PRODUCT PACKAGE

CultureAmerican

Dimensions3 x 9 x 5.6 cm (1 3/16 x 3 9/16 x 2 3/16 in.)

Object numberHF.2021.15.2

DescriptionBon Ami cleaning cake in original unopened packaging. A rectangular cake wrapped in white paper and printed with Bon Ami brand. "127" is printed in purple on the top, bottom-center. A logo depicting a chick with a half broken shell to it's left is present in the top-left corner of the top. The top has: "Cleans 'Sparkling' Fresh / polishes as it cleans / Bon Ami / Cake/ Windows - Mirrors / Tile - Porcelain / Chrome - Enamel - Stainless Steel" printed in blue, red and yellow, and the back has directions for use in both French and English. The front and back sides have " " printed in blue and yellow.
Narrative

Chemicals in the 19th century were often very harsh so in 1886, Bon Ami was launched as an alternative cleaning product. The company used a bi-product mineral from quarries - feldspar. The softer feldspar could be used to polish various materials without the risk of scratching. Bon Ami has remained committed to not using harsh chemicals in their products.

The little chick has been part of Bon Ami's advertising and packaging since the late 1800s. Newly born chicks don't scratch for food like older chickens. As more people migrated from rural settings to the cities, this connection was lost but Bon Ami maintained this popular mascot. The name Bon Ami and the Bon Ami chick are some of America's oldest registered trademarks.

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