Sore Throat or Heart Ache…you decide
Plastic will replace trademark tin boxes.
Sucrets’ lozenges alongwith its trademark tin, first appeared in 1932. Since it’s introduction, about 450 millionSucrets tins have been sold. The company (Smith Kline Beecham PLC) estimates that up to athird of them were put to other uses after the lozenges were consumed.
After 62 years (1994) of such extracurricular uses as storing fish hookand per bug, the trademark little tin that holds Sucrets throat lozenges is being phasedout. Secrets’ manufacturer threw the humble metal box a retirement celebration Tuesday andpronounced it “part of Americana”.
Plastic will replace tin in September (1994).
Some of the British crown jewels were kept in the (Sucrets’) tins whileQueen Elizabeth II’s crown was being reset during the 1950s, the company said. “It’sbeen used often as a coffin for goldfish and pet turtles,” brand manager PaulLindsay.
Why fiddle with success? Lindsay said the new package would protect thelozenges better and allow customers to see them in a small plastic window. The newcontainer will hold fewer lozenges; 18 Vs 24, and the price per lozenge will be slightlyhigher.
(The article above from the TIN FAX; originally printed by the Associated Press Wednesday, July 20, 1994)
The following is information from your editor (Mike Reilly) derivedfrom his collection and the book, “Values & Visions – A Merck Century”,1991.
Alpheus P. Sharp started the original “Retail Drug Store” in1845. The business grew in Baltimore with his partners (partnership established in 1860),Louis and Charles E. Dohme.
In 1929 the firm merged with the Philadelphia business of H.K. MulfordCo. and subsequently moved its central office there.
Sharp & Dohme, Incorporated was a pharmaceutical firm with longties to Merck & Co. In 1953, the company merged with Merck, to become Merck, Sharp& Dohme International (MSDI).
Around 1962 Merck acquired the Quinton Company.
In 1977, The Calgon Consumer Products Company, Inc., a subsidiary ofMerck & Co., Inc. (at the time making the Sucrets product for Merck) was sold toBeecham Inc. Merck had merged with Calgon in 1968.
The following is information from your editor (Mike Reilly) derivedfrom his collection and the book, “Values & Visions – A Merck Century”,1991.
Alpheus P. Sharp started the original “Retail Drug Store” in1845. The business grew in Baltimore with his partners (partnership established in 1860),Louis and Charles E. Dohme.
In 1929 the firm merged with the Philadelphia business of H.K. MulfordCo. and subsequently moved its central office there.
Sharp & Dohme, Incorporated was a pharmaceutical firm with longties to Merck & Co. In 1953, the company merged with Merck, to become Merck, Sharp& Dohme International (MSDI).
Around 1962 Merck acquired the Quinton Company.
In 1977, The Calgon Consumer Products Company, Inc., a subsidiary ofMerck & Co., Inc. (at the time making the Sucrets product for Merck) was sold toBeecham Inc. Merck had merged with Calgon in 1968.
Sucrets’ tins I have or I’ve heard about:
The very earliest Sucrets may have been sold in a small cardboard box,similar in size to the first tin. Though no evidence has come to light supporting this,there was a cardboard box used with only the Philadelphia location on it. This wasprobably used during WWII when a shortage of material forced many manufacturers to switchfrom tins.
The first gold-colored tin (I believe) was markedHEXYLRESORCINOL SUCRETS. It has an oval logo with a hand holding a test tube and theletters S&D. It is further marked SHARP & DOHME and PHILADELPHIA – BALTIMORE.Since 1929 marks the merger with Mulford, and Philadelphia is listed first, must indicatethat the central offices were relocated, but the Baltimore location was still being used.
The first gold-colored tin (I believe) was markedHEXYLRESORCINOL SUCRETS. It has an oval logo with a hand holding a test tube and theletters S&D. It is further marked SHARP & DOHME and PHILADELPHIA – BALTIMORE.Since 1929 marks the merger with Mulford, and Philadelphia is listed first, must indicatethat the central offices were relocated, but the Baltimore location was still being used.
The first gold-colored tin (I believe) was markedHEXYLRESORCINOL SUCRETS. It has an oval logo with a hand holding a test tube and theletters S&D. It is further marked SHARP & DOHME and PHILADELPHIA – BALTIMORE.Since 1929 marks the merger with Mulford, and Philadelphia is listed first, must indicatethat the central offices were relocated, but the Baltimore location was still being used.
The next gold-colored tin is marked ‘SUCRETS’,the word Sucrets enclosed in forward apostrophes. SHARP & DOHME, PHILADELPHIA. Theoval has moved to the backside and the MULFORD BIOLOGICALS oval logo appears to it’s left.
The next tin is finishedin a dark tan color with blue lettering, The inside is finished in gray. ‘SUCRETS’ is oncemore enclosed in apostrophes (different style from first ones), the left one’s tail ispointing up. In a single line is SHARP & DOHME – PHILADELPHIA, PA. The next tin is finishedin a dark tan color with blue lettering, The inside is finished in gray. ‘SUCRETS’ is oncemore enclosed in apostrophes (different style from first ones), the left one’s tail ispointing up. In a single line is SHARP & DOHME – PHILADELPHIA, PA. The next tin is finishedin a dark tan color with blue lettering, The inside is finished in gray. ‘SUCRETS’ is oncemore enclosed in apostrophes (different style from first ones), the left one’s tail ispointing up. In a single line is SHARP & DOHME – PHILADELPHIA, PA.
A tin with more ofa kaki color lid is next with the words “MADE IN U.S.A. SHARP & DOHME PHILADELPHIA, PA. on it. The “&” on this tin looks more like a writtencapital “E” than the normal “&” On the bottom is the logo SHARP& DOHME in an oval. SUCRETS is in white without apostrophes with the R (registered) ina circle next to it. This one contains a fourth line of text on the lid – *’Caprokol’designates Sharp & Dolme’s brand of hexylresorcinal which is also seen on one in thenext paragraph.
The next tins are somewhat similar – SUCRETS is in white withoutapostrophes with the R (registered) in a circle next to it. The lid and inside is a kakicolor and bottom, a dark blue. The next one (variation) of this contains a fourth line oftext on the lid – *’Caprokol’ designates Sharp & Dolme’s brand of hexylresorcinal.(this is an extra notation added). This is probably the “original” tin and thevariation of it is actually the example without the fourth line of text.
Both tins are labeled MADE IN U.S.A. SHARP & DOHME PHILADELPHIA, PA. DIVISION OF MERCK& CO, INC. and on the bottom is the logo SHARP & DOHME in an oval.
The next one looks similar to the first one above (no fourth line of text) but reads MERCK SHARP & DOHMEinstead. The logo on the back and inside lid is two intersecting circles with the lettersMSD.
The next one looks similar to the first one above (no fourth line of text) but reads MERCK SHARP & DOHMEinstead. The logo on the back and inside lid is two intersecting circles with the lettersMSD.
Approximately 1962, whenthe Quinton Company was acquired, Sucrets manufacture must have been turned over to them.The tin’s lettering is now blue and silver, the lettering is larger and more spaced apart,the inside is silver. On the bottom, the words QUINTON COMPANY, RAHWAY, N.J. appears alongwith the first “form number”. One I have is number 55711, the other is 55719.The only difference I see is that the printing became darker/bolder. Approximately 1962, whenthe Quinton Company was acquired, Sucrets manufacture must have been turned over to them.The tin’s lettering is now blue and silver, the lettering is larger and more spaced apart,the inside is silver. On the bottom, the words QUINTON COMPANY, RAHWAY, N.J. appears alongwith the first “form number”. One I have is number 55711, the other is 55719.The only difference I see is that the printing became darker/bolder. Approximately 1962, whenthe Quinton Company was acquired, Sucrets manufacture must have been turned over to them.The tin’s lettering is now blue and silver, the lettering is larger and more spaced apart,the inside is silver. On the bottom, the words QUINTON COMPANY, RAHWAY, N.J. appears alongwith the first “form number”. One I have is number 55711, the other is 55719.The only difference I see is that the printing became darker/bolder.
These are followed by atin with different text and marked QUINTON COMPANY, Division of Merck & Co. Inc.Rahway, N.J. 07065 on the bottom. The form number is 55730. Also note the Zip Codeaddition which places it 1963 or later. The R (registered) in a circle has been raisedabove the letter S in SUCRETS.
When the Calgon company merged with Merck in 1968 the Sucrets operationwas transferred to that subsidiary. I have a CHILDREN’S CHERRY FLAVOR tin in white andred. It’s marked CALGON CONSUMER PRODUCTS COMPANY INC. Subsidiary of MERCK & CO. INC.,ZIP Code is 15230 for Pittsburgh, the form number is 55687.
The first Beecham tins I have are a ‘SUCRETS’ Cough Control Formula tinin brown and white. It has a UPC code on it and marked FORM 9050 A. The other is a REGULARSUCRETS in blue and white, UPC code and marked FORM 0017 A. Both are labeled BEECHAM PRODUCTS, Division of Beecham Inc., Pittsburgh, PA15230. There’s also a crude expiration or manufacture date/code stamped on the bottoms,3884 (?) and 4401, respectively.
I also have a sample tin, 1 3/4″ square, 5/8″ high for NEWMAXIMUM STRENGTH SUCRETS, a 39 cent trial size with 4 lozenges. It’s marked the same asabove with EXP. 7/85. The lid isn’t hinged (slip on).
Next are two tins marked Beecham Products USA, Div. of Beecham Inc. Oneis ORIGINAL MINT Form 90188, blue and white. The other is CHERRY SUCRETS CHILDREN’SFORMULA in red and pink. Form is 9018H with a Patent 4,139,627 which places it early in1979. The EXP. 03/99 must mean they’re good for at least twenty years BUT there is a UPCcode, so they’re not that old yet. By the way, this tin is sealed with the lozenges in it.Further examination reveals that an ingredient called DYCLONINE has been added. This mayaccount for the 1979 patent date. These are followed by atin with different text and marked QUINTON COMPANY, Division of Merck & Co. Inc.Rahway, N.J. 07065 on the bottom. The form number is 55730. Also note the Zip Codeaddition which places it 1963 or later. The R (registered) in a circle has been raisedabove the letter S in SUCRETS.
When the Calgon company merged with Merck in 1968 the Sucrets operationwas transferred to that subsidiary. I have a CHILDREN’S CHERRY FLAVOR tin in white andred. It’s marked CALGON CONSUMER PRODUCTS COMPANY INC. Subsidiary of MERCK & CO. INC.,ZIP Code is 15230 for Pittsburgh, the form number is 55687.
The first Beecham tins I have are a ‘SUCRETS’ Cough Control Formula tinin brown and white. It has a UPC code on it and marked FORM 9050 A. The other is a REGULARSUCRETS in blue and white, UPC code and marked FORM 0017 A. Both are labeled BEECHAM PRODUCTS, Division of Beecham Inc., Pittsburgh, PA15230. There’s also a crude expiration or manufacture date/code stamped on the bottoms,3884 (?) and 4401, respectively.
I also have a sample tin, 1 3/4″ square, 5/8″ high for NEWMAXIMUM STRENGTH SUCRETS, a 39 cent trial size with 4 lozenges. It’s marked the same asabove with EXP. 7/85. The lid isn’t hinged (slip on).
Next are two tins marked Beecham Products USA, Div. of Beecham Inc. Oneis ORIGINAL MINT Form 90188, blue and white. The other is CHERRY SUCRETS CHILDREN’SFORMULA in red and pink. Form is 9018H with a Patent 4,139,627 which places it early in1979. The EXP. 03/99 must mean they’re good for at least twenty years BUT there is a UPCcode, so they’re not that old yet. By the way, this tin is sealed with the lozenges in it.Further examination reveals that an ingredient called DYCLONINE has been added. This mayaccount for the 1979 patent date. These are followed by atin with different text and marked QUINTON COMPANY, Division of Merck & Co. Inc.Rahway, N.J. 07065 on the bottom. The form number is 55730. Also note the Zip Codeaddition which places it 1963 or later. The R (registered) in a circle has been raisedabove the letter S in SUCRETS.
When the Calgon company merged with Merck in 1968 the Sucrets operationwas transferred to that subsidiary. I have a CHILDREN’S CHERRY FLAVOR tin in white andred. It’s marked CALGON CONSUMER PRODUCTS COMPANY INC. Subsidiary of MERCK & CO. INC.,ZIP Code is 15230 for Pittsburgh, the form number is 55687.
The first Beecham tins I have are a ‘SUCRETS’ Cough Control Formula tinin brown and white. It has a UPC code on it and marked FORM 9050 A. The other is a REGULARSUCRETS in blue and white, UPC code and marked FORM 0017 A. Both are labeled BEECHAM PRODUCTS, Division of Beecham Inc., Pittsburgh, PA15230. There’s also a crude expiration or manufacture date/code stamped on the bottoms,3884 (?) and 4401, respectively.
I also have a sample tin, 1 3/4″ square, 5/8″ high for NEWMAXIMUM STRENGTH SUCRETS, a 39 cent trial size with 4 lozenges. It’s marked the same asabove with EXP. 7/85. The lid isn’t hinged (slip on).
Next are two tins marked Beecham Products USA, Div. of Beecham Inc. Oneis ORIGINAL MINT Form 90188, blue and white. The other is CHERRY SUCRETS CHILDREN’SFORMULA in red and pink. Form is 9018H with a Patent 4,139,627 which places it early in1979. The EXP. 03/99 must mean they’re good for at least twenty years BUT there is a UPCcode, so they’re not that old yet. By the way, this tin is sealed with the lozenges in it.Further examination reveals that an ingredient called DYCLONINE has been added. This mayaccount for the 1979 patent date.
Two more tins to go – This one is a VAPOR LEMON SUCRETS, green, yellow,blue and white are the colors. Marked with logo SB SmithKline Beecham Consumer Brands, SmithKline Beecham Corporation. Has the 1979 patent number and form (?) 7483XB, EXP.04/94. Last one is a WILD CHERRY in red, blue and white. There’s no reference to thepatent number on this one though it contains DYCLONINE. It does have the logo SB but then simply SmithKline Beecham Inc.
There are at least 3-4 others that I’m aware of including a Canadianwhich is on it’s way and a 60th Anniversary tin (was there a 50th ?). That means a minimumof at least 20 different Sucrets tins you can collect, there’s probably twice this many. Iwill be placing this information and some pictures of the tins on the web site at a laterdate. If you have additional information, or have a tin I don’t have, please let me know.
I’m interested in addingnon-US Sucrets tins to my collection, Canadian, English, etc. I’m interested in adding non-US Sucrets tins to my collection, Canadian, English, etc. I’m interested in adding non-US Sucrets tins to my collection, Canadian, English, etc.
Added information from Jeannie Tucker – as an interesting follow-up to the Sucrets article, when Sucrets gave up the patent to the infamous Sucrets tin, The Celestial Seasonings Tea Company took over the patent and very shortly started issuing the TravelTea tins in the tea boxes. I was told by a representative of the Celestial Seasoningscompany that it is not a rumor, that they did indeed purchase the patent.
From Marv Brooks -Enjoyed your article on Sucrets Tins. I work for Merck and have a collection of Merck,Sharp and Dohme and Mulford items. The tins attached are from Canada (top), and England (middle and bottom). The last two were given to me by a colleague in London. I’m trying tofigure out how to get better examples.