Packaging, cardboard box

Rectangular card box with lid used as packaging for ' pure grey' rubber bands manufactured by Waterlow and Sons Limited. The box has a white base and lid covered in textured light beige coloured paper with a red border. Applied to the lid is a paper label printed in red and blue with a description of the contents and notes that the bands are produced from the 'finest para' rubber stock. A further manufacturers label is attached to the side of the lid. The box is now empty but was previously used in an office at Barings Brothers bank located at 8 Bishopsgate in the City of London.

Barings bank was founded in 1762 by Sir Frances Baring and, at the time of its collapse in 1995, was the oldest merchant bank in London. In 1806, the company moved its headquarters to 8 Bishopsgate, where it stayed until 1995. During this period the property underwent several expansions and refurbishments, and was completely rebuilt in 1981. This item, together with other office equipment, was donated to the Museum of London during a refurbishment of the main banking hall and offices in the early 1970s.