Historical information

This tin of boot polish was a common household item in the 20th century (and is still used to a lesser extent today). This tan boot polish was sold under the brand name of ‘C & D’ at the general store of Cramond and Dickson in Liebig Street, Warrnambool. John Glass Cramond and James Dickson established their business in Warrnambool in 1855 and this general store operated (firstly in Timor Street and later in Liebig Street) until 1973, making it one of the longest-running and one of the most important businesses in Warrnambool’s history. By 1868 a London agency had been established and direct imports from England began on a large scale. Many of the articles they sold, including the boot polish, were made expressly for the Cramond and Dickson store.

Significance

This tin of boot polish is of great interest as an example of the goods sold by Cramond and Dickson that were made expressly for the Warrnambool store. Cramond and Dickson were one of the most important stores ever to operate in Warrnambool.

Physical description

This is a round metal tin originally gold-coloured and with a red tape binding to prevent its opening. The front of the tin has printing and the image of a stylized rising sun and the bottom has more printing. The bottom of the tin is indented to allow the tin to rest on the rim only. The printing is legible but much faded. The tin contains the original polish.

Inscriptions & markings

Top: ‘Use only C & D brand of Tan Boot Polish, Cramond & Dickson, Warrnambool. Port Fairy and London’
Bottom: ‘For best results remove all dust, apply a little C & D dressing, brush briskly. Rubbing finally with a soft cloth produces a brilliant surface. Weight when packed 1½ ozs. net’