Apothecary briefcase
The briefcase is heavy has a label on the outside that states that it’s Rexall toiletries and Pharmacy but inside is jars with English apothecary labels. It’s lined with green felt inside with nailed wooden dividers small jars corked with spices on the top rim that sit in the top portion of the inside. The jars are squared with numbers and the letters marked on the bottom again I cannot find the origin. The item is in good condition inside the cloth that is lined on the top is spotted. The outside is the only part that has wear. Cracking of the material of the case on the front side and bits on the back. It is heavy it’s delicate enough. I wouldn’t carry it by the handle. The lock hinges on the front. I cannot recall the name I would have to look again. I’m just running down now.
20”L 12” W 4” H
Inherited
Yes
Hi Danielle,
Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.
This is a vintage pharmaceutical or traveling apothecary case, likely used by a traveling doctor, pharmacist, or drug company representative in the early to mid-20th century. The discrepancy between the label on the lid (for Rexall) and the labels on the jars inside the case (Perrott's Cash Pharmacy Ltd/ Dispensing Chemists / Martock and Crewkerne) may affect its value as some collectors prefer for bottles to be original to the cases (and Rexall is a US-based company whereas Perrott's was in the UK) but travelling apothecary cases have been selling lately for between $75 and $175 at auction, though there is a specialty auctioneer who specializes in antique pharmacy sales - McMurray - who might get more for it in one of their sales.
Based on the photos and information provided, and subject to examination, this is:
An antique Traveling Pharmacists or Medical Salesman's briefcase
DATE
The case is labeled:
"Citizens Drug Co. / The Rexall Store / DRUGS AND MEDICINES" / Prescriptions / "...TOILET ARTICLES, SUNDRIES, RUBBER GOODS" / "WE GUARANTEE SATISFACTION".
The interior fitted with 14 glass bottles - each labeled for Perrott's Dispensing Chemists - and 24 small cork-stopped tincture bottles filled with herbs.
4 inches high by 20 inches long by 12 inches deep
CONDITION: Some oxidation to
PROVENANCE: Inherited
$ 75-175*
*represents a fair-market value for auction purposes; retail or asking price may vary.
Please let us know if you have additional items to appraise, or questions/concerns, and thank you again for using Mearto.
~ Delia
