Denniford
Along with Biscombe’s, Dennifords were one of
the largest players in the local mineral water trade. Dennifords had received
Royal patronage and many of their bottles proclaim this fact, including some
boldly emblazoned with the Royal coat of arms.
Dennifords were operating by 1870s and
continued in production until 1940, mostly from premises in Russell Street,
Plymouth. Early bottles are embossed T.Denniford Late Mackey indicating a link
with the earlier company. Interestingly, some Dennifords ginger beer bottles
proclaim that the company was established in 1832, however, this is probably
the date that Mackey & Co was founded rather than Dennifords themselves.
Indeed, in 1870 the Russell St premises are still occupied by Mackey & Co!
However, the 1871 census lists Thomas Denniford as a soda water manufacturer so
we can assume that his operation began sometime between 1870 and 1871.
By 1901 the
company was being run by Thomas’ son, William Denniford, and Thomas himself had
retired. By 1937, the company had also taken over JS Eyre of Launceston.
This company has left possibly the richest
selection of bottles from the Plymouth area, using numerous types including the
much sought after Codd - Hamilton hybrids in both pointed and flat based
varieties. The following plates show a selection of types used by the company.
Various ginger beers used by Dennifords
Various ginger beers used by Dennifords
Aqua glass bottle used by Dennifords
Coat of arms Codd from Dennifords
6oz skittle codd from Dennifords
Various ovate bottles used by Dennifords
6ox hybrid used by Dennifords
Dennifords bottles bearing the Royal coat
of arms
Late Dennifords codd in unusual smokey
brown glass
Amber Dennifords dumpy seltzer
Green glass bottle from Dennifords
1895 advert for Dennifords
6oz codds used by Dennifords
A further hybrid variation, embossed
T.Denniford / Plymouth
Another hybrid variation embossed
T.Denniford & Son in italics
1937 advert including Eyre business
Glass ginger beer from Dennifords (note similarity to
the red glaze stoneware bottle and sand blasted body for easy gripping)