Sold for A$1,850
Lid: Dr L, L, Smith's / Colonial / Ointment. / Bourke Street East / Melbourne. Base: Dr L, L, Smith's / Ointment / For all digger's wounds / obtained by the jarring of the pick &c / For Scrofulous Sores, Long Standing Ulcers, / Burns, Scalds, Skin Eruptions, Scaldhead. / Gouty & Rheumatic Pains. / Loss of Hair &c &c. (Victoria) Pot Lid Ointment Black print on white lid and base. Small size. 52 mm diameter. 1860s
Very Good. Theoretically could call this a mint example, as this was amazingly found in a derelict building many years ago where it had sat for a hundred or so years. It still had the original blue paper band sealing it, although this fell off when picked up. The original, unused contents are still in place! YES - contents! The contents of this 150 year old piece are worth as much as the piece in my mind, this is a significant find in any condition, but 100% original, this is absolutely amazing. As it has had the contents for 150 years or more, the lid is stained a brown colour throughout. The grease in the contents have leached through the porcelain leaving a consistently tan appearance throughout, but rest assured, this would have been a white lid and base originally. Some grime as this has never been cleaned - the grime is probably 100 years old as well, but comes free of charge. The base holding the ointment has heavier stain than the lid, the lid is actually somewhat less stained. As these were never used or buried, there are pretty much no scratches to the lid either. Where the lid meets the pot, there is one 4 x 3 mm very shallow flake. The upper outer rim edge of the pot has a few glaze flakes as well. Outer right rim edge has a tiny impact and hairline, this is very short. 9 x 3 mm flake to heel at rear. A truly amazing piece! Grade: 7.5 Estimate: $2000 - 3000
