Vintage box of Menthol-Cocaine Borate lozenges, marketed by Ad. Goy, a pharmacist in Paris. The composition explicitly mentions menthol, cocaine, and sodium borate, a combination presented at the time as an antiseptic and anesthetic for throat ailments. A testament to the former medicinal use of cocaine, whose name appears on both sides. Its pink and cream lithographed design combines a large red ribbon, floral motifs, and pharmaceutical emblems, with the original price of 2 francs per box.
✦ Period: Around 1900 ✦ Origin: Ad. Goy, pharmacist, Paris ✦ Dimensions: approx. 7.5 × 5 × 3 cm ✦ Material: Lithographed tin ✦ Condition: signs of use, wear to the design, and traces of oxidation.
A vintage cocaine box that combines the history of pharmacy with the charm of Belle Époque advertising.
