A c.1920s-30s vintage Bibbings' "I.D.L. Tooth Powder" ("formerly known as Carbolised Areca Nut Dentifrice") tin (empty), measuring approximately 7cm (2.75in) in diameter and 2.4cm (0.95in) deep, with printed and gilt design to lid, gilt finish to base and remains of gilt finish to sides; the base is stamped "HUNTLEY, BOORNE / & STEVENS LTD. / READING" (the company best known for their biscuit tins produced for Huntley & Palmers). The product originally contained in this tin, "Prepared only by J. H. BIBBINGS, Pharmacist, Queen St. NEWTON ABBOT", was advertised thus: "Removes Tartar, Whitens the Teeth, Prevents Decay, Sweetens the Breath, Antiseptic, Guaranteed absolutely Pure & Perfectly Harmless to the Teeth & Gums. After 40 YEARS can be confidently recommended to the Public as an IDEAL TOOTH POWDER." Since Bibbings' pharmacy opened in 1877, this implies that the tin dates from 1917 or later. There is some age wear to the lid including scratching, discoloration / fading and slight loss to the printing, and tarnish and some loss to the gilt; the remainder of the exterior is similarly worn with scratching, tarnish spotting and some loss to the gilt to the base, whilst the sides are very much dulled with just a few traces of gilt remaining; the interior is worn with considerable tarnish, and there may be one or two slight indentations.
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