Rare and highly interesting Civil War era spring loaded fleam housed in its original maker marked leather carrying case. Crafted of brass and steel, this compact medical instrument was designed for bloodletting procedures commonly practiced by 19th century physicians, surgeons, and veterinarians. The ingenious spring-loaded mechanism allowed for quick and precise operation in field or clinical settings.

The original leather case remains solid and attractively aged, featuring a stamped “Kolb” maker’s mark on the exterior lid, adding both authenticity and collector appeal. The fleam itself retains an untouched patina with all the visual character expected from a genuine period medical instrument. The folding blade and spring mechanism remain present, making this an especially desirable example for collectors of Civil War medical artifacts.

Spring loaded fleams are far less commonly encountered today than standard fixed examples, particularly when accompanied by their original maker marked cases. Artifacts of this nature provide a fascinating glimpse into 19th century medical practices and the tools relied upon by wartime surgeons and practitioners during the Civil War era.

An exceptional addition to any advanced Civil War medical collection, surgical display, or physician’s instrument grouping.

Inventory Number: MED 337

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Scarce and fascinating Civil War-era adaptive eating utensil set consisting of a specially designed fork and spoon bearing September 17, 1861 patent dates. The ingenious form allowed wounded soldiers and amputees to secure the utensils to a prosthetic device, strap, or modified handle, offering independence to those who had suffered catastrophic battlefield injuries during the war.

The spoon retains its original turned wooden handle, while both utensils display the distinctive keyhole-style mounting apertures associated with early prosthetic and adaptive dining implements. Patent markings remain visible on each piece, dating squarely to the opening months of the Civil War and directly reflecting the tremendous increase in demand for rehabilitative devices brought on by wartime amputations.

Artifacts associated with Civil War medical care and recovery remain among the most emotionally powerful relics of the conflict, and surviving amputee aids are exceptionally difficult to locate. This set stands as a poignant reminder of the human cost of the war and the early innovations developed to restore dignity and functionality to wounded veterans.

Condition is very good overall with an untouched attic-aged patina, scattered oxidation, handling wear, and age consistent with authentic period use. A rare and highly displayable Civil War medical relic with outstanding historical significance.

Inventory Number: MED 340

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Unusual Civil War period porcelain invalid feeder molded in the distinctive form of an eagle, featuring a gracefully curved body with feathered detailing and elongated feeding spout. These specialized vessels were used to nourish wounded or bedridden patients, allowing liquids and broths to be administered while the patient remained reclined.

Constructed of white glazed porcelain with an applied loop handle at the rear, the piece displays the elegant yet functional design characteristic of mid-19th century medical wares. The stylized eagle form gives the feeder a particularly appealing display presence, blending practical medical utility with patriotic decorative influence popular during the era.

Unmarked on the underside, as commonly encountered with many utilitarian hospital and apothecary porcelains of the period. Overall condition is very good, retaining a clean glossy surface with honest age wear. A scarce and visually striking piece of Civil War medical equipment that displays exceptionally well alongside other hospital or sanitary commission material.

Inventory Number: MED 338

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Scarce pair of early Civil War medical saddlebags, an iconic and essential piece of field equipment carried by mounted surgeons and medical stewards during the opening years of the conflict. Constructed of heavy black bridle leather over rigid interiors, the bags retain their classic double-compartment form with broad central saddle cover, original buckled closure straps, and carrying attachments intact.

These saddlebags were designed to transport the surgeon’s indispensable instruments, medicines, bandages, and emergency supplies directly onto the battlefield, allowing mounted medical personnel to move rapidly between field hospitals, dressing stations, and active combat zones. Their rugged construction reflects the hard service demanded during the war, while the surviving black finish, aged crazing to the leather, and untouched patina give the set exceptional authenticity and character.

Accompanying the saddlebags is an old collector identification tag noting that they came from the “Sherrick Family Farm,” later associated with the Smyser family of Wooster, Ohio, and acquired in 1991. While the precise wartime history has been lost to time, the bags themselves remain a strong and evocative survivor of Civil War field medicine.

Original Civil War medical saddlebags are increasingly difficult to locate, particularly complete examples retaining strong form, untouched surfaces, and period character. An impressive display piece representing the harsh realities of wartime medical service in the field.

Of historic note Dr. Smyser was a witness to a famous murder in his hometown: Based on historical records, the fatal stabbing of John Tormie occurred on October 2, 1879 (not 1871), at the Wayne County Fairgrounds near Wooster, Ohio. Tormie was murdered during a brawl with 5 individuals after supervising a game of chance, leading to the first judicial hanging in Wayne County history.

Inventory Number: IDE 324

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Clear glass apothecary bottle retaining its original cork, bearing a pictorial label for quinine sulphate produced by the well-known Philadelphia firm of Powers & Weightman—one of the principal American refiners of quinine during the Civil War era. Quinine, derived from cinchona bark, was among the most critical medicines of the war, issued extensively to Union forces for the treatment of malaria, fevers, and general debility, particularly in the southern theaters where disease claimed more lives than combat.

Powers & Weightman played a significant role in supplying the Union war effort with quinine, especially as wartime shortages and Confederate blockades made the drug increasingly valuable. Bottles of this form represent the type of pharmaceutical container found in hospital stores, field chests, and regimental medical supplies. The survival of the original cork enhances the piece’s authenticity and presentation.

A strong Civil War–era medical display item tied directly to one of the most essential and widely used compounds of the conflict, and to a major Northern manufacturer deeply connected with wartime production.

Inventory Number: MED 332

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Clear cylindrical apothecary bottle retaining its original printed paper label for “Bicarb. Potassii” (bicarbonate of potassium), with an additional pictorial label depicting the Powers & Weightman manufacturing works and marked “Manufactured by Powers & Weightman, Philadelphia.”

Powers & Weightman was among the leading American chemical manufacturers of the mid-19th century, supplying hospitals and military medical departments during the Civil War. Bicarbonate of potassium was a standard medicinal compound of the period, valued for its mild alkaline properties. It was commonly administered as an antacid to relieve indigestion and gastric distress, and was also employed to help neutralize excess acidity in the system—sometimes prescribed in cases of rheumatism or certain kidney and urinary complaints where alkalizing the body was believed beneficial.

The survival of both labels—particularly the larger illustrated manufacturer’s label—is increasingly uncommon, which enhances both display and interpretive value. Minor expected wear and edge loss to the paper consistent with age.

A strong Civil War-period medical display piece from one of Philadelphia’s most important wartime suppliers.

Inventory Number: MED 331

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Exceptional and scarce original unopened package of Dr. Strong’s Composition Powder, retaining its original yellow printed paper wrapper and accompanied by the period instruction handbill, as issued. 

The oval wooden pill box remains fully intact and unopened, still sealed within its original wrapper boldly printed “Dr. Strong’s Composition Powders”, with extensive period claims visible around the circumference. The wrapper lists a wide array of ailments for which the pills were marketed, including Colds, Coughs, Consumption, Catarrh, Bronchitis, Headache, Bilious Complaints, Fever and Ague, Dyspepsia, and other chronic and acute disorders, reflecting the sweeping therapeutic claims common to mid-19th-century American patent medicines. 

An outstanding example of pre-Civil War American medical ephemera, illustrating both the marketing practices and medical philosophy of the period. Rarely encountered in such complete, original condition. 

Inventory Number: MED 320 

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Powers & Weightman, Philadelphia

A superb and seldom-encountered Civil War–era medical bottle retaining its original contents and full paper labeling. The label reads “Subsulph. Iron, 1 oz. – Monsel’s Powder” and is marked for Powers & Weightman, Philadelphia, one of the foremost American chemical manufacturers of the mid-19th century and a major supplier of pharmaceutical compounds during the war.

The contents—subsulphate of iron, more commonly known as Monsel’s salt or Monsel’s powder (ferric subsulfate)—was a critical styptic agent widely used by Civil War surgeons. Its primary function was to rapidly control hemorrhaging, particularly in battlefield conditions where time and resources were limited. Applied directly to wounds, it acted by chemically cauterizing tissue and promoting coagulation, making it especially valuable in treating traumatic injuries and during surgical procedures such as amputations. While highly effective in stopping bleeding, it was also known to be caustic and could impede healing if overused—typical of many period emergency treatments where survival outweighed long-term outcomes.

The bottle itself is hand-blown glass with a tooled lip and retains its original cork stopper. The label remains largely intact and legible, with expected toning. The vivid yellow powder inside is well-preserved, offering a rare and visually striking survival of original Civil War–era medical contents.

An exceptional and highly displayable example of wartime medical practice, directly representative of the tools and treatments employed by Union surgeons in the field and hospital settings.

Inventory Number: MED 330

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*An example of which is photographed here… the artifact contents contain the same inside the package, an original printed handbill, titled: Dr. Strong’s Compound Sanative Pills

Entered according to Act of Congress in 1850 by Asa B. Strong, M.D., New York, and bearing Dr. Strong’s printed signature. The handbill provides detailed explanations of the pills’ purported vegetable composition, mechanism of action, and extensive directions for use. Notably, the pills are promoted as a vegetable alternative to calomel and mercury-based medicines, emphasizing purification of the blood, regulation of the liver and bowels, and restoration of the body’s “vital energies.” 

The survival of an unopened package with its handbill is significant, as these paper components were normally discarded after use. The wrapper shows expected age toning, minor edge wear, and natural surface irregularities, but remains remarkably legible and well-preserved. The wooden box displays a fine, untouched surface with no evidence of later opening. 

An outstanding example of pre-Civil War American medical ephemera, illustrating both the marketing practices and medical philosophy of the period. Rarely encountered in such complete, original condition. 

Inventory Number: MED 318  

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Excellent original example of a Civil War Quinine Tin Japanned tin 3 ¼” X 1 ½” with paper label stating that it was “Prepared at the U.S.A. Medical Purveying Depot Astoria L.I.”. Overall, in excellent condition with great label and strong finish.  An essential for any medical collection.

Quinine 

Quinine was one of the most critical medical supplies of the Civil War, serving as the primary treatment for malaria, which was one of the most widespread and debilitating diseases affecting soldiers—especially in the South and in low, swampy regions like the Mississippi Valley, the Carolinas, and coastal operations.

Derived from the bark of the South American cinchona tree, quinine was imported and relatively expensive, but absolutely indispensable. Union armies, with better naval control and supply infrastructure, generally had far greater access to quinine than Confederate forces. As a result, Union troops were better able to manage malaria outbreaks, while Confederate soldiers often suffered prolonged illness, reduced effectiveness, and higher rates of non-combat attrition.

The Confederacy attempted to substitute quinine with indigenous remedies—such as dogwood, willow, and other “homegrown” tonics—but these were far less effective. Shortages became so severe that quinine was sometimes reserved only for the most serious cases.

In the field, quinine was typically issued in powder form and taken mixed with water or whiskey—famously bitter, but lifesaving. It was distributed by surgeons and hospital stewards and became a staple in medical kits and hospital stores.

In short, quinine quietly played a decisive logistical and medical role in the war—keeping armies in the field and highlighting the stark contrast between Union and Confederate supply capabilities.

Inventory Number: MED 221

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