Container

As the label on the outside of this cylindrical wooden container attests, it once held 'Loasby's Rheumatic Pebbles.' These pebbles were prescribed for the treatment for Rheumatism, Sciatica, Lumbago and 'kindred complaints' in the early twentieth century, and were distributed by chemist A.M. Loasby of Colombo Street, Christchurch.

Part of the Guard family collection donated to Te Papa in 1993, the container appears to have been repurposed once the pebbles had been used, and it now contains two needles, two pins, two brass circlets and three beads.