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Item Description
A True Time Capsule: Complete Antique Dr. M.M. Fenner’s Dyspepsia Cure with Original Box and Paperwork
Up for auction/sale is an exceptional and historically rich artifact of 19th-century patent medicine: a complete package of Dr. M.M. Fenner’s Dyspepsia Cure, originating directly from an old, abandoned pharmacy find in Port Jefferson, New York.
What is Included:
Embossed Glass Bottle: Features striking lettering molded directly into the glass ("Dr. M.M. Fenner's Peoples Remedies" and "Dr. M.M. Fenner"). Includes its original cork stopper.
Original Cardboard Outer Box: Bearing the iconic graphics, typography, and copyright details (noting 1896 by M.M. Fenner), showing authentic age patina.
Complete Original Paperwork Inserts: Multi-page promotional and instructional literature detailing the supposed curative powers of Fenner's remedies (including "What the Cough Honey will do" and "As a Preventive of Disease").
Historical Background: Who Was Dr. M.M. Fenner?
Dr. Milton M. Fenner (1837–1905) was a prominent and colorful figure in late 19th-century American medicine and business. After serving as a Civil War hospital steward and assistant surgeon, Dr. Fenner graduated with an M.D. from the Eclectic Medical College in Cincinnati (1860). Eclectic medicine heavily favored botanical remedies—utilizing roots, barks, and plant extracts over harsh mineral compounds. Settling in Fredonia, New York, Dr. Fenner established the "People’s Remedies" line, which grew into a massive mail-order and over-the-counter proprietary medicine empire advertised worldwide.
Why Is This Piece Rare and Valuable?
The "Holy Grail" of Ephemera Survival: While antique medicine bottles occasionally survive, they are almost always found empty and orphaned from their packaging. Finding a bottle complete with its original outer carton and paper inserts is exceptionally scarce. Paper elements from the 1890s typically disintegrated or were thrown away immediately upon opening.
Untouched Pharmacy Provenance: Unearthed from a long-abandoned pharmacy stash in Port Jefferson, NY, this set has been preserved away from decades of modern wear, maintaining its raw historic integrity.
High Desirability for Collectors: Bottle collectors, antique medical gadget enthusiasts, and buyers tracking late-19th-century advertising history actively seek out Dr. Fenner artifacts due to their intricate typography and historical significance.
Condition & Disclosure:
Bottle: Excellent antique shape with crisp embossing and original cork.
Label Note: The paper label on the body of the bottle is currently loose, but it is 100% intact and can easily be secured back down using mild archival glue or paste if desired by the new owner.
Box & Paperwork: Show expected structural wear, tearing, and softening commensurate with genuine 120+ year age, adding heavily to its authentic antique character.
An unrepeatable piece of American medical history—don't miss the chance to add this complete set to your collection! Please review all photos for precise condition details.
$179.80
Sale price
$179.80
Regular price
Antique Dr. Fenner's Dyspepsia Cure Bottle Unused Box Paperwork Quack Medicine
$179.80
Sale price
$179.80
Regular price
A True Time Capsule: Complete Antique Dr. M.M. Fenner’s Dyspepsia Cure with Original Box and Paperwork
Up for auction/sale is an exceptional and historically rich artifact of 19th-century patent medicine: a complete package of Dr. M.M. Fenner’s Dyspepsia Cure, originating directly from an old, abandoned pharmacy find in Port Jefferson, New York.
What is Included:
Embossed Glass Bottle: Features striking lettering molded directly into the glass ("Dr. M.M. Fenner's Peoples Remedies" and "Dr. M.M. Fenner"). Includes its original cork stopper.
Original Cardboard Outer Box: Bearing the iconic graphics, typography, and copyright details (noting 1896 by M.M. Fenner), showing authentic age patina.
Complete Original Paperwork Inserts: Multi-page promotional and instructional literature detailing the supposed curative powers of Fenner's remedies (including "What the Cough Honey will do" and "As a Preventive of Disease").
Historical Background: Who Was Dr. M.M. Fenner?
Dr. Milton M. Fenner (1837–1905) was a prominent and colorful figure in late 19th-century American medicine and business. After serving as a Civil War hospital steward and assistant surgeon, Dr. Fenner graduated with an M.D. from the Eclectic Medical College in Cincinnati (1860). Eclectic medicine heavily favored botanical remedies—utilizing roots, barks, and plant extracts over harsh mineral compounds. Settling in Fredonia, New York, Dr. Fenner established the "People’s Remedies" line, which grew into a massive mail-order and over-the-counter proprietary medicine empire advertised worldwide.
Why Is This Piece Rare and Valuable?
The "Holy Grail" of Ephemera Survival: While antique medicine bottles occasionally survive, they are almost always found empty and orphaned from their packaging. Finding a bottle complete with its original outer carton and paper inserts is exceptionally scarce. Paper elements from the 1890s typically disintegrated or were thrown away immediately upon opening.
Untouched Pharmacy Provenance: Unearthed from a long-abandoned pharmacy stash in Port Jefferson, NY, this set has been preserved away from decades of modern wear, maintaining its raw historic integrity.
High Desirability for Collectors: Bottle collectors, antique medical gadget enthusiasts, and buyers tracking late-19th-century advertising history actively seek out Dr. Fenner artifacts due to their intricate typography and historical significance.
Condition & Disclosure:
Bottle: Excellent antique shape with crisp embossing and original cork.
Label Note: The paper label on the body of the bottle is currently loose, but it is 100% intact and can easily be secured back down using mild archival glue or paste if desired by the new owner.
Box & Paperwork: Show expected structural wear, tearing, and softening commensurate with genuine 120+ year age, adding heavily to its authentic antique character.
An unrepeatable piece of American medical history—don't miss the chance to add this complete set to your collection! Please review all photos for precise condition details.