Apothecary’s Cabinet - No. 3 - Fall 2001 - Collecting Pharmaceutical Antiques

Oct 17, 2026

Uploaded by Mabel

Apothecary’s Cabinet issue No. 3 (Fall 2001) presents guidance for building a historical collection of pharmaceutical antiques. The editor introduces the topic of collecting pharmaceutical objects and emphasizes revisiting fundamentals. The article explains how to start by selecting collecting parameters, identifying complementary items, and using structured approaches based on period, materials, locality, or artifact types. It further details practical sourcing methods including collector networks, classified ads, auctions, dealers, and antique shops.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages16

Reading Time40 min

AccessFree to download

Editor’s Note

Collecting Pharmaceutical Antiques

Getting Started

Selecting Parameters for Collecting

Finding Sources and Contacts

Auctions and Retail Sources

Apothecary’s Cabinet No. 3, Fall 2001 News and Notes from the American Institute of the History of Pharmacy Editor’s Note: With the increased interest in collecting pharmaceutical objects via the World Wide Web, we thought it would be worthwhile to revisit basic considerations when starting your historical collection. The next issue of Apothecary’s Cabinet will include an article on using the Web for collecting. Collecting Pharmaceutical Antiques by Michael Harris and Charles Richardson* *Excerpted from Historical Hobbies for the Pharmacist, ed. Gregory J. Higby and Elaine C. Stroud (Madison: American Institute of the History of Pharmacy, 1994) . Getting Started Selecting parameters for collecting [such as glassware, patent medicines, soda fountain items, etc.] make a collection more manageable than collecting all categories, unless of course the object is to recreate a period pharmacy setting. Even with selected parameters, collectors usually branch out and add a few other items to complement their collection. For example, advertising trade cards or medical almanacs could complement a collection of pill-making devices. A mortar and pestle or show globe could complement any type of pharmaceutical collection. People who have limited space to display a collection can still enjoy the hobby. A collector has many small items to select from: medicine glasses, medicine spoons, powders, pillboxes, spatulas, patent medicine vials, pill finishers, pill silverers, and many others. A collection can be based on (a) a particular historical period,(b) artifacts made of a particular material such as brass,(c) items from a specific locality, or (d) all the various examples of an object such as all pill-coating devices. After determining the type The American Institute of the History of Pharmacy is a unique organization dedicated to the preservation of pharmacy’s heritage. The Apothecary’s Cabinet is a publication from AIHP that takes a popular look at the history of pharmacy in its many facets. We welcome your comments and submissions. of collection, how does the collector get started? Try to make as many contacts as possible with other collectors with similar interests. Peruse the classified ads in collectors’ publications and contact the collectors. Let them know you have similar interest, perhaps asking if they have duplicate items for sale or trade. You may find some who look upon you as competition and offer little assistance, but most collectors share information and welcome contact with their fellow collectors. Place your own classified ad in collectors’ publications. Auctions of pharmaceutical collections take place infrequently, perhaps only once or twice a year, but they offer the best opportunity to add to a collection. These auctions usually accept absentee bidding through a catalog issued prior to the auction. The auctions are usually advertised in all major antique publications. Make contact with people in the pharmacies in your area, and let them know you are a collector of pharmaceutical items. Have calling cards made and imprinted with your collecting interest, and distribute them liberally. This will prove productive even though it might be months or years before you have the first response from some of these contacts. Contact all of the antique shops and antique malls in your area. Tell them of your interests, and leave your calling card. Dealers do save these cards and some also maintain their own list of items wanted by local collectors. Most antique shops and practically all antique malls distribute free sample copies of collectors’publications. One good source of pharmaceutical antiques is dealers who specialize in medical/pharmaceutical antiques by mail order. There are several such dealers currently in business and all of them publish catalogs. Don’t overlook dealers who only advertise “medical antiques” or “scientific antiques”—these catalogs usually also contain pharmaceutica

FAQs

How does the document suggest starting a collection of pharmaceutical antiques?

Start by selecting clear collecting parameters and then connect with other collectors who share similar interests. Use classifieds and professional contacts to locate items for sale or trade.

What factors determine the value of a pharmacy antique according to the text?

Condition is the main factor. Additional influences include whether the item retains its original container and whether it is identified by a maker’s name.

Where can collectors find pharmaceutical antiques based on the document?

Possible sources include auctions, dealer catalogs (including those advertising medical or scientific antiques), specialized antique shops and malls, and various collectors’ publications. Flea markets are noted as generally less reliable, though some items may occasionally be found.

Oct 17, 2026

Uploaded by Mabel