Historical information

In 1888 it was reported in "Victoria and its Metropolis" that John Fletcher carried on the business of a manufacturer of aerated waters, cordials, hop bitters, etc. in Warrnambool, and traded throughout the Western District. The establishment was started by a Mr. J. Davis with whom Mr. Fletcher was connected from its commencement, and whom he succeeded in 1885. His business continued until 1930. The Warrnambool and District Historical Society has a collection of bottles used by John Fletcher to contain his products.

Significance

These labels are significant as John Fletcher was a most successful manufacturer of cordials and aerated waters in Warrnambool in the late 1800s and early 1900s

Physical description

.1 Buff coloured rectangular card label with black text.
2 Rectangular label with curved top adhered to a piece of white paper. It is coloured red, blue black and gold and features two standards and text.
.3 Rectangular label with curved top adhered to the reverse of .2. It is coloured red and green and features a sketch of Punch carrying a bowl of a steaming substance and text
.4 Rectangular label with curved top adhered to a piece of white paper. It is coloured red, apricot, dark and light blue, gold and black. It features the linked initials JF, two standards a trade mark and text
.5 Rectangular label with curved top adhered to the reverse of .4 It is coloured red, blue, green, black and gold. It features two standards and text.
.6 Identical to .3 but not adhered to paper
.7,.8, .9 .10 White rectangular labels with red text. .9 has a damaged corner. .10 is adhered to a piece of white paper.
.11,.12,.13,.14,.15..16 Red rectangular labels with black text and a coat of arms. .13 is adhered to a piece of pink card,
.17 Blue rectangular label with text and a coat of arms

Inscriptions & markings

.1 FROM J. FLETCHER, WARRNAMBOOL Manufacturer of Aerated Waters, Soda, Lithia and Tonic Waters, Lemonade, Ginger Ale, Hop beer, Hop Bitters, Sarsaparilla and all Cordials
.2 SUPERIOR CONCENTATED COMPOUND EXTRACT OF SARSAPARILLA PREPARED FROM THE BEST RED ROOT OF JAMAICA SARSAPARILLA
J. FLETCHER,WARRNAMBOOL
.3 HOT CHILLIE PUNCH J. FLETCHER WARRNAMBOOL Approximately 26 Oz.
.4 UNION TRADE MARK JOHN FLETCHER WARRNAMBOOL HOP BITTERS EXTRACTED FROM THE FLOWER
.5 J FLETCHER WARRNAMBOOL SUPERIOR GREEN COLOURED WITH BURNT SUGAR GINGER CORDIAL
.6 Identical to .3
.7,.8,.9,.10 ASK FOR XXX HOP A1 BEER J FLETCHER WARRNAMBOOL
.11,.12,.13.14,.15.16 SODA WATER J Fletcher
.17 LITHIA WATER J FLETCHER WARRNAMBOOL