Catalog: Antiques: Instruments and Implements (108)

An outstanding, mid 19th century, European-made, porcelain inkwell featuring two gentleman hunters physically fighting over the ownership of a just-snared hare, their hunting dogs loyally assisting in the jostling match for ownership beside them!

Measuring 7.25 inches wide by 4.75 inches deep by 6.25 inches high, this outstanding, circa 1860 - 1870's, polychrome inkwell features removable cover which reveals a base containing two inkwells without pots. Cover features seven quill holes.

Condition is marvelous with some very minor paint wear to edges where one would place hands to remove the top- as noted in photos (tiny white spots seen on the grass and ground areas). Paint/glaze imperfection to top of brown-haired gent's head as noted in photos. No chips, breaks, hairlines, repairs, or repaints.

A fabulous, rarely found, all-original, 150+ year old, antique writing implement guaranteed to complement any collection!

Offered are two, very nice, circa 1905-1910, smooth face, hickory shaft, golf clubs. Smooth face golf clubs fell out of fashion and perhaps function by the very early 1900s, but they were still offered in catalogues for a number of years beyond this date.

The 1st smooth face club is stamped on the back "Wm. GIBSON - KINGHORN SCOTLAND - CLEEK ...". It is a quite scarce, left handed model with a lambskin grip, straight hickory shaft, sporting a nice, aged patina. It measures 38 inches from heel to top of shaft and has small dings and surface wear commensurate with use and it's 110+ years of age.

The 2nd club is marked "SD & G" on back, and it, too, has signs of honorable use and wear. There is a "sheen" present in the sweet spot on the face that is of unknown origin. The club has a straight shaft, an appealing patina and measures 37 inches from the top of the shaft to the heel.

Two sweet early 1900s clubs!

Offered for consideration, is a wonderful and rarely found, early 20th century, English, "DENTIST" sign in brass measuring 12 3/4ths inches wide x 7 inches high.

The sign advertises the office of "James H. Groom. Dentist.", and remains in fine condition with rich, deep-toned, original patina and some very minor warping due to its many years of age. The lettering is actually impressed into the surface and is painted black. Any white marks appearing on the front of the sign are due only to light/sun reflection---the sign has a very even-toned coloration.

The sign has a hole at each corner to facilitate hanging, or it may be easily displayed upon a shelf!

A fabulous, scarce, rich-looking display piece with great "eye appeal"!

*****SOME HISTORY*****

We were contacted by the granddaughter recently with this insightful information.

I thought you might be interested to know that I have a photograph in my family photo archive that shows this very sign in situ. The photo has my great grandfather in the doorway of a chemist shop called Nicholls in Camborne, Cornwall. On the door post I can just make out this brass plaque (using a magnifying glass and good light - takes quite a bit of concentration). Anyway, I thought it would help if you knew where it came from. On the 1911 UK Census, there is a James Henry Groom age 28, living as a Boarder at the house of Jane Bray, 19 Basset Street, Camborne. His occupation is described as 'Dentistry' and it says he was born in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire. The photo I have is probably taken after 1911 but probably before 1920. Interesting for whoever might buy it to know its history.

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.

Offered are two circa 1900-1910 era, SMOOTH FACE, hickory shaft golf clubs both with professionally replaced leather grips. The clubs sport an original patina and finish adding to their appeal. Both clubs have the normal wear, dings commensurate with age and use.

Club number one is a smooth face putter. It is a ladies' example with an (L) and "J.H. NORTON MAKER - HOLLYWOOD, NJ, boldly stamped on the back. The club measures 30.5 inches from the heel to the top of the nearly straight shaft. A well made club by a maker who most likely was associated with the prestigious HOLLYWOOD GOLF CLUB near the New Jersey shore.

The second club is a very nice smooth face, unmarked, mashie that has the following stamped on the back: "VICTOR O.W. CO." There is a small wood chip missing on the straight shaft by the hosel as seen in the photo. The club measures 37 inches from the heel to the end of the straight shaft.

A nice looking duo of well-made, seldomly found clubs from these makers.

Offered is a very desirable and early, circa 1890 - 1900, hickory shaft, golf club marked PETER EAGEN - PRINCETON, NJ. The leather grip is in good condition, and the straight hickory shaft sports a nice, aged patina.

This handsome club is known as a BRASSIE and measures 40 inches from heel to top of shaft. The checkering to the face, including the rams horn on the leading edge, show minimal signs of wear. The brass plate on the base notes mild wear commensurate with this club's use and 120+ years of age. The lead weight on the back is secure and protrudes slightly from its resting place.

A very fine example of an early, usable, finely-crafted golf club.

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 are two desirable, circa 1905-1910, smooth face hickory shaft golf clubs. Smooth face golf clubs fell out of fashion, and perhaps function, by the very early 1900s, yet they were still offered in catalogues for a number of years beyond this date.

The 1st smooth face club is stamped on the back "R.B.WILSON - OK SPECIAL - MADE IN SCOTLAND". The lambskin grip is in good condition, and the hickory shaft sports a nice aged patina. It measures 38.5 inches from heel to top of shaft and is likely a MASHIE although it is not marked as such. There are various small dings, faint pitting to the metal surface and examples of wear commensurate with this club's use and 110+ years of age.

The 2nd club is marked "MORRISTOWN" on back and is very nice with minimal signs of use. There is a "sheen" seen in the sweet spot that is of unknown origin. Of note: Spalding produced a line of clubs marked 'Morristown', so this club may well be one of their earlier examples as there are no other maker marks present...an excellent club, indeed!

Offered is this circa 1910s, very scarce, Macgregor DEEP GROOVE Golf Club that was designed to significantly enhance the backspin of a golf ball. As history would have it, the clubs actually worked and gave an unfair advantage to those professionals who were adept at using them.

The back of the club is stamped as follows: "PREMIER", "HA", "J.JOLLY" (probably owner) - BAKSPIN (with arrow - a Macgregor identifier) and MASHIE.

In 1921, RIBBED GOLF CLUBS also known as Deadstop Irons were banned by the R&A and USGA just after the OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP won by Jock Hutchison who had used these clubs.

Measures 36 inches from heel to top of shaft. The leather grip appears to be original and is in good condition. The hickory shaft is straight and is sturdy. The head shows minimal wear, and is my best example being offered. A showcase collectible!

For more details search DEEP GROOVE GOLF CLUB - JOCK HUTCHISON - RIBBED GOLF CLUB.

Offered is a very special group of 7 Patent Medicines from China that date to the 1900 - 1920 era. This diminutive in size selection measures from a mere 1.5 inch example to the 3 inch box of skin lotion that houses a corked bottle. The 2.5 inch aqua bottle has embossing on 4 sides with one side noting "CHINA". This appears to be the oldest example. I just love the graphics and appealing colored labeling not to mention that they will fit anywhere in your collection. 2 of the boxed medicines each have an external paper label that is printed with the traditional Chinese contents in English. The tiniest of all "U-I-OIL" sports a graphic insert with an image of the (?)companies owner and details in Chinese. Overall the condition of this collection is very good with no damage. Only one label shows modest wear and tear. Just fabulous as a group or by themselves.

Offered is a beautiful, circa 1895, Spalding Morristown model, Splice Neck Brassie Golf Club made in the Scotland.

This handsome club shows evidence of only light use with minimal wear noted to the face and sole. The clubhead was skillfully made from durable dogwood and is expertly spliced into the finest hickory shaft. The head sports a warm honey toned original finish. The sole is adorned with a brass plate which protects the horn at the leading edge of the face. The expertly replaced leather grip is covering the original listing. Two "MORRISTOWN" stamps are noted with the first at the top of the shaft and a second stamp which is faintly seen on the crown of the club head.

The club measures 40.5 inches long from the heel to the end of the shaft. A slight gradual bend is noted towards the lower quarter of the shaft. An eye catching early club!

Please note the photographed 1895 LIBRARY OF CONGRESS document from the SPALDING catalogue archives, confirming the origin and maker of MORRISTOWN golf clubs.

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 are three, circa 1900-1905 era, Spalding, smooth face, hickory shaft golf clubs. Although smooth face golf clubs fell out of fashion and perhaps function by the very early 1900s, they were still offered in catalogues for a number of years beyond this date.

The first club has "THE SPALDING" stamped on the back of the face as well as on the shaft and dates to pre 1900. It measures 36" from the heel to the top of the shaft and appears minimally used. The sturdy hickory shaft has a mild bend near the face and is probably a MASHIE.

The second club, a mid iron, circa 1910, is stamped on the upper shaft and on the back of club "SPALDING SPECIAL" and measures 39 inches from the top of the club to the heel. The replaced grip is new and the shaft is moderately bent but sturdy.

The third club is also a mid iron and sports a straight shaft and fair grip. It has "A.G.SPALDING & BROS" stamped on the shaft and on the back of the club. It measures just over 38 inches from the end of the club to the heel and dates to C1905.

All three clubs enjoy original patina and have mild wear commensurate with the clubs' use and their 110+ years of age. A delightful trio!

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.

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 skillfully hand-crafted, Civil War era, soldiers' crutch constructed entirely of wood.

The crutch measures approximately 46.5 inches in length x 8 inches wide at the arm support. The pole section or the leg of the crutch is about 43 inches long x 1.25 inches wide x 1 inch deep in dimension. It sports bench-made, skilled joinery as evidenced by the wooden pinned mortise and tenon joint. The bottom tip reveals a few worn nails embedded into it, likely to help reduce wear. The finish shows an all-original, warm patina as typically seen in other early wooden objects of similar age.

Overall, there is evidence of mild wear and tear, and the arm support joint is slightly loose- all commensurate with an antique object designed for this purpose and of this era.

A fine early medical example to add to your collection.

Please also see the RARE Civil War Field Surgical / Mortuary Gleasons Table offered for sale.

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.

The inhalation of medicinal vapors was common practice during the late 19th and early 20th century. Inhaling devices came in many shapes and forms. This very decorative and functional inhaler was very popular during that period.

This lovely, late-Victorian-styled inhaler is primarily being sold for its original box. The box is complete and very detailed on all sides (including the top), sporting wonderful graphics and information on its many merits. The box measures 6.5" H x 4" W x 3.25" D and shows only mild wear and faint staining. Finding a complete box in this condition is quite uncommon.

The lamp is not complete and is minus its chimney and top medicinal pan.

The advertising says it all - great graphic and lung specific. The last patent date noted on the box is 1899, and the first patent date is stamped on the lamp as being Ag. (August) 4, 1885.