Portable Apothecary Set

[Germany, late 18th century], walnut case with hinges, handle, lock and chased wrought-iron plates, marbled paper veneer inside lid, glass vials.
Very handsome portable case with 15 original vials.
This family or travel pharmacy appeared in this form as early as the 17th century, an elegant piece of furniture opening at the top and front by two flaps that reveal an interior lined with 15 flask compartments that held pharmaceutical powders, as well as 3 drawers, including a large central drawer, used to store utensils and prescriptions issued by the apothecary. The glass vials are rectangular in shape, closed with emery stoppers, one of which is broken inside its compartment.
The bottom of the upper lid retains a remarkable and rare paper, scraped and pebbled, painted in yellow and brown tones.
The box comes with its original wrought-iron key.
Dimensions: closed box: 16 x 16 cm and H. 16.5 cm; unfolded box length: 33.5 cm.