First, is a circa 1940s, GLOVERS "IRON TONIC" in a clear glass screw cap bottle. This tonic was used as an appetite stimulant for dogs-cats-foxes + rabbits. It is 1/2 full and sports a complete, partially stained label and measures 5 inches high.
Second, is an unused large 10oz. size Dr. Naylors "UDDER LINIMENT", complete with original 7 inch box. Dates to the 1940s and is in very good condition.
Thirdly, is an empty PET-a-Gree "NATURAL VITAMINS & MINERALS" tin for dogs and cats measuring 4 inches high and in very good condition.
Fourth, is a tin "RIVAL" DOG FOOD can that doubles as a coin bank and sports 4 images of a dog waiting to be fed. This cute 2.75 inch tall tin dates to the 1950s and is in very good condition.
Fifth, is an unused SERGEANTS "INTESTINAL ASTRINGENT FOR DOGS" featuring a view of a handsome dog on both sides of the 2.75 inch carton. It is in nice condition and dates to the 1950s.
Sixth and seventh, are two different "GLOVERS" bottles- one is a 1960 vintage, blue-capped "IMPERIAL VERMITAGE" bottle sporting images of a cat and dog. This example is in fair condition and measures 4.5 inches high. The other GLOVER'S medicine is a 1940s "MANGE MEDICINE" in fine condition with a 3/4 full bottle. The bottle stands 5.25" tall, is embossed on both end panels and sports a perfect gold label. The box is in fair condition.
A very interesting and diverse grouping of vintage dog and cat medicines!
The jar cover has an old, repaired crack at the base of the knob as seen in the photo but has no other flaws, and displays quite nicely, lending flair and elegance to one's apothecary collection.
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 Bromides are a class of tranquilizers that were withdrawn from the U.S. market in 1975 due to their toxicity.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!
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 paddle has a number of early small dings and a small, faint hairline split on the top edge. The base measures approximately 12" L x 7" W x 1.75" H including the footed base. The paddle is 16.5"L x 3"W.
An apothecary classic, ready for your collection.
The embossed label is marked "MADE IN USA - CASTLE- STERILIZER". The lid is attached to the interior tray and articulates backwards to open, or it can be lifted off as seen it the photo. Please note that the electric cord was cut by the good doctor to allow the piece to fit inside his display cabinet!
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!
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.
From the GLASCO Glass Company, this pill tile is in nice condition, with 2 edge dings and various faint glass scratches acquired as a result of use, resulting in a fine, vintage patina.
The bottle measures nearly 7.5 inches high and is complete with original contents. The condition of the bottle is very nice with only minor staining to the label next to the letters in the word, BONKORA. Although the box is damaged (see photos), it displays very well as it retains the image of the nude female- an interesting conversation piece!
A bit of history: BONKORA was actually advertised as a weight loss treatment in print advertising, although this usage is not stated on the box. With sales in decline in the late 1930s, the BONKORA manufacturer attempted to make their product a bit more interesting by streamlining the original, bulkier silhouette in their advertising and adding a naked lady on the label. While a clever touch, the product’s popularity continued to wane – perhaps due to a combination of the economics of the Great Depression and the increased federal enforcement of earlier-legislated laws prohibiting unsubstantiated, and wild, curative claims for any and all maladies.
Perfect for your laboratory, medical or weird science collection!
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!
Decorative stock bottles such as these beauties were meant to be refilled and reused and were the pride of the pharmacy staff. Eye-catching, reflective medicine bottles such as these also served as an advertising mechanism as they often were placed prominently high on cabinet shelves in plain view.
The 8.5 inch, amber bottles are empty and in excellent condition. The ground glass stoppers cannot be removed and appear perfect. The front labels show light wear and staining commensurate with age and use. The label on the left TERPIN HYDRATE is silver as seen in the photos. The other two bottles sport a GOLD-toned foil labels. Please note that the label on the far right TERPIN HYDRATE bottle has a missing portion on the left as well as a missing stopper. A sweet trio of NARCOTIC bottles!
PHENOBARBITOL BOTTLE - $75.00
TERPIN HYDRATE BOTTLE #1 - $65 COMPLETE LABEL + STOPPER
TERPIN HYDRATE BOTTLE #2 - $25 DAMAGED LABEL - NO STOPPER
The 8.5 inch tall bottle sports a pontil on the base, and is of early blown glass construction. The fancy, applied label is complete, shows mild age related stains and wear and is in good condition.
The photo demonstrates an unobtrusive crack above the letters 'SER' on the gold label. The perfect fitting stopper is of ground glass construction and is in very good order as well.
The inside of the bottle notes slight staining and could be cleaned if desired.
Very nice indeed!
.......SOME HISTORY.......
This small shrub, native to the Orient from India to Sumatra, has for centuries been used in Indian medicine. In 1952 reserpine, one of several alkaloids in the plant, was isolated from its root and has since been evaluated in western medicine as one of the most valuable druǵs for treatinǵ hiǵh blood pressure.
R serpentina was used in folk medicine in India for centuries to treat a wide variety of maladies, including snake and insect bites, febrile conditions, malaria, abdominal pain, and dysentery. It was also used as a uterine stimulant, febrifuge, and cure for insanity. The plant was mentioned in Indian manuscripts as long ago as 1000 bc.
Rauwolfia has been studied for the treatment of mental diseases, including schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, epilepsy and seizures, and of insomnia and sleep problems.
First there is the rare, Parke Davis example labeled "AZOA" (rat virus) designed to exterminate mice, rats and other vermin! This unused, circa 1900, product measures 3.25" high and sports complete labels on both the cork and bottle.
The next bottle is the empty GLOVER'S "IMPERIAL MANGE MEDICINE" which also has a graphically-appealing label featuring the handsome profiles of a horse and dog. Embossing is present on three panels of this deep, amber-colored bottle. Very nice!
The third medicine is the very colorful and unused GOMBAULTS "CAUSTIC BALSAM" skin liniment housed in a screw cap bottle, which is marked 1940 on its box. The box is very good and complete while the bottle shows a covering of modest surface film. The colorful box measures 7 inches tall and comes complete with directions for both human and veterinary use!
The fourth offering is the aqua-colored, embossed H.H.H HORSE MEDICINE D.D.T. 1868 and measures 8.25" tall. There various small closed air bubbles, two tiny lip imperfections and a surface scratch on the back.
The final medicine is a very cute bottle embossed "PRATTS VETERINARY LINIMENT PRATT FOOD CO PHILA USA", measuring 5.5" h x 2"W. This aqua-colored bottle is embossed 485 on the bottom, and has numerous tiny, enclosed, air bubbles, mild faint interior staining and six exterior circular stains on the neck. There is no damage to the bottle, and it displays well!
Quite the quintet! WOW!
The 3 sided label is complete with minor loss, imperfections and fading as seen in the images. The bottle is undamaged and measures approximately 3.5 inches tall x 1 inch wide and include an orange colored cork. There is minimal interior hazing.
The front of the label is marked "ELK BRAND - LIQUID CARBOLIC ACID". The left side is marked "POISON" in bold letters and includes the antidote. The right side has another wonderful elk head image. It states "Mfg. by ELK MFG CO." Jellico, Tenn. The bottle dates to the 1930 era.
Jellico was once a thriving coal mining town during the late 19th century. Info on the Elk Mfg Co is scarce and the bottle such as this example is equally rare. One can find Elk brand tins etc. but bottle is scarce.
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.
The form measures 11" high x 9" wide and is in fine condition except for a 1/2" tear in the upper (R) hand corner (barely seen when framed). Although once common, these decorative documents are getting more difficult to find.