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Original circa 1895–1915 paper comb envelope from F. A. Barker, prescription druggist, located at 134 Main Street at the corner of Hancock Street in Gloucester, Massachusetts.
This small paper sleeve was used by Barker’s Drug Store as packaging for a comb purchased from the pharmacy. The comb is no longer present—the listing is for the empty advertising envelope only.
The front features detailed illustrations of a comb and hairbrush and advertises:
• Toothbrushes
• Nail and hair brushes
• Combs
• Toilet articles
• Cosmetics
• Perfumery
• Pure drugs and medicines
• Prescriptions carefully prepared at all hours, day and night
F. A. Barker operated one of Gloucester’s prominent early drugstores. An 1898 city directory described the business as carrying a large stock and employing more registered pharmacy workers than any other drugstore in the city. Barker also prepared medicine chests for Gloucester vessels and published a 1901 edition of “The Mariner’s Medical Guide,” connecting the pharmacy to Gloucester’s historic fishing and maritime industries.
A scarce piece of original Cape Ann pharmacy packaging with appeal to collectors of Gloucester history, antique drugstores, barber and grooming items, medical advertising and early product packaging.
Condition: Empty original paper envelope with age toning, scattered discoloration, light creasing, edge wear and a worn or stained area near the lower-right portion. No comb or other contents are included. Currently stored flat in a protective sleeve with a separate backing board. Please examine the photographs carefully for the exact condition.
Guaranteed original—not a reproduction.
