook that is currently attached to the chains is quite sturdy and can be easily replaced if desired. The fancy collar and base are in very good condition. The showglobe is complete with all 3 original finials and a decorative Victorian hangar and wall bracket making it ready to display in your collection. A very lovely and highly unusual -- perhaps one-of-a-kind apothecary show globe!
Showglobes have a rather interesting history in the early drug store / apothecary shop and can be compared to the "Trade Sign" that was hung on the exterior of a business to advertise a product or service. Although there has been much debate over time as to their actual purpose, it has been long thought that the color of the water was symbolic...for example, red and blue water representing arterial and venous blood. Some historians have suggested that showglobes were used as visual communication tools with red water representing plague or disease present in the community, and green water signaling an "all is well" in the community to travelers wishing to stop overnight. It has also been said that show globes in New England apothecaries would be illuminated at night to warn ships in the harbor of sickness, plague, etc.
SOLD
This fabulous 19th century sign is constructed of heavy gauge brass and sports incised lettering "PRESCRIPTION DRUGGIST" as well as complimentary Victorian stylized detailing.
This visually striking sign measures 17.5 inches wide x 24 inches high and weighs nearly 8 pounds. There are 10 holes drilled into the sign designed to support wall mounting.
The following maker's name is scribed into the lower left base of the sign: "L.H. MOISE. - San Francisco". Research indicates that L.H. Moise was a very prominent company operating under that name from 1893 - 1897; the company made high quality signage, tokens, badges,and medals.
Condition: surface patina, various minor scratches and blemishes are noted, all quite typical of a 100+ year old sign. The flat black paint within the letters and detailing appears to be a 20th century addition.
An exquisite and eye-dazzling piece of 19th century pharmacy memorabilia, likely---one of a kind!