Historical information

Examples of Rawleigh’s medicinal products that were sold exclusively through agents for the company throughout Australia. Rawleigh & Co. was established by William Rawleigh in America in 1889 and later expanded into Australia. The company made a variety of household products in a factory in Collins Place, Melbourne, between 1930 and 1935. It specialised in medicines and remedies, food additives, cleaning products and toiletries. The name Rawleigh was synonymous with service and quality products. W.T. Rawleigh was the forerunner in using the “direct-to-customers” method which took the Rawleigh products, bypassing the jobber and the dealer, taking the shortest distance directly to the customer. Rawleigh knew that most people were not familiar with his goods or his name and realised that leaving his products with his customers for trial would later produce good sales. He was certain that they would use the product, like it, and buy more.

The "time and trial" system was the forerunner of the Rawleigh Guarantee of Satisfaction. W.T. Rawleigh was amongst the first manufacturers to offer a free trial and guarantee that unless absolutely satisfied, there would be no sale.

Physical description

Metal jar of medical ointment with blue background decorated with gold and cream flowers and leaves.
Small bottle of clear medical liquid.

Inscriptions & markings

.1 Rawleigh's Ready Relief - Reg'd Vic 18810 E2012 - Liquid
.2 Rawleigh's Medicated Ointment - Reg'd Vic 635 - Ointment