Allen's Lung Balsam Advertising Panel

Made in Canada. 1870s-1890s. Wood-framed. Cobalt glass etched-to-clear. Scarce. Allen's Lung Balsam was a "quack" medicine created to cure all infections of the lungs and chest. Quack medicines were widely available and sold through theatrical "medicine shows" (making them more accessible than professional medical care), and often contained dangerous and addictive ingredients like alcohol, opium, mercury, and turpentine, among many others. They were sold as secret formulas by "snake-oil salesmen". Curiously, Allen's Lung Balsam was often sold in conjunction with "Perry Davis Pain Killer", another "quack" medicine sold as a cure-all for virtually everything that Allen's didn't cure. Note: a rare "Perry David Pain Killer" glass panel is included in this sale. Both products were sold locally, nationally, and internationally, including in Canada. This sign was manufactured in Montreal by Ramsay Co., a sign maker known to use etched glass in its advertising pieces. It would have been displayed in a window, with natural light drawing consumers' attention to the "Balsam" through the beauty of cobalt blue glass, highlighting its imagery featuring cherubs (children) holding banners and panels, each highlighting various ailments. This product was touted as being "safe for children," a warning that should have been heeded, but instead was a strong marketing ploy that drew consumers in. With the intent of promoting the product's legitimacy, the cherub at the top left holds a Caduceus, the symbol commonly associated with the medical profession. Products such as these quackery medicines were important as they would eventually lead to the development of evidence-based medicine and the pharmaceutical regulation of unproven practices. Marked, "Ramsay Co.", at lower left. Marked, "Montreal", at lower right. All items are guaranteed authentic by Miller & Miller Auctions. All purchases are eligible for free delivery to the Winter Dixie Gas & Oil Show on December 4, 2026 and the Red Deer Swap Meet on April 30 - May 1, 2027.

Estimate:£1,854.96

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