Historical information

Before mechanisation, pills were rolled by hand using equipment such as this pill press. Powders ingredients were blended together to form a resin, rolled and laid across the width of the platform. The paddle was then used to push the "sausage" shape through the grooves, creating a small, consistently sized and shaped, pill. The pill was then allowed to dry for later sale.
This pill press is of uncertain origins but is representative of the type of equipment used to create pills in the 19th Century. It has the capacity to make 24 pills at once, and markings on the metal plate indicate each pill would have been the equivalent of "5 grains" (approx 0.3 grams).

Physical description

Rectangular wooden platform with a metal (brass) plate divided into 24 (twenty-four) grooves with a catchment area. The wooden paddle has two handles, one on each end, with a matching metal plate and grooves, as well as metal (brass) guide bars to help the paddle align with the platform.

Inscriptions & markings

Handwritten on base of platform in black ink over white background: C11087
Handwritten on inside of guide bar on paddle in black ink over white background: C11087
Manufacturer's detail stamped into metal groove on platform: S. MAW SON / & / THOMPSON / LONDON