Inside this black case is an old Champion Chemical Company mortician’s kit. Filled with original contents and compartments for the materials used in postmortem restorative art. (putting a damaged body back together before the family sees them; basically plastic surgery for the deceased)
The original key is present & the lock is functioning. The jars and containers have remnants of the original wax, powders, & materials. The original instructional sheet is present:
“Punctures — Gun Shot Wounds,” "Cancer Cavities" "Deep Wounds and Lacerations" "Black Eyes, Spots and Discoloration"
Before an open-casket funeral, trauma, disease or postmortem changes could leave features that families were never meant to see. The embalmer becomes the anatomist, sculptor, and makeup artist - using wax, powders, colors, stitching, and modeling tools to reconstruct the appearance of the person who died.
Champion was one of the biggest American names in this profession and still sells restorative “Plastic Surgery Wax” today for the same purpose: filling and rebuilding cuts, wounds and lesions.
Details
Maker: The Champion Chemical Company
Origin: Springfield, Ohio, USA
Date: Circa 1920s–1930s
Material: Textured covered hard case, metal fittings, fitted interior, glass jars with metal lids, paper instruction label
Features: Folding fitted case, carrying handle, metal corner protectors, keyed lock and original key
Condition: Good antique working condition with some age-related wear consistent with professional use. Exterior shows handling use. Paper instructional label is toned and remains legible. Contents are historical display objects only and should not be used. Original lock & key is present. Please review all photographs carefully.
