There is little a vintage seller likes better than diving down a rabbit hole in search of information. We’ve talked about it before, sometimes the internet give us what we want, and other times it makes us keep digging fruitlessly because we know the next search word combination is going to be the one that brings the jackpot. This week’s fresh to market vintage sent us down a poisonous rabbit hole.
The Daisy Fly Killer, featuring arsenic, made us think about the movie Cary Grant movie Arsenic and Old Lace (1944), which made us wonder how common it was to have arsenic around the house and what was it used for in the 1890s, the era from which the Daisy Fly Killer originates. Here’s a few arsenic nuggests we unearthed.
Arsenic was used to make a pigment called Paris Green, which was used for wallpaper, paint and fabrics of all kinds, including clothing. It off gassed hazardous fumes and caused truly unfortunate skin symptoms from wearing it. It has been postulated that Napoleon died from being poisoned by Paris Green wallpaper.
It was used in lotions and face powders to help women achieve the much desired pale complexion. It was also consumed in complexion wafers, which helped get that pale skin from the inside.
Arsenic was used in medicines, including Fowler’s solution, which was used as a tonic and as a treatment for malaria, syphilis, leukemia, asthma, eczema and psoriasis. Charles Darwin is thought to have used it.
And of course, one kept arsenic around the house for mixing up a rat poison, as one does.
That’s enough arsenic info to whet your appetite. After you’ve enjoyed this week’s fresh to market vintage, there are some links to articles about arsenic use in the Victorian era at the end, in case we’ve made you hungry for more.
Antique Ashuelot River Souvenir Dish
It is finally cooling down here in New England, and it is the perfect time for drives in the country with a picnic lunch. Some of our favorite things are related to water. Waterfalls, lakes, the ocean and even a burbling brook are our favorite places to eat. This antique handkerchief design souvenir dish was made in Germany and features the Ashuelot River with a bridge in the distance. The location is Winchester, NH. J H Bliss, the shop owner who originally sold this, worked with Wheelock China to have these made in Dresden. Maybe we will try to find this spot on the river this weekend and of course get some apples from an orchard on the way. Hope your weekend is peaceful and lovely.
Antique Ashuelot River Souvenir Dish Made in Germany, $52.99
Mary Ellen, Aunt Hatties Attic
Twisted Rope Bracelet
This 1990s Monet bracelet is gold plated and bears the oval hang tag marked Monet on the clasp. Simplicity at its best. With the seasons beginning to change, this classic rope chain works well with fall colored accessories or on its own. A easy everyday piece or perhaps a holiday gift to purchase in advance of the rush. You decide.
Monet Twisted Rope Bracelet, $22.95
Pam, Vintage Renude
“Daisy Fly Killer” Tin (c 1920s)
Vintage “Daisy Fly Killer” tin with beautiful graphics that were designed to attract and kill flies. It was patented Feb. 28th, 1888, by Harold Somers Inc., Brooklyn, NY. This tin is unused, but it makes me wonder what happened to the humans who were naive enough to follow the directions and activate the arsenic?
Vintage “Daisy Fly Killer” Insecticide Tin, $40
Linda, Shop
1950s Lustro-Ware Spice Rack
Not every piece of vintage makes me audibly gasp. When you’ve spent 15 years selling, loving and learning about vintage, sometimes you can be a little blasé. Oh, Pyrex Butterprint, how delightful…yawn. It’s not that I don’t love it all, it’s that some things I’ve seen so often, they’ve lost their thrill of the find for me.
This little Lustro-Ware hard red plastic spice rack though. Not only did I gasp, I squeaked a little. Once retailing for 25¢, it does not appear to have ever been used. It is everything. It’s the right color, has splendid typography and is made of hard plastic, a material that holds an unholy attraction for me.
There is no contortion of space and time that will make this fit in my kitchen or it would have been part of my permanent collection. I have not ruled out questioning the future buyer about their intentions with this little plastic gem.
Lustro-Ware Red Hard Plastic Spice Rack, $85.
Laurie, NextStage Vintage
Want more info about arsenic in the Victorian era? You may enjoy these links which were useful in writing the intro:
Arsenic: a domestic poison, Royal College of Surgeons of England.
Death on the doorstep: Arsenic in Victorian Wallpaper, St. Louis Art Museum
A Little History of Arsenic Green, American Dutchess
Arsenic: A Murderous History, Dartmouth Toxic Metals Superfund Research Program
If there’s one thing we love at Vintage Unscripted, it’s taking detours down unexpected rabbit holes. We like to share what we dig up with our readers. One way to never miss a single post is to subscribe to our email newsletter that arrives every Sunday with links to all our posts from the previous week. We promise you, it’s 100% spam and arsenic free.
