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

An empty yellow and black Melanyl Marking Ink cardboard box. 'Special pen and instructions enclosed' (the pen and ink are missing)

Inscriptions & markings

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