Antique 1920s Household Wants Indicator

A rare example of an early 20th Century metal tabbed Household Wants Indicator, made by Charles Letts, in fair condition.

This lovely vintage shopping list was designed to be hung in the kitchen or inside a utility cupboard to keep an eye on the household goods needed for shopping. It is a fascinating insight into the household habits and social history of the time, with items like ‘arrowroot’, ‘pipeclay’ and 'whisky' all seen as common items for the weekly shopping list, and the use of different spellings for ‘cocoanut’.

Made of tin, the indicator has a plastic coating and has string or hooks to be hung on the wall. At the bottom it carries the mark of 'Charles Letts & Co', now more commonly known as renowned stationers Letts. 

This household wants indicator is in fair condition for its age. As is quite common, it does have a few tears to the plastic covering. One of these has had an old sellotape repair. The most notable split is at the top but, on the whole, this is still a very attractive piece and all of the labels are still clearly identifiable. 

There are also unfortunately two tabs missing - for ‘Cornflour’ and ‘Kippers’ but the rest are all present and still work. I especially love the contrast of the pillarbox red colour of the tabs against the background.

But this is a wonderful item which is a slice of social history in itself.

Height, 33.5cm; Width, 28.5cm