Product Details

This object is an antique Vapo-Cresolene Vaporizer, a Victorian-era medical device from the late 1800s. Purpose and Use Medical Treatment: It was designed to treat respiratory ailments such as whooping cough, spasmodic croup, asthma, bronchitis, and colds. Mechanism: A cresol-based coal tar solution was placed in the top metal tin cup and heated by the kerosene lamp below. The resulting fumes were meant to be inhaled. Component Details Stand: The ornate, gold-toned stand is typically made of brass or plated metal. Lamp: The base contains a small glass kerosene oil lamp, often marked "Vapo-Cresolene". Chimney: The lamp features a white milk glass chimney to protect the flame. Provenance and Dates Patent Dates: The metal stand holder is frequently stamped with patent dates ranging from 1885 to 1888. Manufacturing Era: These devices were manufactured by the Vapo-Cresolene Company from the 1880s until approximately the 1950s.