This lid of a white earthenware toothpaste jar was excavated from the site of first Government House, and dates from c.1870s-1890s. It was probably discarded when the abandoned site of the former Government House was used to dump rubbish. Transfer printing on the lid depicts the head of a young Grecian girl in profile and provides manufacturer and product information: ‘CHERRY TOOTH PAST PATRONIZED BY THE QUEEN FOR BEAUTIFYING & PRESERVING THE TEETH AND GUMS PREPARED BY JOHN GOSNELL & CO LONDON.”
John Gosnell & Co made perfumes, soap, brushes, and other personal household items. The company became known for its cherry toothpaste in the late 19th century – apparently even Queen Victoria was a fan. The first mass produced toothbrushes came onto the market in Britain in the late 18th century, and the brushing of teeth for hygienic reasons was common by the late 19th century.
FGH09944
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