Antique Georgian Mahogany Apothecary Cabinet

Superb example of an early 19th Century mahogany apothecary case, complete with most of its original contents. The box itself is made from mahogany with a brass carrying handle and matching brass escutcheons. The doors open to reveal an arrangement of bottles inside the doors and the box. Below the middle bottles are three drawers, each with small turned bone (bovine cow) handles. The top drawer contains a small set of brass scales with various old weights, a metal funnel, glass stoppers, tweezers, scissors and other small instruments. The other drawer contains a glass pestle, magnifying glass and glass measuring beaker while the final drawer has three small glass pots - truly everything a travelling doctor would have needed in the 19th century!

Hidden in the top corner of the box is a small brass latch which releases a secret sliding compartment at the rear of the box. This contains 4 additional glass bottles which would have most likely contained the poisons or dangerous substances.

Overall the condition of the box and contents are superb. A few of the bottles don't fit exactly into the sections so probably aren't original but all are period and the set displays beautifully. Some of the bottles are missing stoppers and have small chips or nibbles (one in particular has a large chip) around the tops but they still display well. Some bottles still have their original paper labels.

The mahogany box is strong and sturdy with a beautiful aged patina. There are general minor signs of age and use and a few small chips around the base but no major damages. It has been sympathetically cleaned, waxed and polished and the brass parts lightly polished. I do not have a key for the box. Inside it is generally clean and tidy and the partitions are sturdy and in good condition. There are a few small chips inside and general signs of age and use but nothing detrimental. The contents of the drawers are also in excellent condition with no major damages to the glass beakers or pestle.

This really is a fantastic set, not to be missed. It is so rare to find something so complete and original. Each element has been gently cleaned while preserving the aged patina and it is ready for display. The best description certainly comes from the photos so please look at them all carefully and if you have any questions at all please ask. Nationwide delivery £25.