Preliminary identification
Photo reference
1 uploaded photo
Overview
A fascinating time capsule of medical history featuring a diverse array of glass apothecary bottles, tins, and original boxed prescriptions. This collection spans the transition from traditional herbal remedies like Tansy leaves to the dawn of the antibiotic era with Procaine Penicillin.
Story
Before modern blister packs, your local pharmacist was a chemist who hand-labeled every cure. This set includes a 1950 prescription from West's Lebanon Pharmacy, capturing the exact moment medicine moved from the lab to the home.
Maker / Origin
The collection features giants like E.R. Squibb & Sons, founded in 1858 by a Navy doctor who revolutionized drug purity. Squibb's rigorous standards helped end the 'snake oil' era, ensuring that what was on the label was actually in the bottle.
Condition & Value
Labels show expected yellowing and minor foxing; some boxes have edge wear. The presence of original contents can increase display value but requires careful handling. Overall good vintage condition.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Build on this identification
Layer in sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance.
Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.