The phrase suggesting that someone had “a frog in their throat” was already popular by the 1890s. A fair supposition was that anyone who had a frog in their mouth would likely sound the same as someone with a hoarseness, a throat irritation, or in extreme cases had laryngitis.
In 1894, an American company approached the A. L. Simpkin Company of London to join them in the possible expansion of their product line. The Americans asked Simpkin to partner with them since Simpkin was a candy company and had the machinery needed to make the lozenges they wanted to sell in the United Kingdom. The United Kingdom was thought to be the best location to introduce their newest product since there would be neither language nor cultural boundaries.
There were no snickers nor laughs when the name of the new product, Frog in Your Throat Lozenges, was mentioned, since the phrase was also popular and well understood through the British Isles.
To launch the product in England, Simpkin orchestrated a whimsical advertising campaign that became legendary. Retail pharmacies (drug stores that the British call chemists) were invited to create elaborate frog-themed window displays, with prizes awarded for creativity. These displays featured everything from artificial frogs in medieval costumes to frog love stories told in four parts similar to comic strips. The campaign was so successful that the use of the phrase “frog in your throat” in the British vernacular greatly increased.
The lozenges were marketed as a remedy for coughs, hoarseness, and throat irritation, and were especially popular among singers, teachers, and public speakers. The brand continued to expand into the early 1900s when the product was pared with a series of collectibles – items like match safes, fishing lures, and postcards. The frog mascot became one of the most recognized icons in Britain.
In 1923, Albert Leslie Simpkin decided to stop selling other manufacturer’s products and began producing his own version of “Frog in Your Throat” lozenges. He introduced his new product that had a stronger formula and flavored with mint, menthol, and fruit. His coup d’etat came when he decided to sell his lozenges in distinctive travel tins.
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As of 2019, Simpkin has exported to over 40 countries around the world, which accounts for 25% of their income. They produce 80 different sweets, one of which is “Frog in Your Throat Lozenges with Lemon and Ginger” that is very strong and penetrating and has a kick like a mule! Every advertisement carries the caveat, PLEASE be warned, these are the real deal they are not for wimps!
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The postcards that were sales incentives in the early 1900s appeared shortly after the turn of the century. The collector who has lent these cards to Postcard History has specialized in early British advertising for nearly fifty years and has not yet managed to amass the entire twelve card set.
The presently known cards appear in the checklist below.
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If any Postcard History reader has “Frog in Your Throat” postcards in your collection, please share your collecting experience in the Comments section below!
I have never seen these cards but I remember when I was young my mom would say you got a frog in your throat when we were sick with a cold. The cards are wonderful. Thanks for sharing.
Beautifully whimsical cards and a great bit of history. Thanks
There is a second set of Frog in Your Throat cards, smaller and not as colorful. The set seen here is also seen as cut to a smaller size. Most interesting is the conviction by two friends, well known and respected legends in the postcard world, who believe these illustrations to have been done by Grace Drayton.
Any comments?
I have a few Frog in the Throat postcards, but have never seen these wonderful examples before. Thanks for sharing them and their history
Great article. I collect frog cards and only have a few FITT CARDS