Antique WW1 Medicine Wallet – Webb & Son, Plymouth – Dated 16 August 1915
A fascinating and unusually well-preserved First World War-period portable medicine wallet, dating to 1915, manufactured or supplied by Webb & Son, Navy and Army Equipment Manufacturers, of 34 Bedford Street, Plymouth. The attractive tan-brown leather wallet retains its original internal fittings, labelled glass medicine vials and printed pharmaceutical instruction sheet, together with a handwritten ownership inscription and date.
All original medicinal contents have been removed. The glass vials have been washed and cleaned and are empty. The set is offered exclusively as a historical collectable.
Historical background Webb & Son were established suppliers of leather goods and fitted cases, operating from 34 Bedford Street, Plymouth, during the early 20th century. Historical trade directories identify the company as manufacturers of suitcases and hat cases, while the original printed label on this wallet advertises the business as Navy and Army Equipment Manufacturers.
The paper labels on the glass vials identify the pharmaceutical supplier as Balkwill & Co., Dispensing Chemists, 106 Old Town Street, Plymouth. Balkwill & Co. were an established Plymouth pharmaceutical business, independently recorded at this address in 19th-century trade directories.
The original printed instructions provide an interesting record of early 20th-century medical practice, referring to preparations historically used for pain relief, fever, digestive complaints and first aid.
These historical references are retained solely as part of the original printed ephemera.
First World War inscription
The instruction sheet bears an early handwritten inscription, apparently reading J. Earle (possibly T. Earle), together with the date:
August 16th 1915
This provides a particularly appealing connection with the First World War period.
Although Webb & Son advertised themselves as Navy and Army equipment manufacturers, the identity and military service of the original owner have not been established.
Contents and construction
The wallet is made from attractive brown leather, with a folding construction, two press-stud fastenings and individually stitched leather loops for the glass vials.
It retains seven labelled glass containers, two smaller in size.
The surviving labels identify the historical preparations for which the containers were originally intended. All containers are now empty, with their former medicinal contents removed.
Details
Date: 1915, with handwritten date of 16 August 1915
Period: First World War / George V
Manufacturer or supplier: Webb & Son, 34 Bedford Street, Plymouth
Pharmaceutical supplier: Balkwill & Co., 106 Old Town Street, Plymouth
Materials: Leather, glass, metal and original printed paper labels
Contents: Seven empty labelled glass containers
Dimensions when closed: 12.7 × 7.7 cm (approximately 5 × 3 inches)
Condition: Very good antique condition
The leather remains in very good condition with attractive natural patination and minor surface wear consistent with its history.
The original printed instruction label remains clear, with some age-related discolouration. The glass containers retain their historic paper labels, showing expected signs of age.
All original medicinal contents have been removed and the glass vials washed and cleaned.
Please examine the photographs carefully for the full condition and contents.
Collectors' interest
An appealing piece of First World War British social, medical and maritime history, particularly interesting for its association with Plymouth, the Royal Navy's principal Devonport base, and the development of portable medical equipment.
The dated ownership inscription, named manufacturers and surviving original packaging make this a particularly evocative historical object.
Collector's notice: This antique wallet is offered solely for historical display, collecting and educational purposes. All medicinal contents have been removed. It is not a functioning first-aid kit and is not intended for medical use. The original printed instructions are historical documents and must not be followed.
