Vintage Apothecary: Rare Complete 24-Pill Victorian Apothecary Roller

Vintage Apothecary: Rare Complete 24-Pill Victorian Apothecary Roller

R 2,300.00
R 2,300.00
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Vintage Apothecary: Rare Complete 24-Pill Victorian Apothecary Roller
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Vintage Apothecary: Rare Complete 24-Pill Victorian Apothecary Roller

Vintage Apothecary: Rare Complete 24-Pill Victorian Apothecary Roller

Antique museum-quality 19th-century pharmaceutical pill machine. This professional-grade apothecary pill machine was used by Victorian chemists to hand-roll and cut medicinal tablets before the era of mass production.

Original solid mahogany base with a 24-groove brass plate and matching dual-handle roller. Markings: Brass plate graduated 6, 12, 18, 24 for precise pill counts; roller stamped with a "5" batch/size mark. Authentic Victorian Mahogany and heavy-duty fluted brass.

A standout centrepiece for any medical, pharmaceutical, or Victorian history collection.

Likely made by S. Maw, Son & Sons (London) or York Glass Co., both major producers of this specific mahogany and brass design in England, circa 1870–1900. Production Style: The way the brass plate is secured with recessed screws into the mahogany base is characteristic of late 19th-century British engineering.

A must-have for medical history enthusiasts or as a high-end statement piece for a home office or study. It was used by Victorian pharmacists to manufacture uniform medicinal pills before factory mass production became standard.
More Details
  • Construction: Recessed brass screws into solid mahogany base — characteristic of late 19th-century British pharmaceutical engineering
  • Genuine 19th-century antique — minor wood wear near handle, brass grooves straight and mechanically sound, rich natural patina throughout.
Did you Know?

Before the era of automated factory mass production, local pharmacists (then known as apothecaries) had to hand-mix bulk chemical pastes, roll them out into long cylinders or "snakes," and press them down through these heavy brass fluted groove tracks to perfectly portion and slice individual round medicinal pills.
Origin & Era

Made in England, c. 1880, making this authentic medical artifact 145+ years old.
Dimensions

Approximate Dimensions: Handle Height 5cm, Handle Width 7.5cm, Handle Length 41.5cm, Base Length 31cm, Width 21.5cm, Very Heavy for its Size.
Vintage Condition

This is a genuine 19th-century antique. Please study the photos carefully as they form part of the description. Sold "as is".

No warping in the wood; the wood shows some minor wear and "chipping" near the handle, but the brass grooves appear to be in good, straight condition, which is critical for value. Authentic antique condition with a rich natural patina. Brass grooves are straight and in good working order. Mechanically sound and ready for display.
Price
R 2,300.00
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