Brass Medicine Case Appraisal

Vintage Brass Syringe and Apothecary Kit Case

This item is an antique or vintage rectangular brass case containing various medical or apothecary components. The case is constructed from a thin-gauge brass or similar copper-alloy metal, exhibiting a significant aged patina with dark oxidation, heavy spotting, and surface wear consistent with mid-20th-century origins. Inside, the kit houses at least three clear glass vials or ampules and a metal hypodermic needle component. Some of the glass components appear to have cork stoppers or remainders of sealants. A modern barcode sticker is affixed to the interior of the lid, indicating it may have been processed through a contemporary resale or secondary market. The metal surfaces show signs of scratching and dulling, while the hinges appear functional but aged. The craftsmanship suggests a mass-produced utilitarian medical or first-aid accessory from the World War II era through the 1950s. The internal contents appear loosely packed rather than held in custom fitted inserts, suggesting parts may be mismatched or the original organization has been lost. The exterior has a matte, unpolished finish with visible thumbprints and environmental tarnish.