Historical information

Sharpe Brothers were founded in Dunedin, NZ in 1903 by John Sharpe. They manufactured non-alcoholic beverages transported in demijohn jars for home delivery. They established branches in Adelaide, Sydney and Melbourne and in most larger regional cities in NSW and Victoria. After his death in 1926, his sons carried on the business. It was sold to Tarax in 1962 which was taken over by Cadbury Schwepps Australia in 1972. However, the jar shape is more consistent with a flat bottomed foot warmer than a beverage demijohn. Either this is a rare example of that product being made by Sharpe Brothers or the bung has been later added, possibly as a replacement for a lost original stopper.

Significance

Sharpe Brothers were a significant metropolitan and regional beverage manufacturer in the 20th century producing home delivered cordials, ginger beer and dandelion ale throughout southern Australia. The significance of their jar stopper being attached to a bed warmer needs investigation.

Physical description

Cream stoneware container, circular with slightly flattened sides. Flat bottom

Inscriptions & markings

Sharpe Brothers, Australia and New Zealand on top bung