Thomas Holloway 1800 - 1883
There are many ointment pots and ointment pot lids in the "Holloway's" range showing differing addresses in London and New York City.
Thomas Holloway was born in 1800 in Plymouth, Devon and moved to London in 1828. Several years later he became involved in the medicine profession and began to market his own ointment product around 1837 from a London address known as Broad Street Buildings. Four years later Thomas Holloway began to trade from 244 Strand, London.
During the mid 1850's, he employed an agent in the United States (as evidenced from some advertising in the New York Daily Times dated September 1852), to market pills and his ointment. Further evidence from advertising recorded in the same journal in March 1855 proves that Holloway's business in the US was well established and that his business was trading from an address known as 80 Maiden Lane New York. In 1878 the business moved a few doors along to 78 Maiden Lane, New York.
Relocation of premises also occured in the UK during the end of the 1860's, from the London Strand address to a more prestigious location at 533 Oxford Street, London where the business remained until the 1880's. Subsequent changes occured within Oxford Street but the pots continued to bear the "533" address.
Thomas Holloway survived to the grand old age of 83 and the business he had established continued to flourish after his death.
A final premises change occured to the south side of the river Thames, recorded in 1910 at the Post Office London Directory, to 113 Southwark Street, London.
The smaller sizes of pots are commonly found but do carry variations, some quite subtle, particularly with the hairstyles and drappery worn by the seated lady. An interesting variation is that known as the "boobs out" variation whereby the printers obviously has some fun when producing the transfer. The larger sizes of ointment were sold in lidded pots that carried the pictorial. One of the U.S. variants has a sepia print.
In addition to the name of the product and the boastful claims, the pot contains the trademark image of a woman wearing an ethereal white robe and flanked by a snake, the symbol for healing. At her left knee is a small child holding a banner that reads ‘NEVER DESPAIR’. The images are of Hygeia, the goddess of health, and Hygeia's baby brother Telesphorus, the demi-god of convalescence, who brings flufilment of recuperation and complete recovery from illness. Holloway's initials, TH, are embossed into the inside bottom of the pot.
Thomas Hollway's businesses were located in London at premises as follows :- 1837 - 1839 at Broad Street Buildings 1840 - 1867 at 244 at Strand 1868 - 1881 at 533 Oxford Street 1881 - 1909 at 78 Oxford Street (but kept the 533 Address) 1910 - 1931 at 113 Southwark Street
USA Locations 1853 - 1870's at 80 Maiden Lane, New York 1870's - 1883 at 78 Maiden lane, New York
London - Family Ointment Variations |
Holloway's Universal Family Ointment Scrofulous & Indolent Tumours 244 Strand, London Price 1s 1½d
Very rare |
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Holloway's Universal Family Ointment Scrofulous & Indolent Tumours 244 Strand, London Price 1s 1½d
Very rare | |
| | Holloway's Universal Family Ointment Scrofulous & Indolent Tumours 244 Strand, London Price 1s 1½d
Very rare |
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Holloway'sUniversal Family Ointment Gout & Rheumatism 244 Strand, London Rolled lip & Recessed rim Very rare |
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Holloway's Family Ointment Scrofulous & Indolent Tumours 244 Strand, London Price 1s 1½d
Scarce |
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| London & New York, US Prices |
Holloway's Ointment Cure of Scrofula etc. New York & 244 Strand Price 25 cents
Scarce | |
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Holloway's Ointment Cure of Scrofula etc. New York & 244 Strand Price 25 cents Sepia Print
Scarce | |
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Holloway's Ointment
Cure of Scrofula etc. New York & 244 Strand Price 25 cents Scarce | |
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Holloway's Ointment Cure of Scrofula etc. New York only Price 25 cents
Scarce | |
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Holloway's Ointment Gout & Rheumatism 80 Maiden Lane, New York Price 25 cents
Scarce |
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Holloway's Ointment Gout & Rheumatism 80 Maiden Lane, New York Price size 35 cents
Scarce |
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Note - There exists a pot similar to that above
showing the prices of 25c, 50, & $1
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Holloway's Ointment 78 Maiden Lane, New York Price 35 cents
Rare |
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Note - There exists a pot similar to that above showing
the address of 80 Maiden lane, same price
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London Non-Pictorials |
244 Strand & |
533 Oxford St, Late Strand |
Holloway's Ointment Gout & Rheumatism Price 1/1½d 244 Strand London
Scarce | |
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Holloway's Ointment Gout & Rheumatism Price 1/1½d 533 Oxford St late 244 Strand
Scarce | |
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London Pictorials |
533 Oxford Street |
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Holloway's Ointment Gout & Rheumatism Price 1/1½ 533 Oxford St, London
Common | |
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Holloway's Ointment Gout & Rheumatism 533 Oxford St, London Various different pictorial images of Hygeia with different hair styles, variations of her dresses, and of course, the 'Boobs out' or bare breasted version. Scarce | | |
Holloway's Ointment Gout & Rheumatism Price 1/1½ 533 Oxford St, London 'Boobs Out' variation
Scarce |
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Various different pictorial images of Hygeia with different hair styles, variations of her dresses, etc.
Common |
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Various different pictorial images of Hygeia with different hair styles, variations of her dresses, etc
Common
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Various different pictorial images of Hygeia with different hair styles, variations of her dresses, etc
Common | |
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London Pictorials |
113 Southwark Street |
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Gout & Rheumatism Price 1/1½ 113 Southwark St. London
Common | |
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Gout & Rheumatism Price 1/1½ 113 Southwark St. London
Common | |
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The Southwark Street pots were used for two types of ointment, to treat different ailments. One pot carried an ointment to treat Cuts, Wounds, Burns and Bruises and the other to treat Gout and Rheumatism.
The pots shown in the section above were for the treatment of Gout & Rheumatism. The pots shown in the section below were for the treatment of Cuts, Wounds, Burns & Bruises
There are two price ranges for the Southwark Street pots, the earlier pots showing 1s 1½d, 2/9, 4/6, 11/-, 22/- and 33/- per pot. Following a price increase, the pots then carried the prices of 1/3, 3/-, 5/-, 12/-, 24/- and 36/-. These small pots shown above and below are the 1s 1½d and 1/3 size pots. Only the first price were in pots, the higher priced products are found in lidded pots There are two sizes of the small pot for the Southwark Street address, the later versions being much taller as shown in the images below.
The Southwark Street pots offer treatments for both Cuts, Wounds, Burns & Bruises & Gout and Rheumatism |
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London Pictorials |
113 Southwark Street |
| | Cuts, Wounds, Burns & Bruises Price 1/1½ 113 Southwark St. London Two different sizes |
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Cuts, Wounds, Burns & Bruises Price 1/1½
113 Southwark St. London
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Cuts, Wounds, Burns & Bruises Price 1/1½
113 Southwark St. London |
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Cuts & Bruises Price 1/1½ 113 Southwark St. London
Unopened pot, wax paper covering | |
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The red panel reads -
'HOLLOWAY'S / PILLS & OINTMENT / LONDON'
Rare to find an unopened pot |
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Cuts & Bruises Price 1/3 113 Southwark St. London
Very rare
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A further simple looking pot that is found in the United States for Thomas Holloway is that showing the letter 'H' encircled by a snake. Two variations exist, one with a single line outer border and the other with a double line circlular outer border and a different type face.
Holloway's Ointment No Prices Snake design inner circle
Very Rare
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As mentioned above, the larger size ointments products were sold in lidded pots. Below are some of the different types and sizes of pot lids showing the various price levels and the four different London addresses that were used.
The Pot Lids were made predominantly in Staffordshire and the transfer is printed in black. The earliest lid carries the Broad Street London address and does not carry a pictorial image.
Following this variation, in addition to the name of the product and the boastful claims, the pot lids carry the trademark image of a woman wearing an ethereal white robe and flanked by a snake, the symbol for healing. At her left knee is a small child holding a banner that reads ‘NEVER DESPAIR’.
The images are of Hygeia, the goddess of health, and Hygeia's baby brother Telesphorus, the demi-god of convalescence, who brings fulfillment of recuperation and complete recovery from illness are found on the pictorial pots. Holloway's initials, 'TH', are embossed into the inside bottom of some of the pots. (How many of you were aware of that?)
Holloway's Universal Family Ointment Pot Lid Price 1s 1½d Extremely Rare 13 Broad St Buildings London |
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Possibly the first pot lid produced by Thomas Holloway. Note the address of Broad Street Buildings, London Very small lid, 56mm Only three prices listed |
Holloway's Ointment Pot Lid New York Rare Sepia Print US prices, 25c, 62 ½ cents & $1 sizes |
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62½c size lid with the New York address only |
Holloway's Ointment Pot Lid New York & London
Sepia Print US prices, 25c, 62 ½ cents & $1 sizes |
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Holloway's Ointment Pot Lids New York & London Sepia Print Size comparison |
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80mm & 101 mm |
Holloway's Ointment
Price 2/9 & 4/6 sizes 244 Strand London Rare Sold by the Proprietor / and by medicine Vendors / Throughout the Civilised / World | |
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Holloway's Ointment
Price 2/9 & 4/6 sizes 244 Strand London Rare Sold by the Proprietor / and by almost all / respected medicine vendors / throughout the / Civilised World |
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Holloway's Ointment 244 Strand Size Comparison 78 / 80 mm & 95 / 97 mm
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Holloway's Ointment
Price 2/9 & 4/6 sizes 244 Strand London |
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Holloway's Ointment 244 Strand London Price 22/- Very rare 106 mm Sadly the pot is in the state of a 'jigsaw puzzle', This was recovered from a Victorian rubbish tip in many pieces, quite a few of which were not recovered. |
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Holloway's Ointment Pot Lids 244 Strand
Size comparison, 2/9 4/6 22/- |
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Note the words 'TRADE MARK' are omitted from the 244 Strand address lids above the price. No prices on the largest three sized pots as the price is written on the pot.
87 mm, 106 mm & 123 mm
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Holloway's Ointment Pot Lid 533 Oxford Street late 244 Strand
Price 4/6 95 mm |
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Note the words 'TRADE MARK' are omitted from the 244 Oxford Street late Strand address lids also above the price. |
Holloway's Ointment Pot Lid 533 Oxford Street late 244 Strand
Price 2/9 95 mm |
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Holloway's Ointment Pot Lid Price 2s 9d 533 Oxford Street 78 / 80 mm |
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Holloway's Ointment Pot Lid Price 4s 6d
533 Oxford Street 96 mm Scarce |
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Holloway's Ointment Pot Lid Extremely rare Price 11 /-
533 Oxford Street 87 mm |
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Note that there are no prices listed on this pot lid. This lid would have sat on a tall pot with the price of 11/- on the side of the pot. |
Holloway's Ointment Pot Lid Extremely rare Price 22 /-
533 Oxford Street 106 mm |
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Note that there are no prices listed on this pot lid. This lid would have sat on a tall pot with the price of 22/- on the side of the pot. |
Holloway's Ointment Pot Lid Extremely Rare Price 33 /-
533 Oxford Street 123 mm |
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Holloway's Ointment 533 Oxford Street Size comparison 11/- 22/- 33/- & 2/9 4/6 |
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Holloway's Ointment Pot Lid Price 2s 9d
113 Southwark Street, London |
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Holloway's Ointment Pot Lid 113 Southwark Street, London Price 2s 9d size variation, |
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The lid on the right is much larger with wider outer band.
Left side lid 80mm, right side lid 88mm
Left lid domed, right side very flat. |
Holloway's Ointment Pot Lid Price 3s
113 Southwark Street, London 86 mm Scarce |
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Holloway's Ointment Pot Lid Price 3s
113 Southwark Street, London 86 mm Scarce |
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Note that in the prices panel there are only three prices listed, the higher prices of 12/-, 24/- and 36/- having been omitted ! |
Holloway's Ointment Pot Lid Price 3s
113 Southwark Street, London 80 mm Unique ?
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Note that in the prices panel, the price of 2/6 is listed as opposed to the 3s that is stated at the base of the pot lid !
So the price change occurred but the transfer was not fully amended. |
Holloway's Ointment Pot Lid 113 Southwark Street, London Three variations of the 3s lid Standard six prices panel, reduced three prices panel and the 2/6 - 3/- discrepancy
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Holloway's Ointment Pot Lid Price 4s 6d 113 Southwark Street 96 mm Scarce
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Holloway's Ointment Pot Lid Price 5s 113 Southwark Street 105 mm Very Rare |
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Holloway's Ointment Pot Lid Price 11s 113 Southwark Street 105 mm Extremely Rare |
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Holloway's Ointment Pot Lid 113 Southwark Street 2/9 4/6 & 3/- 5/- | | | |
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The Pots Sizes are
11/- 115 mm
22/- 155 mm
33/- 170 mm
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Holloway's Ointment Pot Lid Price 36/- 113 Southwark Street 120 mm Extremely Rare
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Note that there are no prices listed on this pot lid. This lid would have sat on a tall pot with the price of 36/- on the side of the pot.
(Sadly the pot was not available when I acquired this item)
I suspect the pot sizes would be similar to that shown for the previous items above. |
Holloway's Ointment Pot Lids The two large lids for 33/- and 36/-
Oxford Street 33/- Southwark Street 36/- Both are 123 mm in size
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Holloway's Ointment Lidded glass jar with original contents Green colour crew cap metallic lid 113 Southwark Street, Late 244 Strand Price 1/3 size 'HOLLOWAY'S OINTMENT' embossed on the underside Paper label around the body
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Around the body of this glass ointment pot
is a large folded sheet of paper detailing
the directions of use of the ointment
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Holloway's Ointment Lidded glass jar with original contents Yellow colour crew cap metallic lid 113 Southwark Street, Late 244 Strand Price 1/3 size 'HOLLOWAY'S OINTMENT' embossed on the underside Paper label around the body Similar to the pot above, |
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Holloway's Brand Ointment
Holloways's Pills Ltd Great West Road London
Price size 1/3 (see below)
Lidded glass jar with original contents Paper label around the body
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As shown above, the lid indicates a price of 1/3 however the paper label around the body indicates that the price is 1/4 ? (one shilling and four pence)
For the treatment of Ulcers, Cuts, Chilblains, Chapped Hands, Wounds, Burns, Bruises, Insect bites, Boils, Bad Legs etc !
Label shows a different address too.... Manu by Holloway's Pills Ltd, Watford, Herts
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Holloways Brand Ointment
12 Clipstone Street, London W1
Price size 3s , 47mm
Metallic lidded milk glass jar with original contents Paper label around the body
As shown here, the lid indicates a price of 3/- however the paper label around the body suggests that the price is 3/3 ? |
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Holloways Brand Ointment
Holloways Pills Ltd 12 Clipstone Street, London W1
Price 3d, 40mm diam.
Metal screw cap tin with original content and original cardboard packet
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Holloway's Ointment 113 Southwark Street late 244 Strand Price 1s 3d
Paper label attached to a ceramic pot lid |
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Not so sure that this is a correct arrangement of the label being attached to a pot lid. Probably a 'marriage'.
Curiuous to note though that the address is Southwark Street late Strand. Normally the Holloway's lids show Oxford Street, late Strand |
Holloway Brand Ointment
Holloway's Pills Ld, Watford
Free Sample Tin |
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This following section for the interest of readers covers some Holloway's Pills as opposed to Ointments.
Holloway's Pill's 113 Southwark Street late 244 Strand Price 1s 3d Unopened box containing the original pills 37 mm diam. |
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Holloway's Pill's 113 Southwark Street late 244 Strand Price 1s 3d 37mm diam. Unopened box containing the original pills The box is inserted in a large pamphlet of instructions for use sealed is included around the box, very neatly folded. |
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Holloway's Pill's 113 Southwark Street late 244 Strand Price 1s 3d Unopened box containing the original pills Side view showing the purchase tax stamps |
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Holloway's Pill's Whippendell Road Watford, Herts Price 1s 4d Unopened box containing the original pills Side view showing the purchase tax stamps |
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Holloway's Ointment
And Pills
This incredible historical document, a Bill of Lading, records the shipment of two cases of Holloway's products from the UK to Le Havre
in France.
It is dated February 22nd, 1856
The seal in the left corner is an Insurance
brokers impressed stamp.
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Holloways's Pills
& Ointment
80 Maiden Lane, New York &
244 Strand London
An envelope with the advertisement of Holloway's Pills & Ointment
in the left corner.
Post mark Dated May 16th 1857
A rare survivor |
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Holloways's Pills
& Ointment
80 Maiden Lane, New York
United States Internal Tax Revenue
stamp for 1 cent |
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In Australia, Thomas Holloway used a token coinage to pay some of his staff which could then be exchanged for goods at local shops. This coinage was produced for two years, issued for the years 1857 and 1858. Commonly found in Australia.
Holloways's Pills & Ointment
Trade Token
Halfpenny size 1857
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Holloways's Pills & Ointment
Trade Token
One Penny size 1857 | | |
Holloways's Pills & Ointment
Trade Token
Halfpenny size 1858 |
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Holloways's Pills & Ointment
Trade Token
One penny size 1858 |
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Holloways's Pills & Ointment
Trade Token
Size comparison Halfpenny - 28mm Penny - 34mm |
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Holloway's Pills
Printers plate stamp
Cast metal, all lettering in reverse
A well used item measuring 157mm x 94mm
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Holloway's Pills & Ointments
A nice advertising piece, a Button Hook, showing on one side
USE HOLLOWAY'S OINTMENT
& on the flip side
USE HOLLOWAY'S PILLS
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Annual Almanacs were issued as part of Thomas Holloway's advertising policy. Also safety match boxes can be found with different designs advertising Holloway's products. The third document below is interesting. It reads " Please give the bearer Agnes Murphy any money you have to my credit from W. Judds bankruptcy, her receipt is sufficient. Signed - Thos. Murphy". I wonder what that was all about?
There are quite a few Trade Cards and other Advertising items which are quite attractive. Wholes sets of cards with different themes, Sports and Pastimes for example. A few are shown below :-
Auction Sales
- Holloways 533 Oxford St, small size 1s 1½d, Boobs out variations, Good condition, sold Ebay November 2011 for £40 plus p&p
- Holloways 533 Oxford St, small size 1s 1½d, Boobs out variations, Good condition, sold Ebay Marchr 2013 for £68 plus p&p
- Holloways 244 Strand, small size 1s 1½d, Good condition but stained, sold Ebay February 2012 for £22 plus p&p
- Holloways 244 Strand, small size 1s 1½d, Glaze flakes, fleabites, sold Ebay March 2013 for £23 plus p&p
- Holloways 244 Strand Universal Family Ointment, small size 1s 1½d, small chip and hairline, recessed rim, sold Ebay February 2012 for $59 plus p&p
- Holloways 533 Oxford St late Strand , small size, good condition, sold Ebay April 2012 for £29 plus p&p
- Holloways 533 Oxford St late Strand, small size, base chip, sold Ebay Dec 2012 for £25 plus p&p
- Holloways 533 Oxford St late Strand, small size, good, sold Ebay Dec 2012 for £46 plus p&p
- Holloways 533 Oxford St late Strand, small size, good, sold Ebay March 2013 for £44 plus p&p
- Holloways 113 Southwark St pot lid, 4/6 size, good condition sold Ebay April 2012 for £31 plus p&p
- Holloways Family Ointment ,244 Strand , small size 1s 1½d, cracked & stained, sold Ebay January 2013 for £46 plus p&p
- Holloways Family Ointment ,244 Strand , small size 1s 1½d, good, sold Ebay Dec 2012 for £82 plus p&p
Further information regarding the history of the Thomas Holloway and his business can be found in the book produced by Messrs. Houghton & Priestley, pages 78 to 89.
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