Featured What is this ampoule

Discussion in 'Antique Discussion' started by RobertB, Aug 5, 2020.

  1. RobertB

    RobertB New Member

    hi there
    i opened a silver case today to find a strange little package inside.
    the ampoule has a yellow liquid in it and the wadding has some undecipherable writing on it.
    can anybody please help identify what it is ?
    thanks in advance !

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  2. terry5732

    terry5732 Well-Known Member

    ammonium carbonate
     
  3. RobertB

    RobertB New Member

    thanks for the help, do you know when it would date from ?
     
    Christmasjoy likes this.
  4. i need help

    i need help Moderator Moderator

    Clear photos of the Maker marks will date it.
     
    Christmasjoy likes this.
  5. RobertB

    RobertB New Member

    the silver case dates fom 1898, maker H.W.Ld for Henry Williamson, but i didn't think the 2 things started life off together
     
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  6. bercrystal

    bercrystal Well-Known Member

    With the ring at the bottom, it could have originally been part of a chatelaine. It would have been quick access for a lady's fainting spells.
     
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  7. blooey

    blooey Well-Known Member

    So is it smelling salts from the times when ladies would feel faint instead of taking up the bricklaying trade?
     
  8. Gus Tuason

    Gus Tuason Well-Known Member

    Definitely smelling salts. The vial would not be separated from its cloth/ cotton cocoon but easily crushed within the cocoon with the contents entering the cotton. bercrystal and RobertB are right on.
     
    Christmasjoy likes this.
  9. Bronwen

    Bronwen Well-Known Member

  10. Gus Tuason

    Gus Tuason Well-Known Member

    If I remember correctly, I have seen similar cases that originally held telescoping cigarette holders. Could be???
     
    Bronwen likes this.
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