Description

An antique English regency period mahogany apothecary or medicine chest from around 1815. The lid is lined with green padded velvet and the case contains the four original glass bottles. One bottle is labelled “Spirit of Camphor” and “Huxtable, 104, St John Street, Clerkenwell, London. Established 1813”. The key fits but does not turn the lock, otherwise in good original condition. The keyhole has a bone escutcheon and the handle is made from copper.

John Huxtable was a pharmaceutical chemist noted for his connection to Michael Faraday through his son, also named John, who was a druggist and chemist in the area. John Huxtable was married to Elizabeth Beedle, the couple had at least nine children, he died in 1858 and had been a medical student in earlier life. 

The case measures  14 x 13.7 x 15.5cm (5.5″ x 5.4″ x 6.1″), (w x d x h).