Catalog: Vintage Arts: Instruments and Implements: Medical (77)

Offered are two fabulous Arlington Chemical Company Diagnostic Allergen Test Kits which were used to test skin sensitivity or allergy to a wide variety of potential allergans. The two boxed sets date to the 1940s - 1950s era and are in very nice condition. Both boxes are covered in a grained, leather-like material. The larger box shows wear as seen in the photograph.

The larger boxed set contains 38 vials which are nearly empty and sport complete paper labels. There are 2 missing vials from this kit. It measures 6" long x 5" wide x 1.5" high. The inside cover of this larger boxed set lists the names of the 38 allergens contained in the kit.

The small boxed set contains 28 corked top vials which have the same type paper labels as found in the larger kit. This kit measures 5" long x 2" wide x 1.5" high and is missing (or never had) 8 vials.

These skin sensitivity testing kits contain vials which are specific to the southern California area.

A scarce duo indeed!

Offered is a simply outstanding, extraordinarily scarce, 1920-1930s Art Deco era, ceiling-mount-hanging, drugstore show globe in impeccable condition!

The fancy and highly-stylized, Art Deco, aluminum frame cradles an equally highly-stylized, classically-ribbed, clear glass show globe and finial. If so desired, the show globe will hold colored-water as was the display fashion back "in-the-day". The frame is embellished with a buffed, silver matte finish with design details outlined in contrasting black to further enhance the fabulous, Art Deco styling. The chain link is also painted black, echoing the black detailing of the frame, and it retains most of its gorgeous, original finish, with absolutely no pitting! The hanger medallions retain their original finish and are ready for mounting. Here and there, the metal parts retain a faint honey tone adding to the show globe's antique charm. This fabulous apothecary showpiece measures approximately 34.5 inches from the top of its fancy, ceiling-mount hanger to the base. If desired, it is possible to add additional chain links to further extend the overall length of the globe.

The condition is excellent. The globe glass is clean and clear except for some very, very faint haze on the interior top of the globe just below the neck. A perfectly fitting, ground-glass faceted finial echoing Art Deco design, rounds out this beauty.

The combined take-away of this offering, this outstanding piece of nearly 100 year old, American pharmacy history, is its exquisite Art Deco styling with extraordinary visual appeal, its utterly excellent condition, and its very scarce, ceiling-mount design, making it a true rarity among extant Apothecary antiques and collectibles!

Offered is Dr. C.H. Fitch's Prescription Scale-- a wonderful, early, pharmacist/doctor, portable, pocket-sized, Victorian era scale! The fancy-scrolled and embellished metal case appears to be brass with nickel plating and reads, "Dr. C.H. Fitch's Prescription Scale Pat Sept 29th 1885" on the top.

The diminutive metal case with scale inside measures approximately 1.5" wide x 2.75" long x .75" deep and is in very nice, original condition. The scale's capacity is 1/2 to 20 grains. It was manufactured by the N.V. Randolph Paper Box Company, Richmond, VA.

****NOTE****There is no damage to the scale or case and no missing components! The original spatula, which is sometimes lost over the years, is present and completes this very handsome, visually-appealing piece!

Some history: Joseph Williamson Randolph (1815-1893) established his business as publisher, bookseller, and stationer in Richmond, Virginia, in 1831. By the early 1840s, he had formed a partnership with Joseph J. English, and the firm became one of the leading book dealers in the South by the time of the Civil War. After Randolph's death, his son, Norman Y. Randolph, operated the business until it passed into receivership. Norman Randolph was, at various times, president of the Randolph Paper Box Company, the Virginia State Insurance Company, and the Warwick Park Transportation Company. He also served as secretary-treasurer of the Virginia and North Carolina Wheel Company.

This eye-catching, bright, robin's-egg blue painted pharmacy sign from the 1970s measures 14 inch tall x 1/2 inch thick.

This handsome wooden beauty is embellished with a fancy decorated mortar and pestle on top, stylized, Victorian-look lettering spelling out "PHARMACY" in the center, and vintage-look advertising for "LOG CABIN EXTRACT" at the bottom.

The condition is good with slight areas of paint lifting or loss, primarily on the edge.

A tiny "MADE IN JAPAN" label and the original price tag are present on back. Ready to hang!

Offered are two handsome, vintage 1950-1960 era, Alka-Seltzer pharmacy dispenser product displays plus one Alka-Seltzer bottle.

On the left side of the first photo is a heavy plastic example with a midnight blue base and clear (hazy now) top portion. This example measures 4.25" high x 4.25" wide x 5.5" deep and sports a heavy iron base for stability. The base has embossed words stating "PROPERTY OF MILES LAB, INC." The condition notes modest wear with scuffs, dings, and fading with some edge loss to the two left lower corners as seen in the photos. Worthy of your collection!

The second Alka-Seltzer display noted on the right of the first photo is a seldom found, shapely, metal dispenser in a striking robin's egg blue color. This example notes writing on all sides with the back stating: "Refill base with 50's carton of Alka-Seltzer...". This display measures 3.75"H x 4"W x 5"D and is in good condition. There are no dings or rust although modest surface wear is noted, showing areas of scuffs, tarnish, and fading of paint, etc. One of the 4 rubber feet is missing. A nice piece to complement your collection.

A single, empty Alka-Seltzer bottle is included to complete this listing. It is in fair condition with paint loss and some rust to the cover.

This is a very nice Glover's Veterinary Dog Specific Condition Pill Tins that sport fabulous Art Nouveau graphics!

The green colored tins date to the 1910 - 1923 time period and measure about 3.25" long x 2 inches wide.

The tin with paint loss especially on the bottom is priced @ $70.00. .The better tin is $90.00

The covers and hinges work well. Made by "METAL PKGE CORP. BKLYN, NY".

****The brown colored tin is sold****

Some History: Henry Clay Glover started practicing veterinary medicine sometime prior to 1877. In 1888, his medicines were awarded the medal of superiority by the American Institute of New York. He identified himself as a “Specialist in Canine Diseases". As a personal testimonial, he stated that as of 1897, he had been the Veterinarian to the Westminster Kennel Club for 20 years.

The first known address for Dr. Glover is 1293 Broadway, New York City. Tins with this address state “H. Clay Glover,V.S. Prop", and appear to be the earliest-known. Some time prior to 1914, the company moved to 118 West 31st Street. Glover was still sole proprietor, but by 1917 the company was incorporated, and the tins stated “H. Clay Glover Co” while retaining the West 31st Street address. The company moved to 127-129 West 24th Street in 1923.

Offered is a scarce pharmacy tool of the trade labeled No. 10 TABLET MOULD that was offered by the Whitall Tatum Company. These hard rubber molds were used in most drugstores from the mid 1880s to the early 20th century. This particular size mould made 50 one grain triturate tablets.

This handsome, hand-sized device enabled pharmacists to enhance their productivity. Measures 6 inches long.

Fortunately, the directions and original box still exist. The top plate and base match perfectly together with the pins passing through the holes smoothly. The condition of the mould is very good evidenced by the minimal wear. The box is in fair condition with two top holes noted and general wear from honorable use and time.

Offered is a very nice, vintage, drug store, BROMO SELTZER Dispenser with a patent date of 1930.

This popular and very recognizable, pharmacy collectible is constructed of a cobalt blue glass base with an aluminum stand that sports an old bottle of Bromo Seltzer retaining a label dating to 1987. The stand measures just over 15 inches high including the bottle.

The condition is commensurate with a used pharmacy device. The base shows wear with various scratches, and the metal is tarnished. The dispenser mechanism rotates and functions properly. The piece was in storage for many years and retains its original, "as-found" patina. A very nice find!

Some history:
The Bromo Seltzer product takes its name from a component of the original formula, sodium bromide. Bromides are a class of tranquilizers that were withdrawn from the U.S. market in 1975 due to their toxicity. Their sedative effect probably accounted for Bromo-Seltzer's vast popularity back in the day as THE go-to remedy for hangovers!

Offered is a very nice, scarcely-found, C1930s Dewitts Headache Tablets drugstore display with very colorful graphics!

This handsome display measures 9"L x 4.25"W x 2"H and sports 23 of the original 24 tablet boxes. Each 3 inch box contains a perfectly-labeled, cork-topped bottle with the original insert.

The condition of the display box is fairly good with some honorable wear and scuffs, with loss of the top cover, all commensurate with an antique medicine. One of the medicine boxes has a small 1/3 inch of ancient, but unobtrusive debris stuck on it. Several boxes show a few tiny stains worth noting. One box has been opened and has one loose flap.

A wonderful, all-original find!

Offered is an 1854 edition of Dr. Calvin Cutter's instructional and educational book entitled "First Book of Anatomy, Physiology, and Hygiene, for GRAMMAR SCHOOLS and FAMILIES".

This difficult to find revised stereotyped edition, was published in Boston by the Benjamin B. Mussey and Co., the book having been originally published in 1852. It features 83 highly-detailed engraved illustrations and 191 information-packed pages. A very comprehensive and quite interesting volume that discusses normal and abnormal conditions, treatment of various diseases and recommendations for proper health.

This very early educational hardcover book is in fair to good condition. The front cover has separated from the binding as has the very first page which is blank, but both are present. All other pages remain bound. The majority of the exterior black leather edge binding cover is missing. This 168 year old book has expected, moderate yellowing and foxing to the pages, some minor staining and ancient water marks, and some tiny folds here and there. Measures approximately 7.25"L x 4.75"W.

A highly valued resource book of its time for instruction in the grammar school grades or for use by more financially well-to-do 19th century families who could afford to maintain personal, home libraries.

Quite an interesting read!

Measuring 12.5 inches wide by 8 inches high, this vintage, hand-painted on board, 1940's No Smoking sign is most emphatic in its message: "NO SMOKING MEANS NO SMOKING"! Most definitely a conversation piece! Fab visual display! Condition is good with paint wear to edges as seen in photos. Light pencil lines to guide the hand-painting are still visible on the front of the sign. (The left side of sign appears darker in photos than the right side. This is a function of less-than-perfect photography! Coloration and brightness are uniform throughout! No dark or shadowy areas!)

A very cute vintage drug store/pharmacy display from the 1940s era!

This complete display consists of 24, small 'sample' medicine boxes, each of which contain colorful little red pills!

Each small box's label includes ingredients described as 'laxative and cathartic’.

Packed by CHANDLER MEDICINE CO. - Office 2812 Dodier Street, ST. LOUIS, MO., the display measures 6" x 5" x 1" and is in unused, very nice condition. ***NOTE*** The left side edges of the box have separated from each corner and the front top panel which serves as the front display when open is partially detached from its side. This type of separation does occur over time and is noted for full disclosure. AS noted in photos, this display presents wonderfully despite its minor, age-related flaws.

A great, visually-appealing collectible for the pharmacist, nurse or doctor in your life!

This is a complete, hard to find pharmacy “KONSEAL FILLING and CLOSING APPARATUS” that was used by early 20th century druggists.

The machine was made by The J. M. Grosvenor Co., Boston, and was the most widely used cachet preparation device in American pharmacies.

The condition of this wonderful apothecary tool of the trade is very good, complete with the warm, rich patina one would expect of an antique of this age including the usual scratches, marks and unobtrusive dings and tarnish. The metal parts appear to be nickel plated, and the case is of a hard wood construction. The metal KONSEAL apparatus, when open, measures approximately 18”L x 10”W x 2” H. Note that there is interior and exterior age damage in the center of the wooden case that includes a hairline split in the center. The photos should help better identify this description.

The accessories appear to be complete when compared to the images seen in the directions that is glued to the inside case and my reference text. There are 3 packets with paper directions for patient use.

The interior divider has some minor separation of joints that does not distract from this set.

A must addition for any pharmacy/apothecary collection.

On a cold October day in 1977, an auction of the former estate of Dr. T.D.M. Wilson of Washington, Pennsylvania, took place. The last surviving relative to live in Dr. Wilson's former 1890 mansion had moved to smaller quarters, and many artifacts reflecting the Wilson's family history had to be auctioned off.

Dr. T.D.M. Wilson graduated from Jefferson Medical College in 1875, and the following offered items from this estate auction provide an historical glimpse into his long medical career.

The first item is a fabulous 19th century brass DOCTOR T.D.M. Wilson sign measuring 14L x 9W inches, which likely adorned the entrance way to Dr. Wilson's office.

Also offered in this grouping is a rare group photo of Dr. Wilson (4th from the left) and other Phi Kappa Sigma members. The frame measures 16.5"L x 12.5"W. While the photo is a bit faded, the image is remarkable and includes a distinguished group of Phi Kappa Sigma members.

The third and fourth items in this grouping are a small, framed, 1909 AMA membership certificate with Dr. Wilson's name inscribed, and a very unusual, framed, IRS narcotic SPECIAL TAX STAMP from 1926. This Narcotic form is quite unique in that it names Dr. Wilson as the single physician allowed to dispense narcotics within the 23rd District of the State of Pennsylvania.

Finally, 2 handwritten letters postmarked in 1884 from Dr. Wilson to his loving wife are included, offering a small glimpse into his personal life.

Together, this rich grouping of artifacts provides one a unique opportunity to further enhance one's collection of medical objects.

This very colorful and detailed pictorial display salutes the achievement of America's First Apothecary General, Boston's Andrew Craigie, commissioned in 1777. He had served as Massachusetts' Committee of Safety as Apothecary and fought in the Battle of Bunker Hill, continuing to serve American forces throughout the Revolutionary War.

This display is one of a series entitled "The History of Pharmacy in Pictures" produced by Parke Davis in the late 1950's to early 1960's honoring the story of American Pharmacy.

This scene depicts Craigie providing aid during the June 17, 1775, Revolutionary War, Battle of Bunker Hill, Charlestown, Boston, Massachusetts.

This self-framed, white-bordered artwork is constructed of a quality, thick, card board and has a built-in easel on back for displaying. The picture can also be easily framed.

Perfect, intense color throughout - no fading - any glare seen is due to lighting conditions during photography. Measures approximately 21" long x 17.75" wide.

Offered are two very interesting and very difficult to find, antiquated, female pharmacy medications. Both drugs are in glass ampules, unused and reside in their original box packages.

First is a most unusual carton of 6 vials labeled "PITANTHM" which is a uterine stimulant used to promote labor. Inside the small 3.5" x 2.75" box are six unused ampules nesting within. The circa 1940's ampules measure 2" tall and sport a very cute paper label and are in perfect shape. The box shows mild wear, some stain and fading.

Secondly is an unused, Parke Davis, sex hormone ampule labeled "ANTUITRIN". The box measures 4" x 2" and is complete with a paper insert with directions, dose and indications including a date of 8-48. The medicine is in mint condition. The distilled water vial is about 3" high and the medicine ampule is about 2 inches tall with both sporting perfect labels. The box is in very good condition with some stains, wear and minor label loss.

A pair not to be missed!

Offered is an interesting and varied, quality sextet of Patent Medicines as follows!

First is a Munyon's Headache Cure which has a screw cap glass vial in a colorful box. This medicine sports a partial tax stamp, measures 2.75 inches and is in fine condition.

The two Dr. Franklin's Specific Cures measure just over 3 inches long and sport very graphic and appealing labels. The first glass vial marked #24, cures Diseases of the Ear and Hearing and more. The second glass vial marked #31, cures Sore Mouth and Canker, plus Morning Sickness, Syphilitic Sore mouth and more. The condition of both vials is very good.

Next, is a very colorful REQUA'S CUBEB CIGARETTES box of 12--complete! This Brooklyn, N.Y., medicine claims to relieve minor sore throat and bronchial irritations including nasal congestion due to colds. Please note the image of the patient puffing casually on a cigarette to retain good health!!!! The box is in good condition with wrinkling and creases and is 3.25 inch high.

MOTHERSILL'S TRAVEL REMEDY is a cute box of 12 capsules for children. This 2 inch cutie is empty, in very nice condition and is made in N.Y.

Item #6 is a laxative tin, QUINARETS, from the Virginia Chemical Company with partial contents, pamphlet and is in good condition. The tin measures 2.5 inches with some mild scratches and wear.

Together a wonderful grouping of quite interesting patent medicines from the early 1900s to 1940s.

This is a wonderful example of a Quack Medical device from the 1930s. Inside the black, cloth-covered, fitted case lies a beautiful massage apparatus complete with all attachments and 36 page instruction booklet.

Measuring about 7" x 4", this "Rolex" brand-labeled device and its three attachments are in very nice condition. The booklet has a copyright date of 1934 and is packed with photos and suggested uses for the massager including treatment of headaches and renewing vigor!

The case measures about 8" x 10" and sports a fabulous interior label. The cord is a bit dry so I opted to not plug it in. (I would expect that this device is functional as all the other electric medical devices from this collection were in working condition. Without plugging it in, I cannot guarantee if it works, so please purchase with this in mind.)

Working or not, this interesting, Quack Medical device is a unique "find" and is ready for your collection.