Object Description
A solid mahogany and brass 19th century chemist’s pill making machine, signed S. Maw & Son & Thompson of London. The face plate also inscribed 6.12-18, 3 grains and 24 with appropriate divisions. It was used in the following manner: the pill mass, previously prepared in a mortar, was rolled into the correct diameter lengths and placed on the grooved plate; it was cut and divided by pressing downwards and sliding the top section back and forth; they were then rounded by rotating them in a pill rounder and then when hard, silvered. S. Maw & Son & Thompson, London were pharmacy suppliers working from 7-12 Aldersgate, London between 1870-1901. The firm originally were established in Aldersgate Street in 1828 under the name of J.S. Maw, moving to Monken Hadley, Barnet in 1940. The whole has a good rich colour and patination.
Slide dimension: 19 in. (48.5 cm.) Wide, 2.75 in. (7 cm.) Deep and 1.25 in. (3 cm.) High