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Wolfe

’

s Schnapps

These two advertising knives were made by Fernando Esser in Germany. Esser

manufactured hardware and iron goods as well as knives, machetes, and

bayonets. The firm operated from 1857 to 1966. The knives advertise Wolfe

‟

s

Aromatic Schiedam Schnapps - one in English and the other in Spanish.

What were these Aromatic Schnapps? It was a patent medicine. Udolpho and

Joel Wolfe introduced the Holland medicinal gin to the American public in 1849.

A label on one of their bottles read:

A pure aromatic spirit, distilled and prepared in Schiedam, Holland from

an original recipe, and possessing rare medicinal qualities in all diseases

of the kidneys, bladder and urinary organs. As a tonic, diuretic, and

antidispeptic cordial, it has the recommendation of the leading continental

physicians, and is now acknowledged as the latest and most valuable

remedy for gravel [gall stones], gout and chronic rheumatism.

They also said that it would cure

“

Chronic Rheumatism, Incipient Dropsy,

Flatulence, Colic Pains of the stomach or bowels whether in Adults or Infants,