5th May, 2022 10:00

The Collectors Sale

 
Lot 31
 

Quack Medicine, Dr Moffat's Ammoniaphone

English, c.1885-1890, in pewter, the handles stamped 'Dr Carter Moffat's Ammoniaphone Harness Patent' and 'Medical Battery Co. Ammoniaphone 52 Oxford St London', in card case with detailed instructiond inside lid, with retail label for Thomas A Furlong, Dublin, instrument 65cm long.

Note: The Ammoniaphone, Moffat claimed, contained the precise chemical formula of the air in Southern Italy, and inhaling from this instrument effectively resulted in the ‘Italianization of the voice’ to improve the quality and range of the singing voice. It was also claimed to be efficacious in treating coughs, colds, asthma, consumption etc.

Sold for £69

Result plus buyers premium


 

English, c.1885-1890, in pewter, the handles stamped 'Dr Carter Moffat's Ammoniaphone Harness Patent' and 'Medical Battery Co. Ammoniaphone 52 Oxford St London', in card case with detailed instructiond inside lid, with retail label for Thomas A Furlong, Dublin, instrument 65cm long.

Note: The Ammoniaphone, Moffat claimed, contained the precise chemical formula of the air in Southern Italy, and inhaling from this instrument effectively resulted in the ‘Italianization of the voice’ to improve the quality and range of the singing voice. It was also claimed to be efficacious in treating coughs, colds, asthma, consumption etc.

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