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Original 1918 Salesmen's Diary and Expense Book issued by the Pepsin Syrup Company and Pinus Medicine Company of Monticello, Illinois.
Pocket-size salesman’s book measures approximately 5 1/2" x 3". The dated 1918 diary/expense pages appear unused with no entries observed. Page edges retain substantial original gold-colored gilt.
The book contains period pharmaceutical advertising and sales material for Dr. W. B. Caldwell's Syrup Pepsin and other products marketed by the companies, including Fruitola, Traxo, Pinus and Dr. Caldwell's Instantaneous Corn Plaster. Interior material includes illustrated product advertisements, retail and trade pricing, dealer discounts, freight information and a "Me Too Grandpa" drugstore window-display promotion. One page directly addresses "MR. SALESMAN" with instructions for promoting the display offer.
The Pepsin Syrup Company was established in Monticello, Illinois in 1893 to manufacture and market Dr. Caldwell's Syrup Pepsin, which became an important Monticello patent-medicine business.
Also includes the complete 1918 calendar/diary, weights and measures and other reference material, including U.S. Weather Bureau flag and storm-signal information.
Condition: Interior diary pages appear unused and remain generally clean and legible for age. Exterior shows substantial age and storage wear, including edge and corner loss, peeling/lifting of the cover material and deterioration along the spine. Please review photographs carefully for binding and cover condition.
An original 1918 pharmaceutical sales and advertising piece rather than a later reproduction.
