A Child, Duck, and Bottle of Seltzer equals Strange Medicine

Who would've known that "timely and judicious" use of this product would "cure", "regulate", and "enable" someone to the brink of good health?! Not only that, it's "elegant" too!

I've long had a passion for Vintage Advertising and Art... it simply fascinates me... I love how folks "talked" back then... they were true Wordsmiths! Enlarge the images to read the interesting and entertaining text in these old ads.

Look at the fine detail the artists used in their illustrations... I find them to be oddly creative and whimsical... What kind of mind dreams up a child riding and medicating a duck while a fish swims below with a bottle sucked to its mouth?! I suppose it's no more odd than much of what is seen in modern advertising.

A simple ad... too bad it doesn't tell us what this amazing crushable pill is for...

Perhaps it was so popular in its time that there was no need to explain what it was used for... but obviously felt a need to inform folks that it could be crushed under their thumbs... no other way mind you, thumbs only!!

This must have been a very popular brand of Seltzer... I'm amused by how they describe, in detail, their packaging... color advertising wasn't an option so they spelled it out for their consumers... how thoughtful.

I like their claim to "not fail to effectively cure" ailments!

And... who knew that...

Just imagine... for only 35 cents and a few sprinkles a day, folks could firmly and comfortably wear their false teeth!

This illustration isn't quite as imaginative as others...

Another Tarrant's Seltzer ad, promoting the "celebrated seltzer spring of Germany" ... They say it's "pleasant to the taste, gentle in its action", and "invaluable for both sexes and all ages" ...

This illustration speaks more directly to the consumer with its "real life" depiction of folks gathering around to purchase the seltzer.

The last Vintage Advertising piece I'm sharing is one of the more strange ones, word-wise, in my opinion... perhaps in its time, though, it wasn't viewed as such...

What is with that?! ... Fleshy People ... Ohhhh my! This ad was supposedly written by a "regular practicing physician", however, nowhere in the ad is this Dr.'s name mentioned... there are plenty of claims made, though... no "bandages or tight lacing" are needed in order to "reduce your flesh"...

whewwww, that's good to know!

I wonder how many people ended up sending off for this amazing treatment?! The weight-loss business has existed longer than I'd imagined... and most likely will exist for some time to come.

I hope that you enjoyed taking a walk back in time to see how things were in the medical world of our ancestors... Let me know if you come across a child riding a duck while pouring magical seltzer in its mouth...

God bless...

Until another time... Pearl