Two metal pill boxes, United States, 1880-1935

Two metal pill boxes, by Seabury Pharmaceutical Laboratories

Pill boxes were used to carry small medications around either in a pocket or while travelling. In the days before mass-produced drug packaging, blister packs and screw top lids, patients were often handed their medicines in simple paper packets. The contents could then be transferred to pill boxes such as these.

The red and black boxes measure 25 mm in diameter and 10 mm in height and are marked with the maker’s name, “Seabury Pharmaceuticals Laboratories”.