Catalog: Antiques: Instruments and Implements: Medical (52)

Offered are a scarcely-found group of three pharmacy ointment mill tube fillers that date to the circa 1910 - 1930s era. These tools-of-the-trade were typically found in compounding pharmacies. This particular grouping came from the estate of a pharmacist who first began practicing in the early 1900's.

The first example, as seen on the left, measures 3.5 inches and has a heavy brass base and an aluminum compression rod. There is a removable brass nozzle that screws into the base. This diminutive hand size mill would fill 1 to 2 ounce medication tubes and sports a nice patina. There are no markings seen and just minor superficial wear is evident.

The second mill, as seen on the right, measures 4 inches and has a one piece molded aluminum base and a brass compression rod. Perfect for filling smaller tubes, this example fits comfortably in one's hand. The condition is very good except for a small chip noted at the end of nozzle.

The third and final mill featured in the center of the primary photograph sports 3 legs and two removable brass nozzles. The nickel plating covers what appears to be brass, showing minimal wear only to the top of the feet. This unmarked 6.25 inch high beauty has all-original patina and has capacity enough to have filled either multiple or larger-sized medicine tubes.

Also included are four medicine recipe cards from the 1950's noting proprietary medicines from "BUTLERS" drug store establishment.

Offered is a very difficult-to-find and highly decorative group of six, matching, 19th century, iron, apothecary cabinet drawer pulls featuring stunning labels under glass!

Each wonderfully appealing drawer pull exemplifies the high style era of Victoriana design predominating the second half of the 1800's. Each pull measures about 4.7/8"W x 2 3/8"H x 7/8"D. The labels are reverse painted on glass, all-original and sport a lovely patina.

The condition of the pulls is very good with the exception of only one pull, VIBURN..., showing minor glass damage (see photo). Otherwise, some pulls have very minor paint loss, very faint superficial rust, and may need a slight cleaning of the glass, qualities which are consistent with 140+ year old antiques of the period that experienced consistent use.

Make no mistake, this matching set of stunningly-designed, label-under-glass style apothecary cabinet drawer pulls are a rare find in today's antiques market!

Offered is a very rare, highly ornate and meticulously detailed, 1887, medicine advertising mirror made for the G.G. Green Pharmaceutical Manufacturer of Woodbury, New Jersey. It features 3 PATENT MEDICINES, patent-owned and offered by Surgeon, Colonel G.G. Green. (brief Bio below)

This gorgeous advertising mirror was gifted to select pharmacists who were required to sign a contract promising to consistently offer the particular Green's medicines that were imprinted on the mirror's frame: Green's August Flower, Ague Conqueror, and Boschee's German Syrup.

The frame measures 21" square with an elaborately embellished decorative face of embossed detailing and is constructed of a plaster-based material. The name "G.G. Green, Woodbury, NJ" is prominently embossed on the bottom portion of the frame.

The frame's construction remains quite sturdy. The overall condition is good with some restoration required, if so desired, to the missing pieces as seen in the photos. The missing pieces cause minimal distraction from the beauty, intricacy and rarity of this frame. The mirror had been replaced at some point prior to our ownership.

A brief biography: Colonel George Gill Green served as a Union surgeon during the Civil War and later became a manufacturer of patent medicines. He reached millionaire status after buying the rights to Ague Conqueror, Boschee's German Syrup and Green's August Flower and then, successfully marketing their use. A local philanthropist, he provided the funding for the construction of Woodbury's Opera House. He also built the G.G. Green Manufacturing building, and both structures are now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Offered is a wonderful grouping of five, choice C1900-1920, Patent Medicine Drugstore Pill Vials.

The first two medicines are from Denver, Colorado, are labeled KIDNEY TABLETS, and measure about three inches tall. As noted on their brightly colored labels, they are a remedy for a variety of disorders including: URINARY, LIVER, DIABETES, and LUMBAGO to name a few! The tablets are housed within wooden vials which are covered by the labels. The labels shows mild loss primarily on the ends. The condition of the wooden vials is very good. A hard to find Western medicine!

Thirdly, is another nice Western medicine: SWAIN'S BACKACHE AND KIDNEY PILLS from Kansas City, MO. This three inch remedy mentions the Food and Drug Act and sports a wooden vial housed in a very decorative paper label. The condition is very good with loss of the label on both ends.

The fourth medicine, DEBELL'S KIDNEY PILLS, dates to the early 1900s and also mentions the 1906 Pure Foods and Drug Act. It sports a wood vial enclosed in a paper label. This medicine is specific for kidney and bladder complaints and is from the C.W.BEGGS SONS & Co., Chicago, USA. The condition is good with modest wear and loss to one end of the label.

Finally, is DOAN'S REGULETS touted "A MODERN LAXATIVE" from Foster-Milburn CO., Buffalo, N.Y. The label on this 2.5 inch cutie is complete, mildly worn and colorful. Dates to the 1920s era.

Overall a nice group of early medicines ready for your collection!

Offered is an unusual group of 2 Patent Medicines all of which were indicated for issues related to brain function or emotional conditions.

First, is a sample bottle of FLORAPLEXIN prepared by Franklin Hart of New York. The label notes that it is, "A positive cure for Dyspepsia, Liver complaints, NERVOUS EXHAUSTION, & Consumption." Lots of small print on the back noting that if this medicine is used, "you will be cured" of your particular symptoms which include being NERVOUS, IRRITABLE & GLOOMY or having EVIL FOREBODINGS - rather interesting claims not often made by patent medicine producers. Measures about 3 inches, in very good condition.

Second, is a diminutive, corked, 2.75 inch bottle labeled "THE ENSIGN REMEDIES, "Remedy No. 1." The label notes: "For Abnormal Mental States, Fears, Forebodings, Persistent Thoughts and Evil Suggestions". It is quite rare to find medicines that were specifically indicated for the treatment of mental illness. The Ensign Remedies company was from Battle Creek, Michigan, and was mentioned often in the various medical journals published during the late 1800s and early 1900s. The bottle is excellent and the label shows modest wear, loss and fading.

Third, is Dr. Schoop's is sold.

These nostrums give credence to "good things come in small packages". A desirable duo indeed!

Offered are two, very special, late 19th century, hand-blown medical ear syringes, one that retains its original wooden case.

First is a choice, five inch, wooden-cased hand-blown glass syringe that appears unused and is in excellent condition. The plunger glides smoothly and the syringe fits snugly inside the treen case.

Second is a 6 inch example that appears lightly used. The plunger is in fine, perfect condition; however,it seems to be stuck inside the syringe, and I have chosen not to try to move it.

An additional, third syringe included in this grouping is missing its tube, but is otherwise in good condition.

Offered is a diminutive size, 19th century apothecary bottle labeled "SODA MINT". This bottle sports a hand-painted glass recessed label with gold embellishment! Soda Mint today is better known as sodium bicarbonate or baking soda, which is used in cooking, and medicinally to relieve heartburn, sour stomach, or acid indigestion by neutralizing excess stomach acid.

This 5 inch tall wide mouth bottle is in fine condition. The ground glass stopper fits perfectly. The glass label is complete, has mild unobtrusive crackled paint and displays quite well. The base has embossing that notes "W.T.CO. USA.".

A darling little size that will fit with any collection.

Offered is a very obscure trio of Traditional circa 1900 Chinese Patent Medicines all of which have their original box, contents and are unused. The "KWEI LUK CHEE SHEN" sealed box measures 3.5" x 2.25" x 1.75" and contains Tortoise shell, Deer horn and 3 other ingredients. Condition is excellent. Next is "WAI SHAN YUEN" and contains 4 gold leaf boluses of Deer Horn, White Ginseng, Lotus Nuts and more. The 2.75" box sports 2 colorful stamps and a red label. The smallest medicine measures 3 inches tall "SAM SHE DAM PING ON" Medicine oil is very cool indeed. Rare contents include Snakes Gall Bladder extract! I just love the colorful box, insert and corked glass bottle. Rare Chinese Medicines will complement any collection!

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 wonderful example of a late 19thC Pharmacy "tool of the trade" known as a pill machine but often referred to as a pill roller.

Pill machines were designed to enhance the productivity of the early pharmacist, and this design was, indeed, popular for many, many years. This pill machine is designed with 24 tubes for medicine-making.

The condition is very good, sporting a nice patina commensurate with its age and use. It is constructed of walnut and embellished with brass edge guards as well as brass grooved molds. The base measures approximately 11.5" L x 7" W x 1.5" H including the footed base. The paddle is 15.25"L x 2.25"W.

An apothecary classic, ready for your collection!

Offered is a lovely, antique, late 19th C, hand-held massaging tool. This skillfully turned hardwood handle and frame features four wood and rubber rollers which facilitate massaging technique. Many modern hand-held massaging tools mimic the design of this antique piece.

Research notes that this early medical instrument was made by the Health Culture Co.

The following patent date is stamped on the interior portion of the wheel (PAT'D APR 12, 02), however, the date of 1892 is also referenced for this particular piece in several sources, so this device appears to have been marketed prior to the granting of a patent for the design.

Measures approximately 5 1/2" x 7 1/2.

Condition is very good! This visually interesting piece retains its original finish which is a warm, honey-colored woodtone with minor stains and wear commensurate with an antique instrument. No damage. It works!!!

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.

Offered is a recent estate find in Myrtle Beach, SC. This Patent Medicine is an unused CRANE'S Quinine and Tar Cold and Cough remedy circa 1910. This diminutive "Free Sample" is from the CRANE MEDICINE CO., Chicago, Ill and is complete with the original box and insert.

The box approximately measures 4.5"H x 1.5"W and is in fair condition missing both the top and bottom flaps and shows wear commensurate with age. The delightful 4 inch bottle sports complete front and back labels and is in undamaged condition. The insert is included and the paper is brittle with signs of loss mostly at the folded areas.

A nifty medicine for quelling coughs caused by colds, croup, bronchitis and other afflictions. The bottle and box display quite nicely as seen in the photos. A neat find!

Offered is a very difficult-to-find grouping of twelve, matching, 19th century, porcelain, apothecary cabinet drawer pulls.

Each pull measures about 2"W x 1 3/4"H x 1 1/2" front to back (not including bolt).

The condition of the pulls is very good with only a few minor manufacturing imperfections that add to the desired patina of an antique of this age and period.

Most of the pulls sport the following, sometimes illegible, maker's mark on the bottom of the knob: "PAT. FEB 12, 89 - M.D.B. CO. - ST. LOUIS, MO".

The pulls are priced at $540 for the matching set of twelve or can be purchased individually at $45.00 PER PULL. Ready for display in your apothecary collection or for retro-chic decorating use on an actual cabinet, be it antique or contemporary!

Offered are two, decorative, late 19th century, English, porcelain, dental, toothpaste, pot lid containers. They are priced separately with the ORIENTAL TOOTH PASTE pot lid offered at $115.00, and the WOODS CHERRY TOOTH PASTE pot lid offered at $75.00.

The ORIENTAL TOOTH PASTE pot lid measures about 3 inches in diameter, sports a marbled exterior and is in very nice condition with a few faint edge chips to the base. There is a slight variance in color between the top and base.

The WOODS CHERRY TOOTH PASTE pot lid measures over 2.5" in diameter, sports red printing on top and is in very good condition. This container has some small chips on the interior edge of the base.

Displayed together as a pair or individually, these dental pot lids will add visual interest and appeal to your collection!

Offered is a scarce, vintage, boxed case of SS White Dental Burs from the 1920 era.

This awesome tool-of-the-trade includes many unused burs housed in their original, individual boxes! A detailed, complete label is pasted on the interior lid and is in good condition.

The hardwood case measures 11" L x 5.5" W x 3" H and has wear to the finish commensurate with age and use. A visually-appealing display piece that would enhance any dental instrument and artifact collection!

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 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!