When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Fascinating original circa 1949–1950 University of Washington College of Pharmacy prescription archive, preserved on its period Globe-Wernicke ring filing board and still retaining its handwritten orange “NARCOTIC FILE” index tab.
This is an especially unusual piece of mid-century American pharmacy history. The file contains numerous original handwritten prescriptions and compounded formulas on University of Washington College of Pharmacy, Seattle prescription forms. Visible records date to approximately 1949–1950 and include patient names, physician signatures, prescription numbers, quantities, dispensing instructions, and period pharmaceutical terminology.
Most notably, one surviving prescription/formula specifically references Cocaine HCl (cocaine hydrochloride), while other pages include codeine-containing preparations and additional period medications. These are historical paper prescription records only; no pharmaceutical substances or medications are included.
Rather than a group of unrelated prescriptions assembled later, the papers remain together on their original working file with the period “NARCOTIC FILE” tab, giving the collection wonderful context and display appeal. The heavy fiberboard filing board is fitted with a gray metal Globe-Wernicke Cincinnati ring mechanism.
SPECIFICS
• University of Washington College of Pharmacy, Seattle
• Circa 1949–1950
• Original handwritten prescription archive
• Period “NARCOTIC FILE” index tab
• Prescription/formula referencing Cocaine HCl
• Additional period pharmaceutical preparations including codeine
• Multiple physicians and patients represented
• Original Globe-Wernicke Cincinnati filing mechanism
• Heavy fiberboard backing
• Historical paper records only — no medications or pharmaceutical substances included
• Excellent pharmacy, medical, drugstore, pharmacology, or University of Washington collectible
CONDITION
Authentic vintage working condition with age toning, foxing, spotting, edge wear, handling marks, occasional small tears and other signs of decades of use and storage. Metal filing hardware shows appropriate age and surface wear. Prescription sheets contain original handwriting and period notations throughout. The archive has intentionally been left together in its found configuration. Please review photographs closely for individual contents and condition.
From an era when a pharmacy’s “NARCOTIC FILE” really could contain a handwritten cocaine prescription — this one is an incredible little time capsule of American pharmaceutical history.
Keywords: vintage pharmacy, narcotic file, cocaine prescription, Cocaine HCl, 1950 pharmacy, 1949 prescription, University of Washington, UW pharmacy, Seattle pharmacy, antique prescription, medical ephemera, pharmacy ephemera, pharmaceutical history, pharmacist collectible, drugstore memorabilia, medical archive, Globe Wernicke, apothecary collectible, pharmacology history
