Historical information

Melanyl ink is a black marking ink, first produced in London by Cooper, Dennison & Walkden Ltd. in the 1930s. It was designed specifically to permanently mark clothing for laundry purposes. The ink was sold in a small glass bottle, often accompanied by a fabric stretcher to help hold the fabric taut for writing, and came with instructions on how to use it.

Physical description

Black Melanyl Marking Ink in a yellow and black cardboard box.

Inscriptions & markings

'Special pen and instructions enclosed' 'Dries an intense black'