Code: 12253
Genuine Victorian Transfer Printed
QUEEN'S CHERRY TOOTH PASTE
John Gosnell & Co ~ LONDON ENGLAND c. 1880
This is a fascinating toothpaste pot, circa 1880, salvaged from a Victorian dump tip in England. It once contained Toothpaste flavored with Cherry, one of the early varieties of toothpaste used in Britain. Tooth cleaning first become a hygenic standard in 18th century England, primarily for the upper classes, and was accomplished with a variety of strange tools. Tooth paste began appearing in the 19th century, and was marketed in these beautiful pots beginning in the 1880s, when nearly every chemist or pharmacist began formulating his own recipe and printing their own pots for advertising. This popular formulation using Cherry extract to make the paste a bit more palatable.
The attractive lid bears the name of the product, Cherry Tooth Paste ~ For beautifying & preserving the Teeth and Gums. Patronized by the Queen. Overpainted in Gold Luster. 3 1/8 inches wide x 1 5/8 inches tall.
Good Condition.. A couple of glaze rubs along the edge of the lid and two chips to the base not seen when together. The base and lid are a married set but fit nicely. The piece will make a great addition to any collection of transfer printed advertising wares or quack medicines, and would make a fabulous gift for the dentist in your life!
