Container - Wood - Box for gilding pills

Ball for gilding or silvering pills in turned wood (boxwood?), on a pedestal, dating from the 19th century. This pharmacy instrument was intended to improve the appearance of pills, generally blackish. Placed inside with gold or silver leaves, they were covered with them by a rotating movement. Good general condition, nice shine, and no cracks. Remains of silvering inside. This 19th-century antique treen apothecary pill silverer is crafted from solid, well-preserved boxwood, featuring a warm, golden-brown hue with subtle darkening on the lid from consistent use. The complete bowl-and-lid set is in excellent condition without cracks, with faint traces of the original silver leaf remaining inside. Historically, these rare, sought-after, and authentic items were used by chemists to coat medicinal pills with precious metal leaves, utilizing acacia mucilage for adhesion. This piece is a highly collectible artifact from the era.