Rare Vintage 1938 Worthington's 'Sam & Pete' Brass Tea Caddy Spoon
This is a truly charming and historically significant vintage brass tea caddy spoon, measuring approximately 4cm x 8cm, and is a tangible piece of British retail history. It features the distinctive embossed slogan "LET WORTHINGTONS FEED YOU 100 SHOPS 1938" on its handle, alongside the caricatured figures of 'Sam' and 'Pete'. These iconic characters, who were based on actual Worthington's employees Alf Pickering and Tom Rainbow, were central to the advertising campaigns of the local grocers, Worthingtons Cash Stores. The reverse is marked "MADE IN ENGLAND J.R.G. L." The spoon is in very good vintage condition, showcasing a lovely aged patina consistent with its age.
'Sam' and 'Pete', often depicted in their white jackets, aprons, and hats, were a familiar sight in Worthington's adverts. Their campaigns were quite memorable, as illustrated by a 1930s advert showing them scrubbing a cow to ensure "good wholesome beef for our Beef Sausage". Interestingly, one advertisement even sparked a complaint for its playful use of a hymn tune for "Peas, Perfect Peas, Picked from Perfect Pods", highlighting the company's lively and sometimes controversial marketing approach.
Worthington's was founded in 1891 by Charles T. Worthington, growing to a significant presence across England. The company's history is filled with delightful anecdotes, including the "red letter day" when delivery boys transitioned from handcarts to bicycles a move that brought its own set of comical challenges, from hams tumbling down the street to delivery boys ending up with "scrambled eggs" in their pockets after a tumble. These stories paint a vivid picture of daily life and commerce between the World Wars.
The last Worthingtons shop closed its doors in 1966, but the memories of these "old style shops" persist, remembered fondly for their sawdust floors, the rich aroma of cheese, tea, and biscuits, and, most importantly, the friendly and courteous service that defined the Worthington's experience. This tea caddy spoon is not just a utensil; it's a nostalgic snapshot of a bygone era in British high street retail.
