Dispensing pot, England, 1700

Made:
1700 in England
From left to right: Earthenware dispensing pot, tin glazed

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From left to right: Earthenware dispensing pot, tin glazed
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Tin-glazed earthenware dispensing pot, inscribed S.C.V., English, dated 1700

Dispensing pots were used to hold ointments, pills and medical treatments, although they could also be used other materials such as cosmetics. A pharmacist or apothecary would make up a medicine and put it in a pot for the customer to take away. The contents were usually protected by a paper cover secured with string.

On the side of this dispensing pot are painted the letters “S.C.V”. These may refer to a maker, an owner or may indicate what the pot held. This dispensing pot is also marked with the date “1700”.

Details

Category:
Medical Ceramic-ware
Collection:
Sir Henry Wellcome's Museum Collection
Object Number:
A643529
Materials:
earthenware (tin-glazed)
Measurements:
overall: 49 mm 62 mm, .07kg
type:
dispensing pot
credit:
Sotheby's