An atmospheric Victorian mahogany apothecary chest, dating from approximately 1850–1870, bearing the label of Nunn, Hinnell & Skepper, chemists of Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk a partnership recorded in an 1856 trade directory.

The hinged lid opens to a fitted compartment containing an assortment of glass medicine bottles, several retaining their evocative printed pharmacy labels. The lower drawer contains further dispensing accessories, including a brass balance and weights, glass mortar and pestle, small containers and covered compartments.

Accompanying the chest is an 1868 second edition of Squire’s Companion to the Medicine Chest, together with later correspondence and historical notes relating to the supplying pharmacy. The correspondence is dated 1987 and provides an interesting additional research record.

The warm patina, aged brass fittings and surviving labels give this chest considerable decorative appeal. A fascinating addition to a collection of medical antiques, pharmacy history or Victorian scientific instruments.

Condition:

Antique condition with scratches, marks, small losses and age-related wear to the wooden case. The interior lining is worn and stained. Labels show fading, tears and losses, and some bottles and closures appear to be replacements acquired during the chest’s working life. One small jar labelled Compound Rhubarb Pills has a broken neck. The accompanying book has wear to its binding and has not been collated. All bottles are empty.

A key is included, it fits but does not work the lock. The contents have not been checked against an original inventory, and completeness is not guaranteed.

Sold as a historical collectible for display, not for medical use. Please examine the photographs carefully, as they form part of the description.

The case measures 26 x 19 x 22.5cm (W x D x H).

In situ images can be AI generated so please rely on the quoted size for accurate dimensions.