Original 1960s Dental Anaesthetic Box – XYLOTOX – British Medical History Prop
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An authentic mid-century British medical presentation box, ideal for film, television, theatre, photography and display.
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This original XYLOTOX dental anaesthetic box was produced by the Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Company, Ashley Works, Ashley Road, Epsom, Surrey, and dates to the early–mid 1960s.
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Printed details include:
“Xylotox – Local Anaesthetic 2% with Epinephrine 1:80,000”
Batch No. 1540-467
Codes E.80 / 301/357
“Poison – Store in a cool dark place"
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The box retains its original internal compartment grid and embossed insert card reading:
“Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Company – Epsom, England – The Local Anaesthetic Specialists.”
With its warm aged patina, period typography and strong clinical labelling, this piece brings immediate authenticity to:
1950s–1970s dental or medical scenes
Pharmacy, surgery or hospital set dressing
Laboratory or clinical interiors
Vintage curiosity or apothecary displays
Product styling and still-life photography
The bold “POISON” marking and professional batch labelling make it especially effective for close-up or background detail.
 
The Objet d’Art Story
Once part of the quiet rhythm of a working dental surgery, this box would have sat within easy reach — opened countless times during long days of careful, skilled work. It speaks of a period when medicine was becoming modern and standardised, yet still carried the reassuring weight of craft, routine and trust. Today, its softened edges, clinical typography and measured warnings preserve a small but powerful fragment of everyday professional life — a reminder of the human stories behind the tools of care.
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Condition
Good vintage condition with age-related wear, surface marks and edge rubbing consistent with professional use and storage. Internal tray and original insert card present. Please study photographs as they form part of the description.
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Sold for display/prop or collecting purposes only. Not for medical use.
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Important Safety & Legal Notice
This item is sold strictly as a historical collectible and display piece. The box contains original vintage contents which are included for completeness and authenticity only. Due to age and unknown storage conditions, the contents must be regarded as obsolete. They are not suitable for medical, clinical, cosmetic, veterinary or any other use and must not be opened, handled unnecessarily, or used under any circumstances. By purchasing, the buyer confirms that the item is being acquired solely for collection, display or prop purposes and accepts full responsibility for its safe storage and handling. Sale is restricted to adults aged 18 and over. The seller accepts no liability for any use, misuse, handling or disposal of the contents.
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Price
£95 (prop-market retail; open to offers)