Billy Tea Sign
Object detail
Description
White, blue and red painted metal sign. Image features a swagman with a cup of tea talking to a kangaroo holding a billy can. The trademark is in the top right corner. Holes in each corner for mounting. Some scratches in paintwork.
Classification
COMMERCE Advertising sign
Measurements
L299 x W452 x H10 mm
Weight 847 g
Weight 847 g
Media/Materials description
Steel (Metals - Ferrous), Tin (Metal Plating)
Signature/Marks
THE BILLY \ TEA \ THE BILLY TEA \ TRADE-MARK \ No 86- \ GUARANTEED UNDER THE PURE FOOD ACT, \ 1908, BY \ JAMES INGLIS & CO LTD \ SYDNEY, NEWCASTLE & BRISBANE \ -No 86 \ HULLO MATE! I ALWAYS THOUGHT YOU WERE ONLY A BILLY TEA ADVERTISEMENT
History and use
The expression ‘billy tea’ is used for any type of tea boiled in a billy, traditionally including a gum leaf thrown in for extra bush flavour. The Billy Tea Company, however, founded in 1881 by Scotsman James Inglis, became a leading brand of tea considered perfect for this type of brewing. Its successful marketing strategies made use of Australian symbols, like the kangaroo, and linked Billy Tea to images of mateship, comfort and adventure. This is an early Twentieth century advertisement.
Uploaded to the Web 27 May 2011.
Uploaded to the Web 27 May 2011.
Registration number
H26706