Rare apothecary jars star in Melbourne auction

Apothecary specie jars are rarely seen on the auction market, but the recent retirement of Elsternwick pharmacists Geoff and Sue Szwarcbard has resulted in their remarkable collection being offered through Melbourne-based Leski Auctions as part of its apothecary, advertising, radio and other collectables sale from 11am Wednesday May 13 at 727-729 High Street, Armadale.

As well as dispensing medications to neighbourhood residents, the husband and wife team spent years tracking down these unusual pieces that demonstrate the dramatic changes over the ages in how chemists prepare and dispense their medicines, ointments, powders and pills.

In addition to the apothecary items, the collection contains storage jars, pharmaceutical scales, carboys, point-of-sale displays advertising signs and medically related objects – much of which was on show in their Elsternwick pharmacy and the subject of animated conversation amongst their customers.

The Szwarcbard collection comprises the first 257 lots of the Leski auction, but it is the English apothecary specie jars – all from the 19^th century – grabbing much of auction goers’ attention.

A classic example is the “ADVANCE AUSTRALIA, PURE DRUGS” (lot 3) with a $2500-$3500 catalogue estimate, while a York Glass Co. specimen with the British coat of arms and motto emblazoned “MAGNESIA” (lot 2) is equally impressive along with the company’s mustard coloured jar featuring the word “RHUBARB” in gilt decoration (lot 7) across the front.

A rare pair of antique 19^th century English glass apothecary display pedestals titled “DRUGS” and “CHEMICALS” (lot 4) is another strong drawcard and the circa 1840s “ADVANCE AUSTRALIA, TOILET ARTICLES” (lot 8) should attract plenty of interest.

Another significant part of the collection a comprehensive range of water filters such as the 19^th century Bendigo Pottery “THE AUSTRALIAN FILTER, MELBOURNE” complete with the Australian coat of arms (lot 78).

Other fascinating items in the collection include the YARDLEY’S OLD ENGLISH LAVENDAR porcelain point of sale advertising figure group (lot 159) manufactured in the 1930s by German makers Dresden and featured on the front cover of the accompanying 1987 publication Australian Pharmacist.

Also intriguing are the various enamel advertising signs from the early to mid 20^th century such as “UMBRELLA SOAP” (lot 188) and “CASTOPHENE CHOCOLATE LAXATIVE FOR ALL THE FAMILY” (lot 194).

For vintage radio buffs, there are more than 90 examples from the early 20^th century including such famous names AWA, Philips, Monarch, Astor, Bell, Ekco and Airzone.

Classics include the STC “Eiffel Tower” waffle top mantle radio (lot 286) and the Philips rare blue bakelite example (lot 287).