Nothing known of this products date or manufacturer. “Guaranteed to contain Abril” says the label. Abril Industrial Waxes Ltd operate from South Wales and discovered amide waxes in April 1945 and the company was set up to exploit the new found technology. Abril is the Spanish word for April – is there a connection with the date of discovery? The company manufactures highly specialised polymers and waxes and it seems that Abril is a synthesised wax rather than a natural wax such as bees or Carnauba wax that had been traditional components of boot polish.
On the label
Patrol boot polish
Registered trade mark
Black
Guaranteed to contain Abril. Supreme for preserving and waterproofing leather.
Keep lid on when not in use – Made in England by Patrol Polishes Ltd, London W1
Photos: David Pratt