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*** RARE FIND: EXTREMELY SCARCE WITH INTACT 100-YEAR-OLD PAPER EPHEMERA ***
Item: Antique Rawleigh's Quinine Bromide Laxative Cold Tablets Tin with Original Paper Insert
Manufacturer: The W. T. Rawleigh Company — Freeport, Illinois, U.S.A.
Circa: 1920
Tin Dimensions: Approx. Pocket Size (Standard early 20th-century tablet container)
Contents: CONTAINER IS COMPLETELY EMPTY. Sold strictly as an historical advertising collectible.
While the antique yellow Rawleigh's pocket tin is a classic piece of Americana, finding one that still retains its original, fragile paper instructional insert is exceptionally rare.
Because these delicate paper flyers were almost universally discarded by consumers a century ago upon opening the product, surviving complete sets like this are highly sought-after museum-grade additions for serious apothecary and advertising collectors.
About This Item:
Up for purchase is a highly collectible piece of early 20th-century American patent medicine history. This antique pocket-sized lithographed tin features the classic bright yellow and black Art Deco framework design, complete with the central portrait of the company founder, W.T. Rawleigh. The top border reads, "Makers Largest Line of Products Sold From Wagons," referencing Rawleigh's famous traveling salesman distribution network. The lower banner proudly displays the company's core values: "Independent - Competitive - Progressive."
Crucially, this tin includes its original, incredibly fragile paper instructional pamphlet insert titled: "The Science of Overcoming Colds, Chills, La Grippe, Etc." The insert features fascinating period-accurate text on fighting ailments and includes beautifully detailed antique graphic illustrations of domestic medical care.
Condition Report & Safety Compliance:
• Safety Compliance: This antique container is entirely EMPTY. It contains zero tablets, medicine, original product, or chemical residues of any kind. It is being sold exclusively as a hollow historical display artifact.
• The Tin: In good vintage/antique condition with a strong, completely legible front cover. Shows honest, age-appropriate wear including surface scratching, edge paint loss, minor scuffing, and localized metal oxidation/patina typical for a 100-year-old utility tin. The hinge operates smoothly and stays shut properly.
• The Paper Insert: Remarkable survival quality. While it displays expected age-toning, fold creases, and light wrinkling from sitting inside the tin, the text and illustrations remain crisp, clean, and completely intact with no major tears or missing sections.
Shipping & Handling:
The item will be securely packed in a rigid box with protective padding to ensure the delicate paper insert remains flat and safe during transit. Ships safely packed and fully tracked domestically and globally through the International Shipping program. Perfect addition to any retro farmhouse display, apothecary collection, or advertising Americana showcase!