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Price and Co. Macassar Oil
Price and Co. Macassar Oil

Price and Co. Macassar Oil

Maker
Date1850 - 1900
Object number00005907
NameBottle
MediumGlass
DimensionsOverall: 108 x 33 x 23 mm, 0.1 kg
ClassificationsTools and equipment
Credit LineANMM Collection
DescriptionGlass bottle of Macassar Oil from the medicine chest (00005897) used by the chief engineer on the BURRUMBEET. Text on the bottle reads 'Price & Co's Macassar Oil Hughes & Jones' and 'Patronized by her Majesty Genuine & Original'. HistoryMacassar oil was a compounded oil used throughout the 1800s and early 1900s as a hair conditioner to groom and style the hair. It was promoted by the London barber Alexander Rowland and in 1793 he began producing Rowland's Macassar Oil for commercial sale. It is estimated that within 20 years it became hugely popular and other barbers, cosmetic and soap manufactures began selling their own versions. Part of the product's wide appeal was the extent of accompanying advertising. The campaign was widespread and exaggerated claims of its effectiveness, including reducing baldness. Macassar oil is often made with coconut oil or palm oil combined with ylang-ylang oil and other fragrant oils.SignificanceThe chest represents the changing role of officers who served in the Merchant Marine during the mid to late 19th century. There was no requirement for a surgeon to be on board, so commissioned officers were responsible for performing minor medical tasks. In the case of the BURRUMBEET, the pharmaceuticals were weighed and administered by the Chief Engineer, the original owner of the chest.