Description

Albert L. Calder began work as a chemist and druggist in Rhode Island in the early 1840s, stepping out on his own and establishing himself as a sole proprietor in 1850. While such claims were common place in the period, he advertised in period newspapers, and is widely recognized today, as one of the first American commercial producers of tooth powder for sale to the public. The successfully marketed powder remained in production past his death until well into the 20th century. Mid 19th century bottles and labels are relatively rare – most seen on the market are from 1890s and later, with larger size bottles embossed with his initials. This quite rare earliest label, attributed to CW era production, is reproduced by us exclusively from an original in our collection. (a very similar label, cut square with initials in the corners, bears an 1870s date) The bottle is common style of period construction and is a slightly downsized version of the original early shape. Many sellers of such products, including many sutlers, began the marketing of smaller sized containers of such items in response to the demand by the vast number of soldiers desiring to minimize baggage and weight and salesman wanting to maximize profits when selling to them. Artifacts and advertisement research reveal that as the culture became more mobile mid century, many products began to be produced for the “traveller” and soldier alike. Some of these diminutive versions were also used as promotional items by savvy entrepreneurs. This is just the right size for the pack being a 2 oz  bottle which measures 1 3/8″ across the base and 2 2/4″ tall unopened. We have meticulously labeled and packaged the bottle in a common manner of the period with the closure being a style practiced by many apothecaries. (we have handled many original unopened apothecary/medicinal bottles with this closure and retain several examples in our inventory collection) The bottle is first corked with a real cut cork, not the crushed and pressed in glue version seen more commonly today. (known as agglomeration and developed in the 1880-90s) With the stopple firmly pressed in, a piece of unbleached  brown paper, with adhesive applied, is placed over the cork and then pulled down over the neck where it it is tightly tied in place under the lip with our period correct fine cotton twine. The top is crowned with a small red button label indicating the advent year of Calder’s business. (this topper label was a signature item Calder used well into the 20th century with later versions indicating not just the year, but also picturing a colonial stage coach which he used and registered as his company trademark) Contains a commercially produced mint flavored tooth powder. Like many of our living history items, produced by us originally for a museum display – we are excited to offer this item again, after a couple of years off of the market, in order to allow for other types and labels, consistent with our commitment to better represent the diverse material culture of the period. (Note: Quantity allowed per order is set at 2 to allow availability of a reasonable individually useable amount to the maximum number of customers)