How to make an EXTRACT OF SMART WEED bottle look enticing

Every once in a while I notice a style of photographing bottles and glass that prompts closer review. In this case the body of work is from Peter Marston from Plymouth, New Hampshire. These pictures speak volumes. They are crisp, detailed and use the mirror to maximum advantage. You are drawn into the picture. It is actually really challenging to photograph aqua and capture the character of the bottle. Very nice Peter.

I was really interested in finding out a little more on the DR. PIERCE’S EXTRACT OF SMART WEED bottle. I bet Elizabeth would say I could really use some of that stuff sometimes. Peter actually has it on eBay now. Description: Here for your consideration we have a beautiful CITRON colored 1880s ” Dr. Pierce Extract Of Smart Weed, Buffalo, N.Y. R V Pierce MD ”

Smartweed – In combination with tonics and gum myrrh, it is said to have cured epilepsy – probably dependent on some uterine derangement. The infusion in cold water, which may be readily prepared from the fluid extract, has been found serviceable in gravel, dysentery, gout, sore mouths, colds and coughs, and mixed with wheat bran, in bowel complaints. Antiseptic and desiccant virtues are also claimed for it. The fresh leaves, bruised with those of the Mayweed (Anthemis Cotula), and moistened with a few drops of oil of turpentine, make a speedy vesicant. – Botanical.com

Dr Ray Vaughn Pierce (pictured, courtesy of Project Gutenberg) was an über-quack whose laboratory in Buffalo, NY, produced millions of dollars worth of patent remedies. As well as the Pleasant Pellets, there were Dr Pierce’s Anuric Tablets, Dr Pierce’s Favorite Prescription, Dr Pierce’s Vaginal Tablets, Dr Pierce’s Extract of Smart-Weed and Dr Pierce’s Golden Medical Discovery – a licorice-flavoured tonic that reportedly contained quinine, opium and alcohol and was advertised as giving men “an appetite like a cow-boy’s and the digestion of an ostrich.” Pierce ran an opulent hotel for invalids, the first incarnation of which burnt down in 1881. The rebuilt hotel is said to have included among its guests the Sundance Kid and Etta Place in 1901. His company, the World’s Dispensary Medical Association, gave away freebies such as calendars and notebooks to advertise the products, and Pierce’s own book, The People’s Common Sense Medical Adviser in Plain English, was a vehicle for recommending his own medicines. As well as the laboratory in Buffalo, the company had a British branch at Great Russell Street, London. – The Quack Doctor

“I usually do the mirror thing with my eBay listings. I should get a new mirror or setup though. It is getting stale I think… have used that one mirror for a whole year”

Peter Marston

About Ferdinand Meyer V

Ferdinand Meyer V is a native of Baltimore, Maryland and has a BFA in Fine Art and Graphic Design from the Kansas City Art Institute and School of Design. Ferdinand is the founding Principal of FMG Design, a nationally recognized design consultation firm. Ferdinand is a passionate collector of American historical glass specializing in bitters bottles, color runs and related classic figural bottles. He is married to Elizabeth Jane Meyer and lives in Houston, Texas with their daughter and three wonderful grandchildren. The Meyers are also very involved in Quarter Horses, antiques and early United States postage stamps. Ferdinand is the past 6-year President of the Federation of Historical Bottle Collectors and is one of the founding members of the FOHBC Virtual Museum.
This entry was posted in Advice, Collectors & Collections, Druggist & Drugstore, eBay, History, Humor - Lighter Side, Medicines & Cures, Photography and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

Leave a Reply