Catalog (37)

Measuring a diminutive 2 inches in diameter and in near mint condition, this interesting and unusual celluloid advertising pocket mirror features a person dosing with a magical "Nature's Remedy" tablet! (**Please note that any white spots in the photos are light reflections ONLY and not damage to the mirror.**)

The mirror front has a age-faded salmon colored border surrounding an image of a person's face with protruding tongue, about to swallow a "NR" (Nature's Remedy) tablet. The fading makes it a challenge to read the following which is imprinted around the circumference of the mirror: "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.

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

An interesting little advertising piece!

Offered is a very special circa 1940's - World War II, Snake Bite Medical Kit produced by Burroughs Wellcome Co. New York, New York.

This neat kit was a special issue item produced during WWII labeled WAR EMERGENCY PACKING as noted on the side panel of box. There are 2 boxes with this item - an exterior box that is stained, worn and tattered, and a second box- the interior box that is in very good condition except for some ancient, dried fluid staining on the inside (see photos for further details).

The contents include 1 TOURNIQUET (with a 1938 Patent Date) - 3 IODINE SWABS in small box (not original) - 1 retracting SNAKE BITE LANCET - 1 VENOM SUCTION SYRINGE - 2 different rubber SUCTION CUPS - 2 ADHESIVE COMPRESSES (3 originally) 1 TUBE SYRINGE LUBRICANT. Missing AMMONIA

The outside of the box is complete with printed directions including how to execute the various cuts designed to cause blood to flow freely from the snake bite location!

A seldom -found, WW2 era, emergency snake bite kit that appears to be in unused condition with a missing ammonia packet and a couple of additional items that were deemed potentially necessary by the owner. Measures 4.25"L x 2.75"W x 1.75"H.

Very hard to find in this condition!

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!

Offered is cased, high-quality, vintage microscope slide stage. Precision manufactured by the Spencer Lens Company of Buffalo N.Y., this scientific instrument is in excellent condition. The stage fits perfectly into a velvet lined mahogany case and dates to the early 20th century.

The case measures 5.5" L x 5' W x 3" H. Hard to find microscope / laboratory tool of the trade.

The Spencer Lens Company was founded in 1895, but was actually a continuation of the earlier business originally established by Herbert Spencer in the 1840s.

This vintage educational Ophthalmology chart was published in 1956 by the Better Vision Institute of 630 5th Avenue, New York, to "promote better understanding of vision and better care of eyes".

Measuring 60 inches wide by 40 inches high, this highly colorful chart is just chock-full of information! Metal hanging grommets placed across the top facilitated display back in the 1950's. This incredibly interesting, double-sided chart highlights the science and history of sight as well as its medical assessment and its effects on one's ability to function productively in society.

The front side of the chart is entitled, "Vision: Master Key to Man's Progress" and highlights the biology and history of sight with a side discussion of optical illusions. The back side is entitled, "Science: Multiplies Eye Power" and discusses the science of vision and its correction featuring the Snellen Vision Chart, an Astigmatism chart and a Color Discrimination chart.

Condition is quite good with excellent color and clarity of print. Foxing is present on the front side side of the chart where the Optical Illusion information is printed. A very small edge tear is evident on the bottom of the chart and is most readily seen in photos when viewing the bottom back side of the chart where the description of Color Discrimination is found. (please see photos)

A fabulous, mid-20th century retrospective on vision as well as 1950's Optometry and Ophthalmology! Would be wonderful framed between two pieces of plexi-glass to facilitate display on either side!

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!

This handsome, late 19th century leather case is a wonderful example of a physician's traveling medicine case of this era. This particular example is larger in size and number of sections than is typically found, and additionally sports the personalized label, "Dr W. J. Gier MD" in old, silver-toned lettering on the front of the folded case.

The vintage black leather case with carrying handle on top, measures approximately 10.5" wide x 32" long when fully opened and 10.5" wide x 5.5" long x 4" deep when closed. The case is comprised of four different folding sections that house up to 28 corked vials per section, with only one vial missing from this medicine case. The clear glass medicine vials come in 2 sizes and measure about 2 to 2.5 inches tall including cork, with most vials sporting both paper label and cork. There are a few bottles labeled in red print as opposed to black, which indicates that the contents are poisons. Included are one OPIUM vial and 3 POISON vials.

The condition of the case indicates that Dr. Gier must have had a busy and lucrative practice as the case shows modest wear and tear to the leather components: loose seams, some leather loss in areas, partially detached flaps, one completely detached flap- all of which are commensurate with age and use. Some of the vial labels are also incomplete as noted in the photos.

In total, a fabulous example of the retinue of medicines that the late 19th century physician had on hand when making house calls.

Well, this was recently acquired from the estate of a 100 year old resident. The nickel plated shaver is in very nice condition, complete with a blade and box that is lined in a purple velvet type material. The interior is labeled “ANTICOR – The Saftey Corn Shaver” and the directions are printed on the label noted on the bottom of the box.

The box measures 4 inches long and is in good condition.

A must for the foot doctor in your life.

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!

This is a fabulous opportunity to acquire a wonderful, Art Deco inspired, advertising, drug store sign featuring the title "SICKROOM NEEDS" embossed on front. This 1950s era piece once hung in a Grand Rapids, Michigan, pharmacy.

The black-painted, metal frame houses a plastic, cream-colored insert that features an embossed lettering and design technique that advertises the name of the product for sale. The background of this insert sports a streamlined, horizontal, raised "striping" reminiscent of the Art Deco era. When light is allowed to pass through the plastic, translucent insert, the insert appears to be magically illuminated so that the green-colored backside of the sign shines through with brilliance. This effect can be enjoyed by either hanging the sign in front of a window or by fastening tiny LED lights (not included) on the backside of the frame.

The dimensions are approximately 48"L x 5.5"W x 3/4"D, and the overall condition of the sign is very good. The plain metal frame has been repainted in a durable, semi-gloss, black finish. The painted finish is in very good condition with areas of minor surface imperfection and slight areas of roughness here and there.

The vintage plastic insert is laminated in two tones, with the front noting a rich, aged, cream color, and the back noting a rich green tone. The front of the insert has faint surface imperfections and some areas of uneven discoloring. The lower left portion of the letter "M" has a minor, small, unobtrusive crack. Overall, the insert retains a nice glossed surface patina commensurate with its age.

A note: the first photo best represents what the sign will look like when illuminated from the back with LED or natural window lighting.

Offered for your consideration is a fabulous medical sterilizer fresh from a retired physicians collection. This nickel plated beauty is in fine shape and appears to be from the 1930-1940 era.

Measures 8 inches long x 3 inches wide x 5 inches high (including the knob). The embossed label is marked "MADE IN USA - CASTLE- STERILIZER". The lid is attached to the interior tray and articulates backwards to open or can be lifted off as seen it the photo. Please note that the electric cord was cut by the good doctor to fit inside his display cabinet.

Offered for your consideration is a porcelain medical sterilizer fresh from a retired physician's collection. This office size model is in fairly good condition and appears to be from the 1930-1940s era. It displays well; however, there is modest repair to the right side as seen in the photos.

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

The embossed label on the base is marked "AMERICAN SUNDRIES Co. – BROOKLYN, N.Y. - PATENTED". The lid articulates backwards to open and appears to be missing the interior tray. Priced accordingly.

Offered is a very scarce, 19th century, strength measuring medical device known as a dynamometer that was manufactured by the G. Tiemann Company, New York, the most renown and respected surgical device manufacturers of the 19th century. Sold in the US by a gymnasium apparatus company out of St. Louis, the Fred Medart Company, the device was designed to assess the strength of the chest, back and legs up to a pull capacity of 1400 lbs.

This fabulous early tool of the medical trade sports a visually-interesting, graphic, brass face with a scale delineating increments from 0 to 1400 pounds. There are 2 dials - one that notes the actual pressure achieved, and the second stationary dial that serves as the reference.

This instrument enjoys wonderful, rich patina on both the metal and wooden sections. It measures 13 inches at the widest point and 10 inches at the wooden handles.

A fabulous device which has great visual appeal and displays wonderfully! Sure to spark some interesting conversation at your next gathering!

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!)

Offered for sale is a wonderful late 19th century, Victorian drugstore, medical advertising cup. This lovely porcelain mug has “CUDAHY’S REXOMA” printed on the lip. Beautifully hand painted pink roses and other lavender colored flowers adorn the cup on all surfaces.

The Cudahy meat packing industry dates back to the turn of the century. The Cudahy meat industry, with stockyards in Omaha, Chicago, Sioux City and Los Angeles produced the REX brand of fine beef and pork products. They also produced lard, soaps and patent medicine products such as Cudahy's Essence of Pepsin and Cudahy's Rexsoma that used the animal byproducts. The patent medicines were marketed as nutritional supplements for improved health.

This 3.5 inch tall undamaged beauty is in very good condition and very classy indeed!

A terrific image on a lovely cup that can be easily displayed anywhere in your collection.

This wonderful vintage hospital sign from the 1920's once hung in a small central South Carolina hospital, as told by the 91 year old seller from whom it was purchased.

Taken right out of her sewing room where it had hung for decades on the wall, the black and gold sign, which is painted on a heavy particle-type board, has a very lovely, warm, aged patina. It was very difficult to photograph as the black background paint readily picked up the slightest light source. The very first photograph most accurately depicts the color and appearance of this piece. Any white glare in any of the photographs should be completely disregarded, as both the color and tone of the sign are quite uniform.

Measuring 24" wide x 6" long, the sign has three eyelet-type holes in each of three corners (one corner is missing) to facilitate hanging. It comes with a heavy, ancient piece of wire that was used to hang the sign in the seller's home.

As noted in the close-up photos, the sign has its share of surface rubs, scratches, paint edge wear and three of the four corner edges missing-- all appropriate examples of wear for a well-used sign that is nearly 100 years old! Close examination of the sign suggests that the background was painted completely black first and then the gold edge-work and lettering were stenciled on top of the black background.

Just LOVE the look of this sign!

Offered are 2 very scarce, circa 1940's, glass, hospital signs acquired many years ago out of a New Jersey hospital that was undergoing modernization and renovation.

These glass SPINAL CORRECTION signs once hung near the entryway of the physical therapy department and are ready for display in your collection!

The first sign measures 13 inches long x 3 inches high and is of thick, heavy plate glass construction. The second sign has the same description but has about and inch missing in length. 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 lifting which is commensurate with older painted glass.

Offered is a delightful trio of 19th century, Horn, Apothecary Pharmacy Powder or Tablet Scoops. These tools of the trade were made in three different sizes ranging from nearly 5 inches long to 5.75 inches long.

These interesting pharmacy implements have a warm honey translucent tone and are complemented by a natural brownish color which is especially noted in the largest scoop. They were most likely made from cow horn as was typical of the period. Depending upon their size, a scoop, such as these, was capable of holding from 2 ounces to about 4 ounces of medicine when used compounding process.

The smooth surface of each scoop shows minor wear from usage. Overall, they have a very handsome and rich patina with various minuscule scuffs and imperfections commensurate with age and use. The only minor damage noted is a 1/4" split near the corner of the handle of the largest scoop.(SEE PHOTO).

This very scarce group of 19th century horn scoops will make a wonderful addition to any apothecary collection!