Page 46 - SUNDAY 28 FEBRUARY AUCTION

W A Ross became one of the
largest soft drinks manufacturers
in Ireland and in its almost 100
year history produced a huge
number of collectable ceramics
along with some truly superb
advertising.
William Adolphus Ross (1817-
1900) was born in Dublin, son
of Henry Ross a banker. He
worked for 9 years at Cantrell &
Cochranes Mineral Water Co until
they were found to be in breach
of contract. Ross was awarded
a settlement of £3,250 and used
the windfall wisely to create his own soft drinks emporium, opening in William St South, Belfast, in 1879. Initial production reached 30,000 bottles a day, largely exported to America, West Indies and Africa.
By 1891 he was one of the largest soft drinks manufacturers in Ireland - Royal Ginger Ale their firm best seller. By 1896 he employed 150 people, boasting depots in Glasgow and Liverpool. They continued to prosper adding Brazile, Chile and Argentina to their export destinations by 1914, all unfortunately disrupted by the First World War.
By the 1970s the former premises laid empty until extensive renovations created a Covent Garden like shopping area.
to centre, stylish waterside scene & willow style pattern to rim. Minton base transfer. (9.5/10)
252. ROSS’S BELFAST GINGER ALE ASHTRAY
to centre, stylish
waterside scene &
willow style pattern to rim. Minton base transfer. (10/10)
willow style pattern to rim. Minton base
transfer. (9.5/10)
to centre, stylish waterside scene & willow style pattern to rim. Minton base transfer. (9.5/10)
254. ROSS’S TONIC & GINGER ALE WATER JUG. 4ins tall. Three lines of blue & red lettering each side - one for Tonic Water, other Ginger Ale. Colourful stylish waterside scene
to rim. Minor body wear.
Minton base transfer. See additional close up images on easylive. (8.5/10)
255. ROSS’S BELFAST GINGER ALE CIRCULAR ASHTRAY. 5.4ins diam - larger than previous two? Red & blue lettering
4.6ins diam. Red & blue lettering
to centre, stylish waterside scene &
256. ROSS’S TONIC WATER ASHTRAY. 4.1ins sqaure. Red & blue lettering
253. ROSS’S TONIC WATER ASHTRAY. 4.6ins diam. Red
& blue lettering
257. ROSS’S BELFAST GINGER ALE ASHTRAY 4.1ins sqaure. Red & blue lettering
to centre, stylish waterside scene & willow style pattern to rim. Minton base transfer. (10/10)