Title
Old Gibraltar Oil of Birch Tar – Rectified – Kiefer-Stewart Co., Indianapolis
Author
Manufactured by Kiefer-Stewart Co., Indianapolis, Indiana
Image
Description
Clear glass bottle sealed with a cork, containing dark liquid labeled “Old Gibraltar Oil of Birch Tar – Rectified.” The front label features an illustration of the Rock of Gibraltar within an oval frame, with the manufacturer’s name Kiefer-Stewart Co., Indianapolis printed below.
Birch tar oil is a dark, viscous liquid obtained by destructive distillation of birch bark. Historically valued for its antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and preservative qualities, it was used in veterinary preparations, topical ointments, and sometimes medicinal liniments for skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. “Rectified” indicates a purified or refined version.
Condition
Excellent – full contents, label intact with minor handwritten marks, cork original and firmly seated. No chips or cracks to glass.
Gallery
Historical context
The Kiefer-Stewart Co. was a pharmaceutical wholesaler and manufacturer based in Indianapolis, active from the late 19th century into the 20th century. Birch tar oil has a long history in European folk medicine and was included in early pharmacopoeias for its antiseptic and dermatologic uses. The “Old Gibraltar” branding likely aimed to evoke strength, resilience, and stability—qualities associated with the Rock of Gibraltar.
Curious Facts, Ephemera, and Trivia
Birch tar oil has a distinctive smoky, leather-like scent and is still used in some niche perfumes and soaps today.
In veterinary medicine, birch tar preparations were once applied to hooves and hides to repel insects and promote healing.
The Rock of Gibraltar has been used in trademarks for centuries to imply steadfastness and quality
Excerpt
From a 1912 veterinary supply catalog:
“Old Gibraltar Birch Tar Oil—For the treatment of mange, eczema, and stubborn skin ailments in animals. Guaranteed pure and rectified.”
Why it is in the Cabinet
his bottle is a preserved example of a pharmaceutical product that straddles the line between human and veterinary medicine, reflecting early 20th-century reliance on plant-derived oils for topical treatments. The full contents, intact cork, and striking Rock of Gibraltar branding make it a standout in the collection.
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