More Kits of Unusual Nature

As someone with a passion for artistry, good practical design and portable power, I'm always on the lookout for kits of various kinds, especially as related to magic and potions. Though not potion-related per se, these kits still deserved an honourable mention as being rather interesting and potentially even useful items to own.

For sale online was this array, a vintage oil salesman's promotional kit from the 1940s. My interest in oil leads me to some curious places!

The salesman, in this case for an oil company, would be able to display the products and performance of each of the company's products as he traveled around to meet prospective buyers in the early years of the car culture boom. While not all of the substances are clear, it's likely a range of fuels, lubrications and waxes, and possibly a sample of the raw crude oils.

Bit dusty!


And now for a different animal. For awhile in the 19th century these vampire-slaying kits were apparently a choice item of prestige to possess, as each was beautifully designed and no doubt expensive.

Besides the obvious holy water and possibly blood, I have no idea what's in those bottles. It would be quite an adventure to find out!

Other things are more clear: a pistol with silver bullets, knives, stakes and mallets, crucifixes, bibles and candles. Although many cultures have some type of vampiric entity, the stereotypical vampire as we know it, like Satan, is attache to Christianity, and is essentially part of Christianity's dark side: Without the context of the "light" portion of that religion, the dark parts have much less weight and meaning. In symbolism and tools, these kits are testimony to that link.

It's fun looking at the contents of each kit and pondering, Which would I choose for heading into the field? Which equipment suits my tastes and needs the most? Of course, without having fought an actual vampire --- something I never plan to do, not counting the common energy vampire type found in inwardly wounded people --- it's hard to determine.

I just might like this last one the best. A bit of everything, you know.