A.E. Powell & Co / Moonseed Ointment 
 
This page shows the  'Moonseed' ointment pots originating from Swindon in Wiltshire.
 
 
A.E. Powell is first recorded in the trade directory of Wiltshire in 1889. A small pamphlet was printed at the time detailing various ailments which the Moonseed ointment, 
The Great Household Remedy, was supposed to have cured. Interestingly, the pamphlet indicates that three sizes were available. To date, pots carrying prices of 1/1½ and 2/9 are the known sizes that exist.  
There could possibly be a larger size pot with a price tag of 4/6?
 
Incidently, the Moonseed plant grows in America and Canada and was taken internally as a general tonic, and used externally in ointment form to treat sores.
 
 

 



A.E. Powell & Co

Moonseed Ointment

Price 2/9

Largest of the two sizes


Moonseed
 
 



A.E. Powell & Co

Moonseed Ointment

Price 1/1½

Smallest of the two sizes


Moonseed
 
 



A.E. Powell & Co

Size comparison,

Largest 60mm,   Smallest 50mm


Moonseed
 

 
Auction Sales
  • Moonseed,  small size 1/1½ d in good condition, was sold on Oz Ebay Feb 2011, for £108 (AU$172), + p&p,
  • Moonseed,  small size 1/1½ d in good condition, was sold on Ebay Dec 2012, for £132+ p&p,
  • Moonseed,  small size 1/1½ d in good condition, was sold on Ebay March 2013, for £122+ p&p
  
Further detailed information regarding the Moonseed ointment can be obtained from the Historical Guide to Delftware and Victorian Ointment Pots book produced by Messrs. Houghton & Priestley, page 104.