New York, New York. 1868 Magnolia Water, Demas Barnes & Co. Bowers NY-6660. 34 mm. About Uncirculate

New York, New York. 1868 Magnolia Water, Demas Barnes & Co. Bowers NY-6660. 34 mm. About Uncirculated, nearly Choice.，Obverse: Liberty Head double eagle motif. Reverse: Advertisement in seven lines, MAGNOLIA WATER / FOR THE TOILET / SUPERIOR / TO THE BEST / IMPORTED / COLOGNE / AT HALF THE PRICE.<p>One tiny dent left of the portrait, but not heavy enough to even break the gilding which is probably about 80 percent complete overall. Bright golden and lustrous where the gilding is intact, and mellow olive brass elsewhere. Quite attractive.<p>Magnolia Water was one of many patent medicines advertised at the time to cure a wide array of often unrelated ailments. It was advertised in 1866 as follows:<p>"Agua de Magnolia. A toilet delight! The ladies treasure and gentlemens boon! The sweetest thing and largest quantity. Manufactured from the rich Southern Magnolia. Used for bathing the face and person, to render the skin soft and fresh, to prevent eruptions, to perfume clothing, &c. It overcomes the unpleasant odor of perspiration. It cools, softens, and adds delicacy to the skin. It yields a subdued and lasting perfume. It removes redness, tan, blotches, &c. It cures mosquito bites and stings of Insects. It cures nervous headache and allays inflammation. It contains no material Injurious to the skin. Patronized by Actresses and Opera Singers. It is what every lady should have. Sold everywhere. Try the Magnolia Water once and you will use no other Cologne, Perfumery, or Toilet Water afterwards. Demas Barnes & Co., Props. Exclusive Agts, N.Y."<p>This particular company was involved with Drakes Plantation Bitters (issuer of encased postage stamps) and a lot of other cure alls. <p>，Ex Q. David Bowers Collection.，