S/5974 Antique Treen 19th Century Boxwood Pill Powderer

A rare apothecary item we have not come across before, simulating a muffineer, made of boxwood in four sections with screw threads. The top section has a small pestle and when unscrewed reveals a small shallow saucer shaped area for a single pill to be crushed by the pestle into powder form. The centre section unscrews to reveal a vacant area for the storage of pills. The whole is exceptionally well turned, with a concave support that is raised on a stepped and vertical foot. It has exceptional colour, as often found in boxwood items and retains a good patination.

Sold 4¾ in. (12 cm.) High
1½ in. (4 cm.) Diameter English Circa 1840