Continuing the Halloween theme... going on the block this Thursday at Sotheby's NYC is a Vampire Killing Kit, possibly dating from the 19th century. A handsome, two-tiered, walnut box packed with wooden stake, mallet, crucifix, pistol, silver bullets, holy water, assorted serums, powdered garlic, etc, etc. The label proclaiming: "...items considered necessary for persons who travel into certain little known countries of Eastern Europe where the populace are plagued with a particular manifestation of evil known as Vampires. Professor Ernst Blomberg respectfully requests the purchaser of this kit carefully studies his book in order should evil manifestations become apparent he is equipped to deal with them efficently." It strikes me as exploitation of the popularity of Bram Stoker's Dracula (making it an early media tie-in product?), crossed with patent medicine fakery. A cool item, but is it approved by the Watchers' Council?
(spotted by Miss Fidget)
Another Blomberg Vampire Killing Kit is displayed here. http://www.surnateum.org/surnateum/collection/Cryptozoologie/rhesus3.htm
Among a huge collection of bizarre and magical artifacts.
Both of them seem to be forgery or made in late XXth century.
Posted by Joshua at 09:54 PM, November 17, 2003.Hi
Got one of these in my collection, with
the original text!