Early Version Quack Medicine ~ Chilblains Bad Legs Pot ~ 1880

Code: 10997

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. 1880

This is an earlier version of Holloway's 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  whatever 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 aggressive advertising schemes before he died 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 woman, holding a snake in her right hand, and wearing Roman robes. At her left knee is a small child holding a banner that proclaims "NEVER DESPAIR".

The tiny crock stands a mere 1 3/4 inches tall and 2 inches wide. It is thinly potted with a precision cut flared rim. It is in great condition.