Two pharmaceutical labels from the Łódź Ghetto

Two pharmaceutical labels from the Łódź Ghetto

Two pharmaceutical labels from the Łódź Ghetto – 1940s. Among the rare surviving items from the Łódź Ghetto.

• White label is from Apotheke VI (Pharmacy No. 6). The red inscription “ÄUSSERLICH” indicates “For external use only.” Addressed at Fischstr. 5 (“Fish Street”), a small street within the ghetto where the sixth pharmacy was located.

• Purple label is from Apotheke VII (Pharmacy No. 7), located at Kirchplatz 8 (Church Square 8). A note at the bottom reads: “Leere Flaschen müssen gebracht werden” – “Empty bottles must be returned.” Kirchplatz was one of the best-known central locations of the ghetto. Near this square were the main offices of the Judenrat, and later in the war, the area served as a collection point for belongings looted from deportees.

Both labels bear the inscription “Der Aelteste der Juden in Litzmannstadt” (“The Eldest of the Jews in Litzmannstadt”) – the official title of Chaim Rumkowski. Every institution in the ghetto operated under his authority.

In total, around seven central pharmacies operated in the ghetto, supplying medicine to a population whose health deteriorated rapidly. These pharmacies were not private businesses but part of a broader public infrastructure functioning under Rumkowski’s administration, and they were required to use official German terminology for oversight purposes. The Łódź Ghetto developed one of the most complex and organized healthcare systems under Nazi occupation. At its peak, this system included hospitals, pharmacies, and outpatient clinics.

Very good condition.