Catalog: Vintage Arts: Instruments and Implements: Medical (75)

Scientific, chemist, laboratory-- these terms all best describe this circa 1930s, unused and most interesting device labeled "Bishops Arsenic Apparatus". Comes complete with original wrappers, jar, black stopper, piping and stained box with label. The box measures 5.5 inches long x 3.25 inches wide x 2 inches high. Condition is excellent.

Perfect for your laboratory, medical or weird science collection!

Offered is a very nice set of brass weights manufactured by Fisher Scientific Co., dating to the turn of the 20th century.

The weights are housed in a fitted, hard wood case that appears to be maple, and it includes a brass tweezers for securing the six individual milligram weights. Also included are eight of the nine brass matching weights, with only the 1mg weight missing.

The wooden case measures 6 inches long x 2.5 inches wide x 1.5 inches high and sports a metal label on top. Condition is very good with the finish and wear commensurate of a used antique collectible.

Offered is a fabulous, early 20thC, Patent Medicine Bottle sporting the image of an old geezer - OLD HERMIT EMBRO. Wonderful label graphics! Made by OLD HERMIT REMEDY CO. SCHENECTADY, NY - LABORATORIES - SCOTIA, NY, this nostrum was primarily a remedy for a variety of lung and respiratory afflictions as seen on the label: WHOOPING COUGH, ASTHMA in addition to frostbite, sprains and more! It was quite common for early medicines to purport to have many different benefits, and the "old hermit" manufacturer capitalized upon this.

The 4.5 inch high bottle sports a corked top which is covered by a plastic seal. The highly decorative label with wonderful graphics surrounds most of this cylindrical 1 1/2 ounce bottle. The label has an amber tone color and some minor wear, scuffs and loss commensurate with its age.

An interesting addition to one's apothecary, drugstore collection.

This is a hard-to-find, pharmacy or drug store female specific tin labeled “SEDETS” – Pain pills from the 1940 – 1950 era. The tin measures 2 inches and is in very good condition complete with unused contents. There are faint scratches and minor wear areas. Marked "Rexall Drug Company" and "Patented 1938 in Canada".

This is part of many “female specific” old pharmacy stock items for sale.

Offered is an absolutely fabulous, early 20thC, reverse-painted-on-glass, MOYER'S PHARMACY Drug Store Sign.

This striking example was clearly designed to attract customers with its coloring and bold combination of script and block lettering- all executed in reverse on the underside of the glass. The reverse-painting technique adds additional elegance to the artistic quality of the sign's design. The very sturdy frame is constructed of wood that is enveloped in a heavy gauge metal. The metal portion of the frame has hints of having been painted a few times over the years and shows age appropriate wear.

The sign measures 36"L x 16"W x 1" thick and is in very good condition. There are various mounting holes present. As expected with old glass, some unobtrusive blemishes and small scratches are also present, commensurate with the sign's 100+ years of age. Two very small spots of paint loss are also evident as seen in the photos.

An utterly eye-catching and distinctive, vintage pharmacy sign that will complement any collection!

Offered is an interesting and varied, quality quintet of Patent Medicines as follows!

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 a Munyon's Headache Cure which has a screw cap glass vial in a colorful box. This medicine sports a partial tax stamp, measures 2.75 inches and is in fine condition.

The two Dr. Franklin's Specific Cures measure just over 3 inches long and sport very graphic and appealing labels. The first glass vial marked #24, cures Diseases of the Ear and Hearing and more. The second glass vial marked #31, cures Sore Mouth and Canker, plus Morning Sickness, Syphilitic Sore mouth and more. The condition of both vials is very good.

Fourth - MOTHERSILL'S TRAVEL REMEDY is a cute box of 12 capsules for children. This 2 inch cutie is empty, in very nice condition and is made in N.Y.

Item #5 is a laxative tin, QUINARETS, from the Virginia Chemical Company with partial contents, pamphlet and is in good condition. The tin measures 2.5 inches with some mild scratches and wear.

Together a wonderful grouping of quite interesting patent medicines from the early 1900s to 1940s.

Offered is a scarce pharmacy tool of the trade labeled No. 10 TABLET MOULD that was offered by the Whitall Tatum Company. These hard rubber molds were used in most drugstores from the mid 1880s to the early 20th century. This particular size mould made 50 one grain triturate tablets.

This handsome, hand-sized device enabled pharmacists to enhance their productivity. Measures 6 inches long.

Fortunately, the directions and original box still exist. The top plate and base match perfectly together with the pins passing through the holes smoothly. The condition of the mould is very good evidenced by the minimal wear. The box is in fair condition with two top holes noted and general wear from honorable use and time.

Offered is a very handsome apothecary MORTAR & PESTLE from the 19th century made from lignum vitae wood.

This stunning example measures 11.5 inches high with the pestle in place and is 5.5 inches in diameter. The bulbous pestle is 10.5 inches long and sports sculpted turnings.

The condition is very good with mild wear and loss to the finish, various unobtrusive edge chips and slight hairline splits to the mortar and pestle.

Lignum vitae, Latin for "wood of life", is an exotic wood native to the West Indies and the tropical regions of the Americas. It is a hard, durable, extremely dense wood and was once very important for applications requiring a material with its extraordinary combination of strength, toughness, and density. As such, it was frequently used in wood turning applications requiring these characteristics, including early apothecary mortar and pestles. The plant derives its name from its medicinal uses as its resin was been used to treat a variety of medical conditions from coughs to arthritis.

A lovely and difficult to find example of a 19th century apothecary "tool-of-the-trade!

Offered for your consideration is a fabulous set of three, 1910, Anatomical Charts of the Skeleton, Muscles, and the Circulatory system.

Complete, National American Red Cross anatomical charts of this early 20th Century time period are quite an unusual find in today's market. Charts such as these were a frequently referenced visual aide for both the medical and nursing student, and due to this frequent educational use, not many have survived.

These wonderfully detailed teaching charts each measure 28.25" high x 20" wide and (to the best of our knowledge) are made of a wax-coated, heavy-weight, linen canvas. The top and bottom only of each chart are framed by black painted, wooden supports designed to facilitate the hanging of each chart.

The condition of each chart demonstrates mild crackling of surface and light wear and tear, as well as discoloration consistent with their 100+ years of age. Slight, unobtrusive loss of fabric is also apparent. Overall, the condition and patina of these charts are commensurate with vintage teaching tools that had been frequently referenced.

The charts are published by P. BLAKISTON'S SON & CO., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In 1880, this company focused its production upon the publication of high quality medical and scientific books, charts, and graphs.

Offered is a simply outstanding, extraordinarily scarce, 1920-1930s Art Deco era, ceiling-mount-hanging, drugstore show globe in impeccable condition!

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!

For your consideration are two, difficult to find, CANINE, veterinary medicine texts published in the first quarter of the 20th century!

Presented first is "DR. LITTLE'S DOG BOOK", with an original copyright of 1924 - this being a second printing from May 1925. It features 345 pages that include seven photos along with some illustrations depicting dog care. The contents covered in this text are vast with chapters discussing the history of the dog, their care, diet, training, as well as canine diseases and their treatment. A very comprehensive, early volume!p> The condition of "DR. LITTLE'S DOG BOOK" is good with a solid binding, one loose photo in the front pages and one moderately torn (but complete) photo of a terrier (pg 38), some mild yellowing and slight foxing to the pages, and wear and fading to the cover commensurate for a book 95 years of age. Measures approximately 8.5"L x 5.75"W x 1.5"H.

The second book offered is a nice 1915 edition of "KENNEL DISEASES", by "ASHMONT", containing 424 pages. This volume includes one photo and a few illustrations and is packed with information dealing with all manner of kennel diseases including symptoms, nature, causes and treatment. Quite comprehensive and a fabulous resource.

The condition of this book is good with a tight binding, and yellowing and some foxing to pages. Overall wear is quite light especially given the book's 100 years of age. Measures 9.5"L x 7"W x 2"H.

The two texts are offered as a pair for $75.

Offered are two handsome, vintage 1950-1960 era, Alka-Seltzer pharmacy dispenser product displays plus one Alka-Seltzer bottle.

On the left side of the first photo is a heavy plastic example with a midnight blue base and clear (hazy now) top portion. This example measures 4.25" high x 4.25" wide x 5.5" deep and sports a heavy iron base for stability. The base has embossed words stating "PROPERTY OF MILES LAB, INC." The condition notes modest wear with scuffs, dings, and fading with some edge loss to the two left lower corners as seen in the photos. Worthy of your collection!

The second Alka-Seltzer display noted on the right of the first photo is a seldom found, shapely, metal dispenser in a striking robin's egg blue color. This example notes writing on all sides with the back stating: "Refill base with 50's carton of Alka-Seltzer...". This display measures 3.75"H x 4"W x 5"D and is in good condition. There are no dings or rust although modest surface wear is noted, showing areas of scuffs, tarnish, and fading of paint, etc. One of the 4 rubber feet is missing. A nice piece to complement your collection.

A single, empty Alka-Seltzer bottle is included to complete this listing. It is in fair condition with paint loss and some rust to the cover.

Offered is a very nice grouping of 5 "ANCHOR CANTRUST" RUSTLESS HYPODERMIC NEEDLES.

Each circa 1940s era box originally contained a dozen high quality needles. The boxes and needles are all identical in size and labeling. Each needle clips into a metal tray and sports a wire cleaner which resides inside the needle.

There are a total of 33 needles within the 5 boxes, all measuring about 3 inches long, and all in fine condition. Three of the boxes are in very good condition; two boxes are in fair condition showing mild loss of the box label on the edges as well as some carton separation.

An exact example of these high end needles exists at the NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AMERICAN HISTORY.....Pretty neat!

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 a very hard-to-find, unused, Asthma Lung Cough Cure Plasters Drugstore Tin from North Chelmsford, Mass. A deep, purple-toned paper label covers the 3 inch tall, cleverly-named "PHI-TEM tin.

The condition of this early 1930s nostrum is very good with minimal tarnish to the metal and very light fading to the label.

This medicine tin is unopened and ready for your collection!

Offered is a C1900, artistically-executed, hand-painted and hand-stenciled, wooden veterinary medicine advertising sign entitled "TRY VARNUM'S SPAVIN CURE".

The term Bone Spavin refers to the development of arthritic or degenerative changes that create bony growths effecting the lower joints of a horse and often resulting in lameness.

This very unusual sign measures 42" L x 6"W and is in very good condition. The wood demonstrates a few faint hairline, length-wise splits that do not go through the wood, and thus, do not effect sign integrity. Two hooks on the top of the sign facilitate hanging.

Offered is a very appealing pair of Mid Century Modern, vintage-design-decorated, apothecary jars that once embellished the shelves of a Claymont, Delaware pharmacy.

Dating to the 1950s - 1960s era, this beautiful, white and cobalt blue colored pair are in excellent condition. The large jar measures 10.75 inches tall x 6 inches in diameter. The small jar measures 7.5 inches high x 4.75 inches in diameter.

Ready for display in your vintage drug store collection!

This is a very nice Glover's Veterinary Dog Specific Condition Pill Tins that sport fabulous Art Nouveau graphics!

The green colored tins date to the 1910 - 1923 time period and measure about 3.25" long x 2 inches wide.

The tin with paint loss especially on the bottom is priced @ $70.00. .The better tin is $90.00

The covers and hinges work well. Made by "METAL PKGE CORP. BKLYN, NY".

****The brown colored tin is sold****

Some History: Henry Clay Glover started practicing veterinary medicine sometime prior to 1877. In 1888, his medicines were awarded the medal of superiority by the American Institute of New York. He identified himself as a “Specialist in Canine Diseases". As a personal testimonial, he stated that as of 1897, he had been the Veterinarian to the Westminster Kennel Club for 20 years.

The first known address for Dr. Glover is 1293 Broadway, New York City. Tins with this address state “H. Clay Glover,V.S. Prop", and appear to be the earliest-known. Some time prior to 1914, the company moved to 118 West 31st Street. Glover was still sole proprietor, but by 1917 the company was incorporated, and the tins stated “H. Clay Glover Co” while retaining the West 31st Street address. The company moved to 127-129 West 24th Street in 1923.