A remarkably pleasing slice of British commercial history, this oval, stepped-base flower frog was manufactured by the celebrated London shopfitting firm E. Pollard & Co. Ltd. Famous throughout the mid-20th century for creating the finest brass and mahogany shop displays in the country, Pollards engineered these substantial pin holders for professional florists and high-end department store window installations.
Cast from a heavy block of solid lead, the frog features an elegant stepped perimeter that still proudly retains its original, vibrant orange factory paint. The center is densely packed with rows of remarkably sharp brass needles, designed to hold structural floral stems perfectly upright without the need for modern plastic foam.
While it remains an excellent tool for the contemporary, eco-conscious floral designer, the crisp POLLARDS maker's mark and distinctive orange rim make it a highly collectible piece of industrial decor. It sits rather comfortably on a creative desk as a heavy-weight card holder, a fountain pen organizer, or simply as an attractive curiosity on a greenhouse potting bench.
Historical Details & Provenance
• The Maker: E. Pollard & Co. Ltd. (Pollards), London, England.
• The Mark: Deep, crisp factory stamp to the cast lead underside.
• Materials: Cast lead base with original orange lacquer finish, sharp brass pins.
• Era: Early-to-mid 20th Century (Circa 1930-1950).
Condition & Specifications
• Dimensions: Measures approximately 4 inches in length by 2.25 inches in width (approx. 10 cm x 5.7 cm).
• Condition: Excellent vintage condition. The lead base is structurally immaculate, heavy, and perfectly flat. The original orange paint shows honest, characterful age-appropriate flaking and wear but remains wonderfully bright. The brass pins are generally straight, uniform, and needle-sharp with only minor historic oxidation