Cardui was advertised for difficult menstruation, leucorrhea, backache, headache, dizziness, and general female disorder. First produced in the late 19th century, Cardui was a 38-proof Patent Medicine distributed by the Chattanooga Medicine Company of Chattanooga Tennessee. Like most of these old cures, Cardui owed much of it's medicinal properties, to the high alcohol content, 19% by volume, which is more than wine! It also promised to cure ailments such as: Tumors, Cancers, Women’s Social Diseases, Etc. It specifically claimed to relieve painful menstruation, from which the imbiber did likely find at least temporary relief!

The condition is very good with only one small unobtrusive chip to the lid and some residual contents (see photos).

The tins are in good condition with ‘crackling’ to the painted lithographed surface. The metal top and base are tarnished (more to the top of one of them) and a few minor paint scuffs are noted to the tins.

The tins measure 3.5H x 2.25 ”W x 1.75”D and each sport a 1906 FDA label.

The A.D. Pierce Pharmacy originated in Hartford, Connecticut, at 914 Main Street during the late 19th century and later relocated to 247 Sigourney Street in Hartford doing business as A.D. Pierce and Son. Posted along with photos of the tins are 2 images of the pharmacy, circa 1960, which are NOT included with the sale of the tins.

PLEASE NOTE: The black pair of Bausch and Lomb opthalmic trial glasses have been sold as of 5/2008.

The white pair of opthalmic trial glasses do not carry a manufacturer name but are marked with a June 1896 Patent date. They are in excellent, all-original condition and are priced at $145.00.

The final pair of optical frames are lens testers and date to 1920. They are marked "American Optical Co USA" and are again, in excellent all-original condition. They are priced at $30.00.

A rare opportunity to add some very interesting, vintage pieces to one's opthalmic or optician memorabilia collection.

Measures 5 inches long x 3.5 inches wide x 4 inches high (including the knob). A sweet diminutive size for easy display!

The mirror front has a faded salmon colored border surrounding an image of a person's face with protruding tongue, about to swallow a "NR" (Nature's Remedy)tablet.

Imprinted around the circumference of the mirror is the following, "Take One Tonight - You'll feel Better In The Morning."

AND....

"Better Than Pills For Liver Ills - Get a 25 Cent Box"

Original mirrored backing is in very fine condition with just a few very minute, superficial scratches. Some fading of color around the very edge of the mirror as seen in photos.

Manufacturer name stamped on bottom edge: "Parisian Novelty Company, Chicago".

The pestles measure approximately 4.75 inches long and the mortars are 1.75 inches and 1.50 inches high respectively!