Poison flagon for auction

A stoneware flagon which used to contain a lethal ‘cure-all’ is to be auctioned at Chilcotts next Honiton sale.

Radam’s ‘Microbe Killer’ was hailed as a panacea in the late 19th century, when William Radam, a native of Prussia living in America, invented it as a way to kill microbes in humans.

As a gardener, Radam approached the theory in a similar way to killing pests on plants. His resulting medicinal compound was patented in 1886. Although it was 99% water, the liquid also contained 0.59 sulphuric acid, 0.016 sulphurous acid and ash.

Auctioneer, Duncan Chilcott said: “We were fascinated by the trademark for the medicine, a businessman swinging a club at a skeleton – presumably implying that drinking the mixture could combat death!”

Results were not always favourable for the person hoping to ward off illness through taking the draught. “In fact, this flagon was brought to our saleroom by a mid-Devon woman whose grandfather died at the age of fifty-nine, allegedly after taking the medicine,” added Duncan.

The story goes that, following an agricultural accident this unfortunate gentleman was in great pain and unable to work. Relatives in service in London recommended Radam’s ‘Microbe Killer’ and arranged for him to receive a jar. Shortly afterwards he died. Newspaper articles of the time report that he died from swallowing poison, and as neither he nor his wife could read or write his death was believed to have been caused by taking too much of the ‘cure-all’. His family kept the jar in the shed at the family home, and the story has been passed down the generations.

Despite this sad story, it appears that Radam’s intentions were sound; he declared he was prepared to ‘forfeit $1,000 if any single one of our testimonials can be proven as not genuine.’

Although Radam passed away in 1902 having amassed great wealth through sales of his quack medicine, and despite several serious attempts to discredit its efficacy, the Microbe Killer continued to be produced and sold worldwide, with jugs like the example for sale made in a London factory. Popularity began to decline after a 1913 judgement that the mixture was only likely to irritate the stomach and upper intestine of most people.

This fascinating flagon is likely to fetch in the region of £100. Also for auction are four other flagons with historical flavours although these once contained more wholesome contents, including one from wine merchants Paine & Co in Tiverton, Hugh C Bond in Wiveliscombe and John Read Wines & Spirits of Honiton.

The flagons are all included in the next Chilcotts ‘Furniture and Interiors’ sale on May 7 at the Silver Street saleroom next to Honiton Community College. Viewing is May 6 from 9am - 7pm and on sale day from 8.30am. The sale starts at 10.30am.