Brown's, O.P. Brown's, Professor O. Phelps Brown's,

Dr. Oliver Phelps Brown

This page shows the various types of 'Brown's' pots originating from the central London area.

Dr Oliver Phelps Brown was born in the United States in 1825 and lived 53 years. He developed a great interest in herbal medicine and by 1850 had established a propriety medicine business in New Jersey, USA.

During the mid 1890's, it is recorded that Dr. Brown travelled to London to establish a business outlet at the address of King Street, Covent Garden; the address that appears on many of his pots.

He established a partnership with Frederick W Hale, another American citizen who was born in 1848. In 1880 the trademark for Brown's Herbal Remedies was registered in the UK. Business flourished for the Brown's products and later, the "Natures Herbal Ointment" brand was introduced. These pots, which came in two sizes, carry many lines of writing detailing the remedies and instructions for use.

In 1883 the business moved from King Street to Chandros Street, (still within Covent Garden) where the business continued to trade until 1902.

There was a further address change from 61 Chandos Street to 60 Chandos Street. The address change is evidenced on the smaller sized pots.

In 1906 the business of 'Brown O Phelps Ltd' was established.

The chronological order of the "Brown's" pots therefor are (1) Brown's Herbal Ointment (2) O.P. Brown's Herbal Ointment, (3) Natures Herbal Ointment and (4) Prof. O. Phelps Brown's Herbal Ointment.

Several variations of these pots are rarely seen.

O.P. Brown's Herbal Ointment Price 1/1½ size Very rare early Variation
Brown's Herbal Ointment Price 1s 1½ Smallest of the two sizes Scarce
Brown's Herbal Ointment Price 2s 9d Largest of the two sizes Scarce
Brown's Herbal Ointment Size Comparison Small 43mm, Large 69 mm
O.P. Brown's Herbal Ointment Price 2s 9d 2 variation's, 32 Pages & 64 Pages Largest of the two sizes Scarce / Rare
O.P. Brown's Herbal Ointment Price 1s 1/½ 2 variation's, 32 Pages & 64 Pages Smallest pot of the two sizes Scarce
Prof. O. Phelps Brown's Herbal Ointment Two price sizes 1s 1½ & 2s 9d Scarce / Rare
O.P. Brown's & Prof O. Phelps Brown Herbal Ointment Size Comparison Small 42mm, Large 68 mm
O.Phelps Brown's Naturess Herbal Ointment Price size 1/3 Paper label on milk glass pot

Auction Sales

O. Phelps Brown, , small size 1s 1½d, Cracks and nibbles, sold Ebay September 2011 for £49 plus p&p
O. Phelps Brown, , small size 1s 1½d, stains and nibbles, sold Ebay October 2012 for £48 plus p&p
O. Phelps Brown, , small size 1s 1½d, Good condition, sold Ebay December 2012 for £91 plus p&p
O. Phelps Brown, , small size 1s 1½d, lip flake otherwise good, sold Ebay Jan 2013 for £67 plus p&p
Brown's, larger size 2s 9d, Good but stained, sold Ebay November 2011 for £102 plus p&p
Brown's, larger size 2s 9d, Good, sold Ebay March 2013 for £102 plus p&p
O. P. Brown, , larger size 2s 9d, Good but stained, sold Ebay November 2011 for £64 plus p&p
O. P. Brown, , small size 1s 1½d, Good cond, sold Ebay December 2012 for £128 plus p&p
O. P. Brown, , small size 1s 1½d 32 pages, chips & hairlines, sold Ebay March 2013 for £38 plus p&p
O. P. Brown, , small size 64 pages, 1s 1½d, Good cond, sold Ebay March 2013 for £51 plus p&p

Further detailed information can be obtained from the Historical Guide to Delftware and Victorian Ointment Pots

book produced by Messrs. Houghton & Priestley, pages 48 to 56.