Best Of The West Live Auction (November 13, 2026 5:30 PM PT)

Circa 1864–1865, applied top, 8 1/2". Dr. Ralzemond Parker established his San Francisco business in 1860 and advertised his balsam in 1864 and 1865 before relocating to Oroville by 1866. The product's unusual name likely derives from the Upper Columbia term "Tla-quill-augh," meaning a medicine man or healer. Nineteenth century accounts describe Tla-quill-aughs as individuals possessing supernatural powers and extensive knowledge of medicinal herbs. There are approximately eight known examples, with nearly all exhibiting some form of damage. These bottles are primarily found in two colors: deep olive green and the beautiful peach puce shade seen here. They are believed to have been blown at the Pacific Glass Works and share colors found in the Salutaris Bitters, Wideman & Chappaz, and some of the early Pacific Glass Works whiskey cylinders. Possessing the color, crudity, and rarity sought by advanced collectors, this bottle ranks among the most desirable of all early California medicines and remains near the top of many Western collectors' want lists.

Description & Condition: Beautiful peachy apricot color with crude early glass loaded with champagne bubbles. The top was professionally replaced above the drip by Maxine Hines in the 1980s and is very difficult to detect with the naked eye. Well–hidden 1/2" bruise on the base, a shallow sliver of a chip on the base edge, and a few minor 1/8" surface impacts scattered throughout the body. Several annealing checks in the neck. All condition issues are subtle, and the bottle displays beautifully. No additional examples have surfaced in more than 30 years, and it is highly unlikely that others will ever be found. For the serious collector, opportunities to acquire a Parker’s may not happen for many years to come.

Min. Bid $3,000 - Est. $6,000–$12,000