Wren’s Puwite cleaner

On the label

Puwite Cream in tins and bottles
Guaranteed not to rub off.
Puwite for buckskin, white canvas, suede etc.

This illustration on the side of a Wren’s advertising tin dates from the era when they were in Northampton, prior to 1938.
Wrens' Puwite Cream
Photo: David Pratt
The white block is very densely compressed with a polished surface with crisp moulded branding on the top. These is no hint of chalkiness to the touch. The board box is plain green print on a (now) cream board although the covered tabs show it was originally much whiter. The box carries no Royal Warrant and has the older wren illustration. As the address is Watford the date would be after 1938 – putting this version of the product in the wartime years.
On the label

Wren’s Puwite Cleaner for buckskin & canvas shoes. Will not rub off.
Wm Wren Ltd, Watford, Eng.
Directions: First thoroughly clean the article, then use a wet sponge to work cleaner into a cream. Apply cream thinly and evenly with sponge.
For buckskin & canvas shoes, topees, cricket pads, tennis balls, etc.

Wren's Puwite Cleaner
Photos: David Pratt
The white block is very densely compressed with a polished surface with crisp moulded branding on the top. These is no hint of chalkiness to the touch. The board box is plain green print on a (now) cream board although the covered tabs show it was originally much whiter. This block dates between 1938 and 1952 and it makes no reference to military presumably as this not only was this product aimed at the domestic market but the use of white cleaner would have had little military use in this period (just parades, bandsmen and military police).
On the label

By appointment shoe polish manufacturers to H.M. King George VI
Wren’s Puwite Cleaner
It won’t rub off
Directions: First thoroughly clean the article. Work the cleaner into a cream with a wet sponge. Apply the cream thinly and evenly.
PUWITE makes Canvas and Buckskin Shoes, Cricker Pads, Topees, etc. REALLY WHITE
Trade Mark Regd.
Wren’s Puwite Cleaner
For buckskin and canvas shoes
Made in England by Wm. Wren Ltd. Watford.

Wren's Puwite cleaner
Wren's Puwite cleaner
Wren's Puwite cleaner
Wren's Puwite cleaner
Photos: David Pratt