'Sphagnol soap' cake, London, England, 1945-1960

Made:
1945-1960 in Putney
Soap cake in wrapper, sphagnol brand with instruction leaflet Soap cake in wrapper, sphagnol brand with instruction leaflet Soap cake in wrapper, sphagnol brand with instruction leaflet Soap cake in wrapper, sphagnol brand with instruction leaflet Soap cake in wrapper, sphagnol brand, by Peat Products, Putney

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Creative Commons LicenseThis image is released under a CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 Licence

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License this image for commercial use at Science and Society Picture Library

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Creative Commons LicenseThis image is released under a CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 Licence

Buy this image as a print 

Buy

License this image for commercial use at Science and Society Picture Library

License

Creative Commons LicenseThis image is released under a CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 Licence

Buy this image as a print 

Buy

License this image for commercial use at Science and Society Picture Library

License

Creative Commons LicenseThis image is released under a CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 Licence

Buy this image as a print 

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License this image for commercial use at Science and Society Picture Library

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Soap cake in wrapper, sphagnol brand with instruction leaflet
Science Museum Group
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Soap cake in wrapper, sphagnol brand with instruction leaflet
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Soap cake in wrapper, sphagnol brand with instruction leaflet
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Soap cake in wrapper, sphagnol brand with instruction leaflet
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Soap cake in wrapper, sphagnol brand, by Peat Products, Putney
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Soap cake in wrapper, sphagnol brand with instruction leaflet , by Peat Products, 3 Carmalt Gardens, Putney, London, SW15, 1945-60.

‘Sphagnol soap’ was used to treat a range of skin inflammation and irritations including acne, eczema, chilblains, dandruff, insect bites and ringworm. The name ‘sphagnol’ refers to an extract from peat believed to have antiseptic properties.

It was made by Peat Products (Sphagnol) Ltd and was used during both World Wars by the British Red Cross to treat facial wounds and trench sores. This particular example is described as a ‘toilet and nursery antiseptic’ – locations viewed as particularly in need of good hygiene.

Details

Category:
Public Health & Hygiene
Collection:
Sir Henry Wellcome's Museum Collection
Object Number:
A631021
Materials:
paper (fibre product) and antiseptic soap
Measurements:
overall: 22 mm x 78 mm x 50 mm, .08kg
type:
soap cake