Catalog (156)

This is a scarce collection of 22 Homeopathic Medicine bottles complete with contents, corks and labels dating to the turn of the 19th century. Each vial sports an applied label that indicates the contents plus a cork with hand-written ingredients noted. The vials measure between 2 - 2.5 inches high x 1/2" including the cork. Hard to find in any condition.

*****Group #3*****

Some History:
Although homeopathy has its roots in ancient Greek medicine and in the work of the 16th-century physician Paracelsus, modern homeopathy dates back 200 years to the work of the German doctor and chemist, Samuel Hahnemann. Hahnemann qualified as a physician but ceased to practice as a doctor because of what he saw as the barbaric medical practices of his day - which included bloodletting and the overuse of toxic medicines, leading to horrific side effects.

A brilliant linguist, he earned a living from translating books and was interested by a reference in a medical textbook of the use of China (Peruvian bark) as a cure for malaria. Intrigued to know why China worked, he took doses of the remedy until he himself began to exhibit malarial symptoms. He stopped taking the China and the symptoms went away. From this he deduced that the ancient principle of 'like cures like' actually worked.

His next step was to determine if there were safe levels at which toxic substances could be given - and still cure the type of symptoms that they might otherwise cause. His experiments with dilution led him to discover that the more a substance was diluted, the more potent it appeared to become.

Homeopathic medicine was born, but in practicing it, Hahnemann and his followers were subjected to ridicule and persecution by the medical establishment, despite the fact that they were seeing patients getting better on tiny doses of medicines, prescribed on the basis of 'like cures like'. Many European practitioners immigrated to the United States, where homeopathy flourished in the 19th century – until the medical establishment there systematically acted to remove its influence.

Hahnemann ended his days as a renowned and very busy practitioner in Paris, working into his 80's. He is interred at the Cimetière du Père Lachaise, where a large monument honors him and his discovery of Homeopathy.

Offered for sale is a neat 19th century apothecary bottle – TINCT. COLCH. SEM. - sporting a white with gold bordered painted glass label!

The 8.5 inch tall bottle has the manufacturer's letters “W.T.CO. – Pat. 1889 - USA” embossed on the base.

This label under glass (LUG) tincture bottle is in fine condition. The stopper sports ground glass construction as well. The label is complete and displays well.

This appealing bottle originated from a former pharmacy in Putnam, CT, which closed in 1949.

Offered is a delightful, 19th Century, 2 case, 200 vial, Homeopathic Medicine set from EHRHART & KARL, Chicago, Illinois.

This scarce doctor's set is missing 13 vials and contains both CANNABIS INDICA & OPIUM medicines. The cases also contain labelled medicines such as: Agaricos musc., Aranea diadema., Berberis vulgaris, Glonoinuum, Kali carb, Uranum nitric, Variolinum, Mercur. sol., Kreosot plus many more vintage vials.

The majority of the 1.75 inch long vials sport tiny labels and corks which are also labeled. Choice examples such as these are quite scarce considering the inclusion of narcotics vials as well as the sheer number of total vials contained within.

The leather cases house 100 vials each and have folding sides and functional metal clasps. One folding flap from one case is missing, and in the same case, three flaps have separated due to honorable wear commensurate with age. The other case retains all of its flaps although there is some partial separation of all four flaps noted, again commensurate with the item's age and use.

The 2 cases measure approximately 7.5 inches wide x 1 inch deep x 3.75 inches high. The cases are a pebbled-grained leather. One case front closure flap is decorated with a fancy corner embossing.

A very nice find!

Offered is a very nice, vintage, drug store, BROMO SELTZER Dispenser with a patent date of 1930.

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!

Offered is an interesting quartet of heart specific medicines ranging from the early 1900s to the 1950s.

The 1.5 inch small Atropine 1/200gr. bottle is from the 1950s and in good condition - Price is $8.00.

The 2 inch Atropine 1/100gr bottle is in nice condition. - Price is $10.00.

The cute Nitrostat bottle measures 1.25 inches is priced at $8.00.

.The scarce 2 inch tall Cactina Pillets box and bottle is SOLD.

The 4 inch tall Crateagus Heart remedy bottle with box has been SOLD.

A nice grouping indeed!

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 boxed set of late 19th century Homeopathic medicine vials, most of which still retain their contents. The box is made of cardboard covered by a thin layer of what appears to be leatherette.

The box is mildly worn commensurate with age and use, with some tape holding the top sides together. It measures 5.5"L x 3.75"W x 3.5"H.

Twenty three of the 24 bottles retain their contents, with the one bottle displaying a dark cork being empty and broken (parts of the glass from this broken vial are stuck to the box interior compartment). The vials measure just over 3 inches tall including corks and sport handwritten labels, most of which are legible (a few are faded and illegible).

Overall a very unusual find when you consider that the contents remain.

Some History:
Although homeopathy has its roots in ancient Greek medicine and in the work of the 16th-century physician, Paracelsus, modern homeopathy dates back 200 years to the work of the German doctor and chemist, Samuel Hahnemann. Hahnemann qualified as a physician but ceased to practice as a doctor because of what he saw as the barbaric medical practices of his day - which included bloodletting and the overuse of toxic medicines, leading to horrific side effects.

A brilliant linguist, he earned a living from translating books and was interested by a reference in a medical textbook describing the use of China (Peruvian bark) as a cure for malaria. Intrigued to know why China worked, he took doses of the remedy until he himself began to exhibit malarial symptoms. He stopped taking the China, and the symptoms went away. From this he deduced that the ancient principle of 'like cures like' actually worked.

His next step was to determine if there were safe levels at which toxic substances could be given - and still cure the type of symptoms that they might otherwise cause. His experiments with dilution led him to discover that the more a substance was diluted, the more potent it appeared to become.

Homeopathic medicine was born, but in practicing it, Hahnemann and his followers were subjected to ridicule and persecution by the medical establishment, despite the fact that they were seeing patients getting better on tiny doses of medicines, prescribed on the basis of 'like cures like'. Many European practitioners immigrated to the United States, where homeopathy flourished in the 19th century – until the traditional medical establishment systematically acted to remove its influence.

Hahnemann ended his days as a renowned and very busy practitioner in Paris, working into his 80's. He is interred at the Cimetière du Père Lachaise, where a large monument honors him and his discovery of Homeopathy.

Offered is a wonderful, 1940 era, SENTINEL First Aid Kit sporting GREAT graphics. This visually-attractive, metal case contains all of its contents and appears to be in minimal and perhaps in unused condition!

This diminutive kit was designed to be portable and most useful for scrapes and scratches. The case measures 6" x x 3" x 1.25" and is in very nice condition with minor surface scratches and stains commensurate with age. The contents are near perfect.

Distributed by FOREST CITY PRODUCTS, INC. Cleveland, Ohio.

A wonderful kit for your medical, nursing or emergency-care student or professional in your life!

An additional tube of Ophthalmic ointment and a few early Band-aids are included!

This difficult to find tool-of-the trade pharmacy “IDEAL CAPSULE FILLER” was used by early 20th century druggists to enhance their capsule production. The patent date is stamped Oct. 31, 1905, and research indicates that it was produced by the "Baltimore Capsule Co."

The machine produces 2 different size capsules and has a filling plate that sports 4 parallel rows, each having the capacity of making 24 capsules. Also included are 2 capsule filling trays.

The condition of this wonderful apothecary tool of the trade is very good, complete with the warm, rich patina one would expect of an antique of this age including the usual scratches, marks and unobtrusive dings and tarnish. (Two top wood edges have been lost due to use, time and age as seen in the photos.) The metal parts appear to be nickel plated, and the wood base looks like walnut. The filler measures approximately 13 L x 4.5 W x 4.5 H.

The interior contains sand that was used to add weight and stabilize the box when in use.

A must addition for any pharmacy/apothecary collection!

Offered are two very interesting and very difficult to find, antiquated, female pharmacy medications. Both drugs are in glass ampules, unused and reside in their original box packages.

First is a most unusual carton of 6 vials labeled "PITANTHM" which is a uterine stimulant used to promote labor. Inside the small 3.5" x 2.75" box are six unused ampules nesting within. The circa 1940's ampules measure 2" tall and sport a very cute paper label and are in perfect shape. The box shows mild wear, some stain and fading.

Secondly is an unused, Parke Davis, sex hormone ampule labeled "ANTUITRIN". The box measures 4" x 2" and is complete with a paper insert with directions, dose and indications including a date of 8-48. The medicine is in mint condition. The distilled water vial is about 3" high and the medicine ampule is about 2 inches tall with both sporting perfect labels. The box is in very good condition with some stains, wear and minor label loss.

A pair not to be missed!

This eye-catching, bright, robin's-egg blue painted pharmacy sign from the 1970s measures 14 inch tall x 1/2 inch thick.

This handsome wooden beauty is embellished with a fancy decorated mortar and pestle on top, stylized, Victorian-look lettering spelling out "PHARMACY" in the center, and vintage-look advertising for "LOG CABIN EXTRACT" at the bottom.

The condition is good with slight areas of paint lifting or loss, primarily on the edge.

A tiny "MADE IN JAPAN" label and the original price tag are present on back. Ready to hang!

Offered is a wonderful, circa 1920's, John Wyeth apothecary bottle sporting a fancy, shield-shaped, foil label, Elixir Phenobarbitol.

Decorative stock bottles such as this beauty 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 in pharmacy windows to attract passers-by.

This 8.5 inch, amber, wide-mouth example reveals ground glass construction and dates to the 1920's era.

This empty bottle is in excellent condition with no damage. The ground glass stopper cannot be removed and appears perfect.

The label shows light wear and staining commensurate with age and use. Although the label appears silver in the photos, it is more of a GOLD-toned foil.

A difficult to find bottle with a label in this very nice condition.

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

First 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.

Next, is a very colorful REQUA'S CUBEB CIGARETTES box of 12--complete! This Brooklyn, N.Y., medicine claims to relieve minor sore throat and bronchial irritations including nasal congestion due to colds. Please note the image of the patient puffing casually on a cigarette to retain good health!!!! The box is in good condition with wrinkling and creases and is 3.25 inch high.

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 #6 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 wonderful, 1940s, dual-purpose heater that works as both a baby vaporizer and bottle warmer. This charming piece is in very nice condition complete with its original, quite visually appealing cardboard box.

The warmer/vaporizer is made of durable ceramic and sports an elongated, diamond-shaped label on front featuring an arrangement of flowers. Made by HANKSCRAFT, it dates to 1945 per the patent date noted on the underside label and measures about 4.5" tall x 3.25" wide. The underside metal label is packed with information!

The condition of the warmer/vaporizer is very good with no damage noted. The electrical component has not been tested. The box is worn (some loss and unattached pieces) and is generally tattered yet retains its absolutely wonderful graphics.

A delightful baby collectible!

This is an interesting pharmacy medicine from the 1930's that is for the treatment of female related conditions only. "GYNAGEN" powder is manufactured in Toronto, Canada by the Charles C. Cummings & Co.

All printed information is in English and French. The 4.5 inch tin cylindrical container is full with what appears to be the original pink powder contents and is in very good condition with the exception of some rust on the bottom of the tin. The paper label is complete and shows minor wear spots from storage.

A great disease specific medication!

Offered is a wonderful piece of circa 1940's, Lebanon, Tennessee, drug store history!

Researching the drug store's history was fascinating as the same family operated it for over 50 years! The SHANNON family founded and ran this all-inclusive, community-centered, soda fountain and drug store from 1912 until 1964. The years spanning from its 1912 opening through the 1950s appeared to be the drug store's heyday as it served as a popular community gathering place catering to local servicemen and their families for decades and through both World Wars. A wonderful article dated January 4, 2019, found in THE WILSON POST describes this drug store's fascinating history and is a must read!

This brightly colored, hand-painted, metal advertising sign measures 20 inches wide x 14 inches long, an ideal size for easy display in one's collection. Its condition suggests that it may never have been used. Upon close inspection, hand-applied, yellow brush strokes are noted, with the black lettering possibly applied as a stencil. Various small areas of paint loss and minor metal imperfections exist, all commensurate with age. A fabulous piece of Lebanon, Tennessee, advertising and local history!

Offered is a rather interesting collection of lung and cough related medicines for the young and old alike. The nostrums date from the 1920s to the late 1940s era. The group are all unused sporting their original box or packaging. Collectively they make a striking visual image.

Medicine box sizes range in size from the 8.5 inch PULMOTOL to the 4.5 inch MENDACO example.

Condition: PULMOTOL is in the best condition of the five with a single torn top flap. MENDACO has some wear and mild stains. The RIKERS box is in fairly good condition with some wear and loose box flaps. HOOVERS PREPARATION shows some light staining and a small tear to the upper package in front. DR HOBSONS box has some age-related crimps and wear.

An interesting collection of lung medicines spanning three decades!.

Offered is a rare, ONE OF A KIND set of early 1900s Apothecary Bottles w/ Herbs from the ALEMEDA DRUG STORE, DENVER COLORADO.

Each 5.75 inch high clear glass bottle sports a paper label with the name of the contents typed in.

The bottles are in fine shape with ground glass stoppers in place. The labels are in very good condition with crimps, stains and mild edge loss as expected with vintage bottles that have been used. This set should be in a museum!

The first bottle, MYRRH, historically was used as incense and as a powerful medicine. During the early 1900s, it was used as an astringent, antiseptic, anti-tussive, and anti-spasmotic to name a few.

The second bottle, contains SANGINARY ROOT and has a colorful history in Native American folklore, often being used as a medicine for sore throat, cough, or to be applied as body paint.

The 3rd bottle, LYCOPODIUM, is known as a homeopathic remedy and was noted as being very effective in treating hernias. Today there are nearly 20 maladies claiming benefit from lycopodium.

The 4th bottle, Powdered STRAMONIUM, has been a key ingredient in the treatment of breathing ailments such as asthma from the early 1800s to the 1950s! It is still used under the trade name Atrovent.