Genuine
Victorian
Transfer Printed
CURE ALL
Pot ~ Crock
HOLLOWAY'S OINTMENT
for the Cure of
Inveterate Ulcers, Chilblains, Chapped Hands
Insect Bites, Boils, Bad Legs etc!
113 Southwark Street, London
c. 1870
This is a fabulous tiny little transferware ointment pot or crock, circa 1880, salvaged from a Victorian tip in England. It once contained Holloway's Ointment, advertised as the cure for inveterate ulcers, chilblains, chapped hands, insect bites, boils, bad legs and whatever else ails you!. This ointment was made and sold by "Professor" Thomas Holloway, the most well known of all the "snake oil" salesmen in Britain. The product was shear quackery, but the Professor was highly successful in his aggressive advertising schemes before his death in 1883.
The crock was made in the Staffordshire district and is transfer printed in black. In addition to the name of the product and the boastful claims, the pot contains the trademark image of a man, holding a snake in his right hand, and wearing the white robes of the Gods. At his left knee is a small child holding a banner that proclaims "NEVER DESPAIR". Holloway's initials, TH, are embossed into the inside bottom of the pot. There is no maker's mark.
The tiny crock stands a mere 1 7/8" tall and 1 7/8" wide. It is thinly potted with a precision cut foot and crisp, finely applied transfer. It is in very good condition with a chigger bite on the foot rim, and no other chips, cracks, or repairs. It is in overall remarkable condition especially considering it was buried for about 100 years.
This diminutive little piece is wildly amusing, a throwback to a much simpler and goofier time in the world of medicine. The piece will make a great addition to any collection of transfer printed advertising wares or quack medicines .
Take a look at the rest of the collection this week; we are always happy to combine shipping of multiple purchases. Please send us an