This incredible medicine chest would have been an invaluable part of the 19th-century household
Click to enlarge
These chests were the first, and sometimes only, means of immediate medical treatment
Click to enlarge
This kit would have been made by a cabinetmaker, then fitted specifically for a particular client
Click to enlarge
This chest contains an array of medicines and tools
Click to enlarge
This bandage even provides illustrations on how to bandage particular injuries
Click to enlarge
Domestic Medicine Chest by Thompson & Capper
Click to enlarge
The case is crafted of burl walnut with flushed brass fittings
Click to enlarge
This particular case was created by Thompson & Capper, homeopathic chemists in northwestern England
Click to enlarge
The interior lid bears the firm's mark
Click to enlarge
This incredible medicine chest would have been an invaluable part of the 19th-century household
These chests were the first, and sometimes only, means of immediate medical treatment
This kit would have been made by a cabinetmaker, then fitted specifically for a particular client
This chest contains an array of medicines and tools
This bandage even provides illustrations on how to bandage particular injuries
Domestic Medicine Chest by Thompson & Capper
The case is crafted of burl walnut with flushed brass fittings
This particular case was created by Thompson & Capper, homeopathic chemists in northwestern England
The interior lid bears the firm's mark
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Domestic Medicine Chest by Thompson & Capper

  • This incredible domestic medicine chest contains everything needed to treat illnesses at home
  • Created by Thompson and Capper, this homeopathic kit was an invaluable part of the 19th-century home
  • The chest holds a variety of medications and instruments needed to give first aid treatment
  • Medical chests in such beautiful and complete condition are exceptionally rare
  • Get complete item description here
$18,500
Item No. 30-5401

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Description
An invaluable addition to the 19th-century home, this domestic medicine chest contained nearly everything needed to nurse a member of the household back to health. Made by the firm of Thomas Thompson and S. J. Capper, homeopathic chemists of Liverpool and Birkenhead, this chest would have been the first, and in some instances the only, way to immediately administer medical care to the sick or injured. The case would have been crafted by a skilled cabinetmaker,. . .
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An invaluable addition to the 19th-century home, this domestic medicine chest contained nearly everything needed to nurse a member of the household back to health. Made by the firm of Thomas Thompson and S. J. Capper, homeopathic chemists of Liverpool and Birkenhead, this chest would have been the first, and in some instances the only, way to immediately administer medical care to the sick or injured. The case would have been crafted by a skilled cabinetmaker, with this elegant specimen, in particular, being enveloped in handsome burl walnut with flush brass hardware. Thompson & Capper would have purchased the chest and fitted it out fully to a specific customer's specifications, which is why the interiors of these fascinating medical antiques are rarely ever identical.

The interior contains a multitude of medications, glass bottles with original contents, jars and various instruments used to administer medicines and give first aid treatment. Medications include various antiseptics, mastic (used for cuts, stomach problems, and oral care), quinine (for the treatment of malaria), bismuth and calcined magnesia (both for digestive disorders), aspirin and hydrogen peroxide, or eau oxygénée. An array of instruments, including a nasal pipe, dropper tube, vial, tongue depressor and even a bandage with illustrations on proper usage are held within this remarkable medical compendium. 

Though the need to keep medical supplies at the ready dates to ancient Egypt, the first medicine chests did not appear until the late 1700s, with their popularity and level of sophistication reaching a zenith in the mid-1800s. To find a chest in this exquisite, original condition by a respected maker is quite extraordinary.

Interior lid marked "THOMPSON & CAPPER / LIVERPOOL / BIRKENHEAD / HOMŒOPATHIC CHEMISTS

Circa 1860

15 3/4" wide x 12 1/4" deep x 8 1/4" high
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This incredible medicine chest would have been an invaluable part of the 19th-century household
Maker: Other
Period: 19th Century
Origin: England
Type: Apothecary/Pharmaceutical Instuments
Style: Victorian
Depth: 12.25 in. (31.12 cm)
Width: 15.75 in. (40.01 cm)
Height: 8.25 in. (20.96 cm)
Buy with Confidence

At M.S. Rau, we are committed to building a long-term, rewarding relationship with each and every client. That’s why your purchase is backed by our 125% guarantee.

Learn More

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