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Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
From the collection of Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
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Container - Round Metal Shaker

  • A round metal container with a perforated lid, with a coloured label indicating that it originally contained Fuller's Earth.

    Round Metal Shaker

Historical information

The history of metal packaging began in Bohemia in the 1200s. Metal has been produced for a very long time. But the first metal used for packaging was tin. In particular, it was the process of tin plating that was invented in Bohemia. Before this no other metal was economically able to be used for packaging.

Later, in 1667 Andrew Yarranton, and English engineer, and Ambrose Crowley brought the method to England. Here it was improved by ironmasters including Philip Foley. Then by 1697, John Hanbury had a rolling mill at Pontypool in South Wales. The method they developed involved rolling iron plates using cylinders. This process enabled more uniform blank plates to be produced than was possible by just hammering the tin.

https://www.shilohplastics.com.au/history-of-metal-packaging/

Fuller's Earth is any clay material that has the capability to bleach or dissolve oil or other liquids without the use of harsh chemical treatment.

Modern uses of Fuller's Earth include as absorbents for oil, grease, and animal waste (cat litter) and as a carrier for pesticides and fertilisers. Minor uses include filtering, clarifying, and decolorising; active and inactive ingredient in beauty products; and as a filler in paint, plaster, adhesives, and pharmaceuticals.

Fulling is an important step in the production of woollen garments, and can be traced back to ancient times. Cuneiform texts from Mesopotamia mention a raw material, which was delivered to fullers for the finishing of cloth.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fuller%27s_earth

Significance

The use of tin to protect and store items, revolutionised the world. Fuller's Earth is a widely used product.

Physical description

Container of cylindrical sheet metal with perforated lid, used by Duerdin and Sainsbury Ltd, Sellers of Franbert's Fuller's Earth. Colour printed paper deteriorating. ‘Nett Contents 3½ oz.’ Ingredients still inside.Tin very rusty.

Inscriptions & markings

'Franbert's Fuller's Earth. For the Toilet and Nursery. Protects the skin & Improves the Complexion. Nett Contents 3½ oz.'

Subjects

References

  • A History of Packaging A history of packaging for food and non food products including the use of metal containers.
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