Sturton's Poor Man's Cerate
 
This page shows the 'Sturton's' ointment pots originating from Peterborough in Northamptonshire
 
 
John Sturton founded the company around 1827 which was based at Bridge Street in Peterborough and the business is listed in the 1859 Directory of Northamptonshire. The founders son, John Rowland, joined the company in 1859 and the company became Sturton & Sons. Various members of the family continued the busines right through until 1975 when 'Sturton's the Chemists' was closed.
 
Several variations of these pots exist including a pot of stoneware form as opposed to ceramic. Prices listed on the pots are 7½d, 
1s 1½d and 2s 9d. However the earliest variation of the Sturton's pot does not list any prices.
 
 

 


Sturton's 

Poor Mans Cerate

Earliest pot

Very Rare

41mm


Sturtons
 
 Sturtons
 



Sturton's 

Poor Mans Cerate

Earliest pot

Very Rare

47mm

Larger than the above pot but probably the same 

product size


Sturtons
 
 Sturtons
 

Sturton's 

Poor Mans Cerate

Earliest pot


 		 
 




Sturton's

Poor Mans Cerate

Price 1s 1½d, large size

Rare  

55mm

Sturtons
 		 
Sturtons
 




Sturton's

Poor Mans Cerate

Price 1s 1½d, large size

Rare  

47mm

Sturtons
 		 
 



Sturton's

Poor Mans Cerate

Price 7½d, small size 

Stoneware construction, 
crude glaze  

Rare

41mm

Sturtons
 		 
 




Sturton's

Poor Mans Cerate

Price 7½d, Small size

Rare   

37mm

Sturtons
 		 
 

Sturton's

Poor Mans Friend

Size comparisons   		  

 
Sturtons

 
Sturtons


 
At the 2011 summer National show at 
Elsecar a large size Sturton's pot was shown 
which had only just been unearthed.  

Sadly it was badly damaged and was on its way to restorers for remedial work.  

Herewith is a photo of the pot prior to
 restoration. It is of a size not seen before 
and is probably the 2s 9d size.
  


 

 
 

 

 

  
 
Auction Sales
  • Sturtons,  (x2),  large & small sizes, hairlines & staining, sold BBR Auctions Oct 2009 for £73
  • Sturtons,  Poor Mans Frind, small size, good condition, sold Ebay April 2012 for £58 plus p&p 
 
Further detailed information regarding these pots and concerning the Sturton family can be obtained from the Historical Guide to Delftware and Victorian Ointment Pots book produced by Messrs. Houghton & Priestley. page 133.