“Tonics” were popular in the late 1800’s & early 1900’s (and still are really i.e. Red Bull etc.). I couldn’t figure out what “Quinphos” meant until I was looking at the tin to the right and behold, “quinine & phosphorous.”

From around 1905-1910 (?) this tin is 4 1/2” x 2 1/2” x 1/2”. The claims are quite extreme giving an indication of age. After 1906 the claims on the bottom panel would not be allowed (although lots of companies tried for ten or twenty years).  

Two tins from around 1900 to 1905. Look below; this stuff treated everything under the sun and more.

I think these are from  around 1900 to 1910. the older being the one on the left. These are 2 1/2” x 2” x 1/2” and are quite easy to find.

It seems the Iron Remedy Co. Distributors had to change their claims along the way for some reason but there is no  mention of the food and drug act anywhere on either tin. The older one has spelled distributors with an “e” instead of an “o” ...it is either a mistake or evolution of language.

These  little tins are from around 1900-1915 they are very decorative as you can see (beautiful but deadly).

Arsenous Acid is a form of arsenic, Nux-Vomica is a form of strychnine, and Ferrous Sulphate is used to treat iron deficiency. If you search for CINCHO-LOID you will find nothing, also I cannot find what (VETTER) means, I hate those mysteries but it looks like a pretty deadly “medicine” if mis-dosed .

Take a look at these claims: “A blood maker, nerve tonic and brain vigor. An unfailing remedy in all diseases arising from impairment of nerve tone as anemia, chlorosis, nervous diseases, brain fag, loss of vigor, fluttering of the heart, loss of appetite. Dyspepsia, rheumatism, diseases of women, and all kidney & catarrhal troubles etc. etc.” (etc. etc?). 

I think this one tin makes the most bizarre and obviously false claims than any other I have seen. It also states on the side of the tin that it is good for “blotches.”

An extremely sought after tin from around 1880-1900 and you can see why. This example is still sealed with the contents and insert still in it.

The little booklet that comes in this tin is to the left; I found it on EBay and is the exact size of the tin; 3 1/4” x 2”.

THE

SEAL

A dated tin (1925) that came with its own box and 2 inserts with astounding claims on them.

The theory behind this stuff was that if you ground up the various glands from cattle it would transfer the properties of those glands to the user (stronger heart, more active liver etc.).

I have a newspaper from 1928 that advertises this product  but the tin looks older to me. I like the word “Jelloid”.