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What-is-it Question CCX

This one will have everyone stumped!

A container for a popular proprietary product sold in the early 20th century. It was available in silver, silver-plated, and nickel examples and probably stood about 6 inches (15cm) in height.



Nobody will get this one right.......... unless you know better!

Trev.

A gun case.

Hi Silverly,

No, not a gun case, this is a container for a household product. I believe it did have worldwide sales.

Trev.

Primordial Pez dispenser?

Hi Traintime,

No, I'm afraid not.

OK, first clue, the product was used for personal hygiene.

Trev.

Moustache brush holder?

Martin

Hi Martin,

No, this container was made to fit a particular brand-name product.

Trev.

Gillette?

Hi Traintime,

No, but you are getting slightly warmer.

Next clue: the product came in a white glass flask of a somewhat unusual shape.

Trev.

I was tempted with Mennen, but I'm going to venture Colgate?

You're so close I've got to give it to you. Well done!

It's Odol:


Odol Chemical Works - London - 1910



1903


1907


1908


1912


1912

Trev.

Aw, shucks!! Came up just shy of winning that "beautiful 1959 Cadillac Biarritz that our celebrity model Bunny is highlighting over in the showcase area". Guess I'll have to tune in next week when "we're giving away Irish Waterford Chrystal Chandeliers just recovered from four star hotels". Nevertheless, a nice company logo that would have looked great on a factory service!

All we need now is to find out who actually made these items. Hopefully one day they'll turn up on the forum.

Trev.

Cheers.

Hi agsearcher,

That's brilliant! Thank you. It makes the whole topic complete.

Deakin & Francis Ltd., Birmingham 1908.

Were you aware of the use of the item prior to seeing the advertisement? I would not have had a clue as to its purpose.

Trev.

NOVEL WEDDING GIFTS



Odol for the Honeymoon. It is quite superfluous at this period of time to dwell on the merits of Odol ; they have stood the test of time, and that is all sufficient. As summer approaches, however, the special value of the favourite dentifrice takes a pronounced form. Whether on sea or shore, motoring or travelling by rail or boat, Odol is an indispensable adjunct to the dressing case. Realising this, its promoters have prepared some quite charming covers for the little opaque flasks. The primary object of the covers is doubtless a utilitarian one to enable a hurried traveller to throw his or her Odol into bag or dressing case without any precautionary packing; but over and above this they are charmingly decorative. The covers are made in three grades—solid silver, silver plated, and nickel silver. Many chemists and stores are prepared to supply these covers with the invaluable Odol, but where any difficulty exists full particulars will be sent by the manager of the Odol Chemical Works, 59-63, Park Street, London, S.E.

Source: The Tatler - 31st May 1911

Trev.

From the June 27, 1914 issue of The Chemist and Druggist: Doesn’t get to the bottom of who actually made the case. Just a little more on this subject.

Hi Pat,

They were manufactured by Deakin & Francis Ltd. of Birmingham.



Trev.

One more good to know detail. Thank you.