I Talk For Dr. Miles' Heart Cure - 1902

Elkhart, Indiana: Dr. Miles Medical Company, 1902. I Talk for Dr. Miles' Heart Cure" standing store display. Dr. Miles Medical Company, Elkhart, Indiana. 1902 Die-cut advertising standing counter-top sign plus five dresses and hat made circa 1902. Advertising on the front side reads: "I Talk for Dr. Miles' Heart Cure." At the base of the display: "Copyrighted by Dr. Miles Medical Co. 1902." The verso of each item has printed advertising for the medicine. The standing display measures 21 X 9 inches. Good plus condition overall. We show each item to better define condition and have left the tabs showing. Standing Display of Katrina Knickerbocker has several creases near top of head and neck and at base but overall, the cardstock remains strong. Folding stand on back remains intact but glue has dried at top end. Hat in very good condition. Katrina Knickbocker Costime No. 1 is moderately soiled on back and missing 1 x .5-inch piece on right side. Kartina Knickerbocker Costume No. 2 missing small chip on right side with several creases. Dorothy Quincy Costume No. 1 is lightly soiled on back with one abrasion to back. Dorothy Quincy Costume No. 2 is lightly soiled. Dorothy Qunicy No. 3 is lightly soiled and missing one tab. The Miles Medical Company was founded by Dr Franklin L. Miles (1845-1929) in Elkhart, Indiana in 1884 but he sold his interest within a couple years. The Miles company produced many popular remedies including Dr Miles Nervine, Dr Miles Pills, and Dr Miles Alternative Compound. Competition was fierce within the world of quack medicine with many companies producing advertising gimmicks, trade cards or almanacs to promote their cures. While some quack medicines did have active ingredients which alleviated symptoms, many were either benign or caused harm. Dr. Miles' New Heart Cure which came out in 1888 supposedly contained the dangerous compound digitalis. Those who sold the medicines were called "snake oil salesmen" using enthusiastic and deceptive sales techniques, including "fire and brimstone" sermons, theatrical productions, and confidence tricks. Today, quackery ephemera is highly collectible.