A good example of an early 19th Century apothecary cabinet. The box itself is made from mahogany with a recessed campaign style brass handle and brass escutcheons.
The doors open to reveal an arrangement of 12 glass bottles recessed inside the doors and a further 4 large bottles in the centre section. Below these bottles are 2 drawers. The first is fitted with a small set of scales, weights, tweezers and glass stoppers. The deeper drawer contains 3 small glass bottles, a glass dish, two ceramic pots and various other medical items - truly everything a travelling doctor would have needed in the 19th century!
There is an extra hidden compartment at the rear of the box with a sliding cover which is locked in place from the inside. This contains 4 additional glass bottles which would have most likely contained the poisonous or dangerous substances.
Overall the condition of the box and contents are superb and believed to be as it was left the last day it was used. Some of the bottles are probably not original as they would have fitted exactly in the sections but for display purposes it looks superb. Some bottles are missing their stoppers and there are various small chips around the tops and signs of age and use but nothing detrimental and many still have their original paper labels.
The mahogany box is strong and sturdy with a beautiful aged patina and is excellent quality. There are general minor signs of age and use and a few old repairs but no major damages. It also comes with its original working key. Inside it is generally clean and tidy. It has been cleaned and polished and displays beautifully.
