ISOLA
This page shows the 'The Bishops Balm' pot originating from Lincolnshire
A superb pictorial showing a bishop next to a swan, whcih reprsents Bishop St. Hugh (Bishop of Lincoln 1186-1200) who was famed for befriending a wild swan.
The exact origin is unknown however scveral of these pots have been discovered in the Lincolnshire area.
It is believed that a John Larman Nicholls was the manufacturer of the ointment known as the Bishop's Balm as the Times newspaper reported the bankrupty of this gentleman in 1900.
There is also a pot lid with this famous pictorial and according to an advertisement for the product, the ointment was sold for 1/1½ and 2/9. The lower price probably for the ointment and the higher price for the lidded pot.
The pots and lids and quite sought after but BEWARE - there are some fake lids in circulation. Herewith two images of fake or reproduction lids. Note the correct lid has a pattern around the border. The lid on the left can be found on the website Worthpoint, the lid on the right appeared on eBay March 2016 which attracted some high bids which were subsequently retracted as doubts of the lids authenticity became apparent.
Auction Sales
Further detailed information can be obtained from the Historical Guide to Delftware and Victorian Ointment Pots book produced by Messrs. Houghton & Priestley, page 93. |
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