A Scottish Co-operative Wholesale Society (SCWS) "pieces" tin. A "piece" is a popular Glaswegian word for a sandwich (open or closed). Adam McNaughtan's The Jeely Piece Song is perhaps the most moving tribute ever written about a slice of bread and jam. Most Glaswegians of a certain age will remember taking their "pieces" to school or to work each day and many will recall them thrown down from tenement windows to children playing in the streets and backcourts below.
The SCWS was founded in 1868. Like other Co-ops its aim was to provide its members with good quality products at affordable prices. It also paid members a dividend - a quarterly share of the Society's profits.
Shown at the bottom of the tin are two clasped hands which symbolise co-operation. The main image is an idyllic view of a woman in classical clothing carrying ripe fruit in a wicker basket, with grazing sheep and cooing doves.
Reference: 345.86.224 / PP.1986.102
Reproduced with the permission of Glasgow City Council, Glasgow Museums
Keywords:
bread and jam, Co-op, doves, fruit, jeely pieces, lunch boxes, packed lunches, piece boxes, play pieces, sandwiches, Scottish Co-operative Wholesale Society, SCWS, sheep, women
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