Antique 1920s Large Household Wants Indicator by Charles Letts

A rare example of an early 20th Century metal tabbed Household Wants Indicator, made by Charles Letts, in good 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’, ‘essences’ and 'sweetmeats' 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 holes in it to be hung on the wall. This did also have metal tabs for wall hanging on the back, but one of these is now missing. At the bottom it carries the mark and patent number of 'Charles Letts & Co London', now known as renowned stationers Letts. And the original advertising sticker, showing it was approved by the Good Housekeeping Institute', is also present and in good condition on the back. 

This household wants indicator is in good condition for its age. They often have lots of tears and staining, but the staining on this example is quite mild and there are tears to the front. The original notelet case on the bottom right corner is now missing. The original backing is also largely in tact, with just two small areas where this has worn away.

There are unfortunately two tabs missing - for ‘Tapers’ and ‘Whiting’ but the rest are all present. Given it’s age these have now oxidised to some degree, with oxidisation also present on the metal backing upon which they are fixed. However, they all still work and can be used still.

Height, 33.5cm; Width, 28.5cm; Depth, 1cm (including tabs)