Edwardian Sewing Machine Oil Bottle, Cooperative Wholesale Society, Pelaw

An original Edwardian sewing machine oil bottle, retaining its period printed paper label and original cork stopper. The clear glass bottle is rectangular in form with rounded shoulders and contains a quantity of original amber-coloured oil residue, now for display only. The label reads “Sewing Machine Oil – For Cleaning and Oiling Sewing Machines” and is illustrated with a detailed sewing machine vignette. It further states “Prepared expressly for Sewing Machines” and is marked for the Co-Operative Wholesale Society Limited, Pelaw, County Durham.

This type of bottle would have been sold through Co-operative stores in the early 20th century for domestic sewing machine maintenance. The survival of the label, cork and remaining contents makes this a particularly evocative example, ideal for display alongside antique sewing machines, haberdashery collections or industrial heritage interiors. The bottle is sold strictly as a collectible and decorative object and not for use.