Rare, Complete 1924 Apothecary Found in Arizona

This apothecary comes from Hartigan's Drug Store on Main Street of Andover, Massachusetts which was operational for over 50 years. Its massive body has granite counters, chrome fixtures, mahogany paneling, a mirrored back bar and is completed with what once was a state-of-the-art soda fountain. Unlike today's drug stores, these pharmacies were a main watering hole in town. Alongside selling drugs, they sold everyday goods and the soda fountain was the popular place to meet up. However, as times changed people socialized differently and drug stores were shaped into a more functional store. Where Hartigan's once stood there is now a CVS and one of the few remaining memories of a idyllic, simpler time is this pharmacy.

When Hartigan's closed in 1977 the apothecary was sold to a private party in Texas. Later, it moved again and a room was custom built for it in Sun City, Arizona. Now it sits as a focal point of the J. Levine specialty auction on October 26, and will soon find a new home after being auctioned.

Although a niche item, just pieces of apothecaries such as the cabinets, back bar and counter displays have been known to fetch tens of thousands of dollars each at auction. The history and nostalgia of the items delight those who yearn for the days of yore.

"It's really a one of a kind treasure," said Steve Sanchez, founder of Hearts of Stone Charity

In addition to the 1924 Pharmacy, the Americana auction will offer an original carousel horse, naive art, automatons, signage and hundreds of other Americana items on Thursday, October 26. Doors open at 9 a.m. for preview on auction day, with live bidding starting at 11 a.m. PT. Bidders will also be able to view the full catalog and place bids online at jlevines.com.

For more information visit jlevines.com or call 480.496.2212.

SOURCE J. Levine Auction & Appraisal

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