Dr. Roberts Poor Man’s Friend Ointment Pot

Victorian

Circa 1834–1903 | England

An antique blue and white transfer printed Victorian Dr. Roberts Poor Man’s Friend ointment pot from the nineteenth century by the successors to Dr. Roberts, Beach & Barnicott (see The Gen). 

DIMENSIONS: Height 4.2 cm, Width 4.7 cm.

SIGNATURES, MARKINGS & INSCRIPTIONS: Unmarked.

CONDITION: In very good condition, with wear commensurate with antique age and use of such a piece. The pot has a chunky feel to it. Shallow flake under heel. There is some staining and discoloured crazing. These all add to the history of the piece and wonder of the stories it could tell.

REFERENCES: For an example of a similar pot see Science Museum Group.

~~~~~~~~~~~

THE GEN

“Dr Roberts was an experimental chemist who studied the influence of herbs and minerals on the human body. In about 1788 he established a shop in Bridport, Dorset, where he prepared a famous ointment under the title ‘The Poor Man’s Friend’, claimed to cure ulcers, cuts, bruises, scalds, corns, pimples and many other ailments. It was soon sold all over Britain and also by 1830 in Canada and the U.S.A. Dr Roberts died in 1834 and the business was taken over by Beach & Barnicott. The shop still exists but is no longer a chemist.” (The Dictionary of Blue and White Printed Pottery 1780–1880, A.W. Coysh & R.K. Henrywood, Antique Collectors Club, 1982, p. 160)

~~~~~~~~~~~