De Gouden Gaper Dutch 2003 Set 23 Miniature Pharmacy Yawners, Orig Cabinet RARE

Description: Home Lucy & Desi Christmas Halloween Items On Sale About UsNewsletterLucy & DesiChristmasHalloweenItems on Sale Menu Store Categories Art Books Magazines Cars & Automotive Christmas Clothing & Accessories Crafts & Sewing Disneyana Dolls & Bears Modern Dolls & Bears Vintage Entertainment Memorabilia Father's Day Glass Halloween Jewelry Modern Decor Mother's Day Pottery Silver Toys Other --> --> Product Description Amazing and hard-to-find set of 23 miniature resin gapers/yawners, issued in 2003 by the Dutch De Gouden Gaper Collection and includes the rare original wooden display cabinet. The cabinet was original made to hold 22 figures, but 24 ended up being issued. We have numbers 1-24, missing only number 22. The gaper is a fascinating phenomenon - made to resemble a patient opening their mouth to receive medicine and originals were made to place above the door of a pharmacy in the 1700's to indicate where to go for "quality goods." These were designed to resemble the remaining gapers found in the Netherlands in their museums. Our set is in excellent condition; only a few of the approx 2.7" figures have a tiny chip or wear. On the cabinet faux drawers, 2 tiny knobs are missing but does not detract. Each piece is signed and the details are remarkable; please look closely at all the photos! Wooden cabinet is substantial size of 23" x16" x3". HISTORICAL BACKGROUND: Gapers, or yawners, were early advertising signs in front of Dutch pharmacies to attract customers, but also to show the quality of the store. They would initially have been put on the awnings, but during the 17th century, they were often mounted on to the facade of the building. The mouths aren't open to yawn, however, it's to take medicine sold by the pharmacy. The Gaper. Traditional Dutch pharmacy ornaments. The gaper is the name outside the pharmacies and chemists shops in used from 17 century and only found in Dutch region. The gaper remains an unexplained phenomenon. Its origin is unknown and various explanations exist for its characteristic feature - ahead with a wide open gaping mouth - they resemble a patient receiving medicine. Sometimes they have a pill on their tongue and often have freaky expression is due to the medicine tasting fowl. The main story is that in 1700 when the Netherlands did allot of trade with eastern countries allot of their medical herbs and ointments came along with it. Everyone was intrigued by these eastern cultures and pharmacies started to use gapers. The explanation for why so many of them depict people of Moorish origin is that they were supposed to symbolize the foreign origin of the medicines. These heads were placed above the door to show people where a pharmacy was located and that they sold quality goods. Also there is evidence that gapers are related to a medieval cultural belief that monsters with outstretched tongue could remove evil spirits. It is still a mystery how gapers became the symbol associated with drugstores. They look really curious and amazingly weird. Testimonials I entrusted my mother and father's (Lucille Ball & Desi Arnaz) memorabilia to Connectibles, and during the entire evaluation and auction process, never for a moment did I feel anything less than completely confident, protected and guided by experienced and compassionate professionals who love what they do. We got wonderful results and the best part... it was great fun!" - Lucie Arnaz Payment Information Thank you for choosing to shop with us at Connectibles where we guarantee 5 Gold Star Satisfaction! Shipping Policy We ship within 24 hours of payment whenever possible as we know you are eager to receive your purchase. We only charge actual shipping costs and do NOT add handling fees. Happy to do combined shipping whenever size permits. Terms of Sale We strive for FIVE STAR Service in our descriptions, communication, shipping speed & costs! We know you have many choices on Ebay, & are more appreciative that you have chosen to shop with us. Tips for International Customers Please Note: We love selling Internationally,as shown in our Store Map below! Please note that Import duties aren't included in item price & shipping fee. These are the buyer's responsibility. Please check with your customs office to see what these additional costs may be before bidding. Thank you for your understanding. Please contact us if any questions. Home | About Us | Newsletter | Art | Collectibles | Clothing & Accessories Copyright © 2017 Connectibles eBay, All rights reserved. Showcase your items with Auctiva's Listing Templates! THE simple solution for eBay sellers. Track Page Views WithAuctiva's Counter

Price: 399.99 USD

Location: Westport, Connecticut

End Time: 2025-01-04T17:37:44.000Z

Shipping Cost: N/A USD