{"product_id":"empire-black-harness-oil","title":"Empire Black Harness Oil","description":"\u003carticle class=\"text-token-text-primary w-full focus:outline-none [--shadow-height:45px] has-data-writing-block:pointer-events-none has-data-writing-block:-mt-(--shadow-height) has-data-writing-block:pt-(--shadow-height) [\u0026amp;:has([data-writing-block])\u0026gt;*]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]\" dir=\"auto\" data-turn-id=\"request-68b1b201-a7b4-8328-9588-98ce49da4e98-4\" data-testid=\"conversation-turn-124\" data-scroll-anchor=\"true\" data-turn=\"assistant\" tabindex=\"-1\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"text-base my-auto mx-auto pb-10 [--thread-content-margin:--spacing(4)] thread-sm:[--thread-content-margin:--spacing(6)] thread-lg:[--thread-content-margin:--spacing(16)] px-(--thread-content-margin)\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"[--thread-content-max-width:40rem] thread-lg:[--thread-content-max-width:48rem] mx-auto max-w-(--thread-content-max-width) flex-1 group\/turn-messages focus-visible:outline-hidden relative flex w-full min-w-0 flex-col agent-turn\" tabindex=\"-1\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"flex max-w-full flex-col grow\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-message-author-role=\"assistant\" data-message-id=\"832a9172-ee35-4770-8170-46ee857ef4fb\" dir=\"auto\" class=\"min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal [.text-message+\u0026amp;]:mt-1\" data-message-model-slug=\"gpt-5\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden first:pt-[1px]\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"markdown prose dark:prose-invert w-full break-words dark markdown-new-styling\"\u003e\n\u003carticle class=\"text-token-text-primary w-full focus:outline-none [--shadow-height:45px] has-data-writing-block:pointer-events-none has-data-writing-block:-mt-(--shadow-height) has-data-writing-block:pt-(--shadow-height) [\u0026amp;:has([data-writing-block])\u0026gt;*]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]\" dir=\"auto\" data-turn-id=\"request-68f5fdf2-6054-832b-a28b-359b30936c2e-5\" data-testid=\"conversation-turn-208\" data-scroll-anchor=\"true\" data-turn=\"assistant\" tabindex=\"-1\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"text-base my-auto mx-auto pb-10 [--thread-content-margin:--spacing(4)] thread-sm:[--thread-content-margin:--spacing(6)] thread-lg:[--thread-content-margin:--spacing(16)] px-(--thread-content-margin)\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"[--thread-content-max-width:40rem] thread-lg:[--thread-content-max-width:48rem] mx-auto max-w-(--thread-content-max-width) flex-1 group\/turn-messages focus-visible:outline-hidden relative flex w-full min-w-0 flex-col agent-turn\" tabindex=\"-1\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"flex max-w-full flex-col grow\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-message-author-role=\"assistant\" data-message-id=\"3a8aa0fc-8a7c-4600-b48f-411ee225d417\" dir=\"auto\" class=\"min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal [.text-message+\u0026amp;]:mt-1\" data-message-model-slug=\"gpt-5\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden first:pt-[1px]\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"markdown prose dark:prose-invert w-full break-words dark markdown-new-styling\"\u003e\n\u003carticle class=\"text-token-text-primary w-full focus:outline-none [--shadow-height:45px] has-data-writing-block:pointer-events-none has-data-writing-block:-mt-(--shadow-height) has-data-writing-block:pt-(--shadow-height) [\u0026amp;:has([data-writing-block])\u0026gt;*]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]\" dir=\"auto\" data-turn-id=\"request-68f5fdf2-6054-832b-a28b-359b30936c2e-6\" data-testid=\"conversation-turn-210\" data-scroll-anchor=\"true\" data-turn=\"assistant\" tabindex=\"-1\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"text-base my-auto mx-auto pb-10 [--thread-content-margin:--spacing(4)] thread-sm:[--thread-content-margin:--spacing(6)] thread-lg:[--thread-content-margin:--spacing(16)] px-(--thread-content-margin)\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"[--thread-content-max-width:40rem] thread-lg:[--thread-content-max-width:48rem] mx-auto max-w-(--thread-content-max-width) flex-1 group\/turn-messages focus-visible:outline-hidden relative flex w-full min-w-0 flex-col agent-turn\" tabindex=\"-1\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"flex max-w-full flex-col grow\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-message-author-role=\"assistant\" data-message-id=\"edf6cd60-2a75-4959-ae94-ce34c6eb6477\" dir=\"auto\" class=\"min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal [.text-message+\u0026amp;]:mt-1\" data-message-model-slug=\"gpt-5\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden first:pt-[1px]\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"markdown prose dark:prose-invert w-full break-words dark markdown-new-styling\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"49\" data-end=\"466\"\u003eThis original Vanner \u0026amp; 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"468\" data-end=\"486\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"468\" data-end=\"484\"\u003eItem Details\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"487\" data-end=\"855\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"487\" data-end=\"528\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"489\" data-end=\"528\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"489\" data-end=\"506\"\u003eManufacturer:\u003c\/strong\u003e Vanner \u0026amp; Prest Ltd.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"529\" data-end=\"572\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"531\" data-end=\"572\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"531\" data-end=\"543\"\u003eProduct:\u003c\/strong\u003e “Empire” Black Harness Oil\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"573\" data-end=\"604\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"575\" data-end=\"604\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"575\" data-end=\"586\"\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e London, England\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"605\" data-end=\"638\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"607\" data-end=\"638\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"607\" data-end=\"618\"\u003ePeriod:\u003c\/strong\u003e Circa 1920s–1930s\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"639\" data-end=\"730\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"641\" data-end=\"730\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"641\" data-end=\"658\"\u003eConstruction:\u003c\/strong\u003e Metal cone-top tin with printed label in red, blue, orange, and white\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"731\" data-end=\"855\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"733\" data-end=\"855\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"733\" data-end=\"753\"\u003eDesign Features:\u003c\/strong\u003e Union Jack motif with “Empire” branding and bold typography typical of interwar British advertising\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"857\" data-end=\"1270\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"857\" data-end=\"882\"\u003eHistorical Background\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"882\" data-end=\"885\"\u003eVanner \u0026amp; 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1272\" data-end=\"1619\"\u003eDuring 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 \u0026amp; Prest successfully adapted their range for new applications, marketing products to motorists for use on leather interiors, roof coverings, and luggage straps.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1621\" data-end=\"1900\"\u003eThe “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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1902\" data-end=\"2248\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1902\" data-end=\"1925\"\u003eDesign and Features\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1925\" data-end=\"1928\"\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2250\" data-end=\"2511\"\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2513\" data-end=\"2804\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2513\" data-end=\"2542\"\u003eCollectibility and Legacy\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"2542\" data-end=\"2545\"\u003eOriginal Vanner \u0026amp; 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2806\" data-end=\"3090\"\u003eThe “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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3092\" data-end=\"3105\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3092\" data-end=\"3103\"\u003eSummary\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"3106\" data-end=\"3465\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"3106\" data-end=\"3164\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3108\" data-end=\"3164\"\u003eOriginal Vanner \u0026amp; Prest “Empire” Black Harness Oil tin\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"3165\" data-end=\"3205\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3167\" data-end=\"3205\"\u003eProduced in London circa 1920s–1930s\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"3206\" data-end=\"3261\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3208\" data-end=\"3261\"\u003eCone-top metal tin with patriotic Union Jack design\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"3262\" data-end=\"3336\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3264\" data-end=\"3336\"\u003eUsed for preserving and waterproofing leather harnesses and upholstery\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"3337\" data-end=\"3398\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3339\" data-end=\"3398\"\u003eExample of British equestrian and early motoring heritage\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"3399\" data-end=\"3465\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3401\" data-end=\"3465\"\u003eRare surviving piece with authentic patina and historic appeal\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3467\" data-end=\"3724\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\"\u003eThis Vanner \u0026amp; 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/article\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/article\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/article\u003e","brand":"Automobilia Magpie","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58860522635613,"sku":"AM424","price":95.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0958\/1625\/3789\/files\/WhatsAppImage2025-10-22at14.22.44_0634e645.jpg?v=1761147546","url":"https:\/\/www.automobiliamagpie.com\/products\/empire-black-harness-oil","provider":"Automobilia Magpie","version":"1.0","type":"link"}