This tiny paper envelope was made in the Victorian era. On the front it has a logo that looks like a phoenix and in script writing The Powders. Then the wording - From H. J. Manfull, The Meadows drug Stores, 88 Arkwright Street, Nottingham. Agent for Horniman's Pure Tea in packets. On the back it reads Horniman's Pure Tea. Caution - The well deserved and universal appreciation of Horniman's Pure Tea has induced unscrupulous dealers to palm off worthless imitations. Caution is necessary to obtain the genuine article, see that every packet is signed by the importers W. H. & F. J. Horniman & Co. Ltd. "Once used always used," and recommended to all who wish to enjoy a cup of strong pure delicious and fragrant tea.
Measures approximately 8.5cm x 5cm. I presume this was for giving out samples of the tea to customers as it is very small and one of the things that revolutionised Horniman's was selling their tea in sealed packets.
A sweet memento of another century which makes a lovely photo prop or could be used for a craft or scrapbook project.
The envelope has not been used but as it is over 120 years old at some point it appears to have been in a damp atmosphere where the gummed flap has then sealed itself to the envelope. I've opened one to show how this is likely to tear the paper if you were wanting to make it an envelope again. Due to the age of the item it does have that old paper musty scent too.
A family business Horniman's was a major tea company begun by a merchant in 1826. It grew and grew and passed to family members W.H. & F.J. in 1889 and was eventually sold to Lyon's in 1918.
H. J. Manfull was a chemist / druggist in Nottingham at the end of the 19th Century. This envelope came together with labels from the family business which had not been used and were all remaining at the last shop to close in the 1960s.