‘Crisp-It’ by Henry Bright & Sons, Ltd., Grimsby 1920s/1930s.

An original, cylindrical box which originally contained bread crumbs with edible colour for use in cooking, especially for browning fish. This “ideal browner” was specially packed by Henry Bright & Sons Ltd., Grimsby.

In 1922, Henry Bright & Sons, Ltd., pickle and sauce manufacturers, were located in Cressey Street, Grimsby. In 1926, Henry Bright & Sons of Fraser Street were cod liver oil merchants. We cannot find any trace of the company before 1922 or after 1926.

The spiral tube box, named as a “Little John Drum”, was invented by John Bradbury Robinson II in 1924 of Robinsons & Sons, a major packaging and healthcare company. The spiral tube boxes were eventually taken up be Rowntrees for packaging ‘Smarties’.

Bright’s product was also said to be splendid for fried fish, cutlets, rissoles, hams, stuffing, soups and fish cakes or could be heated with fat and served with game. Mixed with chopped meat or fish and potatoes, it was said to make appetising and original rissoles. The crumbs could be sprinkled on fritters, before frying. ‘Housewives’ were invited to experiment for other original ideas. The lid had nine holes and could be used as a sprinkler if the top card was removed.

Note: Hendric Maurice King, son of Thomas King of Liverine Ltd., pet food manufacturers, was the company director of Henry Bright & Sons, Ltd., manufacturers of foods. Did Hendric King change his name to Henry Bright to avoid any confusion with the family’s pet food enterprises?