This original Vanner & Prest “Empire” Black Harness Oil tin is a fine example of early 20th-century British equestrian and motoring history. It represents a time when maintaining leather harnesses, saddlery, and early car upholstery was essential to everyday transport. Produced by one of Britain’s most respected leather care manufacturers, this tin reflects both the craftsmanship and patriotic spirit of its era.

Item Details

• Manufacturer: Vanner & Prest Ltd.

• Product: “Empire” Black Harness Oil

• Origin: London, England

• Period: Circa 1920s–1930s

• Construction: Metal cone-top tin with printed label in red, blue, orange, and white

• Design Features: Union Jack motif with “Empire” branding and bold typography typical of interwar British advertising

Historical Background
Vanner & Prest Ltd. was a distinguished London-based company founded in the 19th century, specialising in oils, waxes, and dressings for leather and harness goods. Their products became essential to both the equestrian trade and, later, to the early motor industry, where leather seats, straps, and accessories required regular treatment to preserve flexibility and water resistance.

During the early 1900s, the company gained a strong reputation among saddlers, coachmen, and horse owners across Britain and the Empire. With the gradual rise of the automobile, Vanner & Prest successfully adapted their range for new applications, marketing products to motorists for use on leather interiors, roof coverings, and luggage straps.

The “Empire” line of products was introduced in the interwar years, reflecting the strong sense of national pride that followed the First World War. The Union Jack logo and the product name “Empire” were used to evoke quality, reliability, and British manufacturing excellence.

Design and Features
The cone-top tin design, as seen here, was a practical format used from the 1910s to the 1930s. It allowed for easy pouring and storage while protecting the contents from air exposure. The tin’s vivid typography and patriotic colour scheme would have made it stand out on shop shelves in saddleries and general stores.

The product itself was a specially formulated oil designed to darken, soften, and waterproof leather harnesses, extending their working life. For working horses and carriages, this was a vital part of regular maintenance, helping to prevent cracking and wear.

Collectibility and Legacy
Original Vanner & Prest tins are now highly collectible among enthusiasts of automobilia, equestrian history, and early industrial packaging. Their tins are admired for their colourful graphic design, rarity, and connection to pre-war British craftsmanship.

The “Empire” branding makes this example especially desirable, as it captures a distinctive period of national pride and design flair. Surviving tins in good condition, with legible labels and intact spouts, are now sought-after decorative items for collectors and vintage displays.

Summary

• Original Vanner & Prest “Empire” Black Harness Oil tin

• Produced in London circa 1920s–1930s

• Cone-top metal tin with patriotic Union Jack design

• Used for preserving and waterproofing leather harnesses and upholstery

• Example of British equestrian and early motoring heritage

• Rare surviving piece with authentic patina and historic appeal

This Vanner & Prest “Empire” tin stands as a testament to the quality and ingenuity of British manufacturing between the wars. It recalls a time when everyday craftsmanship and national identity were proudly reflected in even the most practical of products.