Carton of throat pastilles, by Allen and Hanburys, Ltd., London, 1920-1940

Made from ammonia bromide and menthol (a peppermint-scented natural oil used to clear congestion in the nose and as a pain reliever), one lozenge or pastille was sucked every so often to cure a sore throat. The name ‘Allenbury’ was a combination of Allen and Hanburys, who made this treatment. Allen and Hanburys were a pharmaceutical manufacturer founded in 1715 which later amalgamated with industry giant Glaxo.