Rare Dr. Daniels' Smaltz-Painted Veterinary Sign
Updated August 26, 2026
| Lot number | 861 |
| Estimate | 6,000.00 - 8,000.00 USD |
| Auction | Antiques, Americana, and Advertising Auction - Day 3 |
| Date | September 11, 2026 at 3:30 PM EDT |
| Auction house | John M. Hess Auction Service, Inc. |
| Location | Manheim, Pennsylvania |
A beautiful sign and a rare opportunity to purchase the larger smaltz-painted Dr. Daniels' Veterinary Medicines. This sign was made in several sizes, this being the largest horizontal version and comes with a wonderful history. The sign itself is all original with no touchups or repairs. The maker's name is in the lower right corner, "Cross P & S Co. CH'GO". Single-sided with applied wood trim, ca. 1910. C.F. Goodnow was the main distributor for Dr. Daniels and was based in Philadelphia, PA. His name is often stenciled on the backs of vet cabinets, and he often produced various signs, wood and cardboard, with both names on it like this. On the back of the sign is the original cardboard shipping tag from Goodnow with delivery to M. L. Ruggles in Alderson Station (Luzerne County), Pennsylvania. Milton Lewis Ruggles (1874-1951) ran a country store that was started by his father Charles in the 19th century. The first store was also their residence and later expanded into the home. There is an excellent article online in the Dallas, PA newspaper, The Post, dated May 4,1951 in which the author relates his experiences going to the Ruggles store and spending time with Milton. The consignor is also including a RPPC showing Main Street in Mildred, PA (Sullivan County) which includes an identical Dr. Daniels' sign hanging in the foreground on the side of a building. Also present is Schaad's Hotel, built in 1880, and identifies the town the photo was taken in. For a similar sign, see Chupp's June 2025 auction. From a long time veterinary collection in Pennsylvania. 31 1/4"H x 47 1/4"W Scattered areas of loss and wear. Sign in original paint with nice dry finish and wonderful patina.
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More lots in this auction
- Dr. Daniels' Tin-Front Veterinary Cabinet
- Early Glass Front Dr. Claris Veterinary Cabinet
- Dr. Daniels' Ephemera & Unusual Vet Remedies
- Dr. Lesure's Veterinary Medicines Cabinet
- Dr. Daniels' Vet Remedy Boxes w/ Product
- Dr. J.N. Norwood's Veterinary Glass Front Cabinet
- Dr. Daniels' Vet Remedies Bottles & Boxes
- Humphreys Veterinary Specifics Display Cabinet
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