Antique Colman’s D.S.F. Mustard Wooden Advertising Crate – Circa 1920s–30s

Antique Colman’s D.S.F. Mustard Wooden Advertising Crate – Circa 1920s–30s

31 cm wide

28 cm depth

18 cm tall

Displayed with other items illustration only not included for sale separately

A wonderfully characterful original Colman’s Mustard wooden transit crate, dating from the early decades of the 20th century and most likely the interwar period.

Made from sturdy pine and assembled with traditional iron nails, the crate retains a wealth of beautifully faded advertising. The original red, black and mustard-yellow decoration includes large “COLMAN’S” lettering, illustrations of the familiar yellow mustard tin and the wording “By Appointment to H.M. the King.” Further stencilling appears to read “12 lbs – ¼ lb tins”, indicating that the box originally carried a wholesale quantity of small mustard tins intended for a grocer or general store.

The initials D.S.F. stand for Double Superfine, one of Colman’s recognised grades of dry mustard powder. Historic Colman’s packaging was marked according to quality, ranging from Double Superfine down to lesser grades known as “Seconds.” Similar D.S.F. advertising held by the Museum of Norwich has been dated to the 1920s, supporting an interwar date for this crate.

Today, this evocative piece of British advertising history would make a fabulous rustic storage box for a kitchen, pantry, café or vintage shop display. It could be used to hold cookery books, bottles, jars, kindling or dried flowers, or simply displayed for its wonderfully timeworn graphics.

Maker history

The Colman’s story began in 1814 when flour miller Jeremiah Colman took over a mustard business at Stoke Holy Cross, near Norwich. In 1823 he formed J. & J. Colman with his adopted nephew James. The business later moved to the famous Carrow Works in Norwich and grew into one of Britain’s largest grocery manufacturers, producing mustard, starch, flour, laundry blue and other household goods.

Colman’s adopted its celebrated bull’s-head trademark in 1855, followed by the distinctive red-and-yellow colour scheme in 1866. That same year, the company received a Royal Warrant as mustard manufacturer to Queen Victoria. By 1900, Colman’s had become an internationally recognised brand, with its Norwich mustard and bold packaging known around the world.

Condition

This is an authentic working transit crate and carries the knocks and scars of a long commercial life. There is substantial fading and surface wear, scratches, staining, darkening, splits, small holes, edge losses and chipping, including a noticeable loss to one upper edge. The printed labels are incomplete and heavily worn, although enough survives to create an especially atmospheric appearance. Old nail heads remain visible throughout. It is sold as an open crate, with no lid present.

These imperfections are an important part of its history and give the piece the genuine rustic character that modern reproduction crates try rather unsuccessfully to imitate.

Suggested retail price: £95

I would list it at £95, with a likely selling range . Comparable early Colman’s wooden advertising boxes are currently being offered in the region of £89–£120, although these are asking prices rather than confirmed sale results.