We have sourced a small collection of Victorian chemist's paste pots with lids. The lid of this cold cream pot is exquisitely designed and bears all of the proprietor's information in black and white: "Atkinson's Rose Cold Cream - 24 Old Bond London - Price 1s" with "Too Good Patent London" on the underside.

History

Cold cream was sold in shallow ironstone pots such as these in Victorian Britain until the commencement of the 1914 war. Practically every small chemist made his own pastes and creams, and had his own personalized printed lids. Unknown outside of their own town when alive, these chemists are now known to thousands of pot lid collectors, simply because they had the nouse to choose an attractive design for their paste pot lids; the pots now excavated from Victorian rubbish dumps. This was the era of the so-called elixir or cure-all whose advertisers recognized no boundaries; and also the era of edible pastes: potted meats and shrimps; bloater and anchovy pastes. The lettering and graphics applied to these paste pots now provide stunning examples of Victorian utilitarianism and a glimpse into 19^th century daily life, its needs and aspirations.

Year of manufacture: c.1880

Origin: England 

Material: ironstone china

Dimensions: Diameter 6cm Height 4cm

Condition: very good, considering these were literally chucked away and have been buried in the ground for a good 120 years. There is some slight crazing and two small chips - but nothing untoward. See last image.

What do we mean by vintage ironstone and creamware?

Is this a gift?

Our very handsome gift box (see image) will turn your generosity into something extra-special. To add to your order click here, and your gift will arrive beautifully wrapped and parcelled with our hallmark oval blue sticker.  We can also add a name tag and any message you would like included.