379 & 380  1938

1940s-50s

   
3322    1963

3333   1973

Men's bar or bath soap was sold almost continuously since 1938 when Old Spice for Men was introduced to the market.  It came in double and single bar boxes, product id 379 and 380, respectively, and also appeared in many gift sets through this period.  The Single bar was available until 1941 and the double bars until around 1952.

In 1963 bar soaps reappeared briefly in a boxed set as product id 3322.

In 1973, the last "soap only" set came out: the Captain's 4 Bar Soap Chest (3.5 oz. each) (product id 3333).  However, bars of soap appeared into the early 1980s as elements of gift sets, usually along with after shave and cologne.

1953

   
1963            1965

        
1969            1973

1985

European/Canadian Version

Soap on a Rope  $14

When first introduced in 1953, this product was called Shower Soap with Cord (product id 379).  It was a large oval cake with an impression of the Ship Grand Turk. 

Over time the size of the soap was gradually reduced:

1953 to 1961   7 5/8 ounces
1961 to 1964   6.25 ounces
1965 to 1975   5.75 ounces 
1976 to 1991   5.0 ounces

In 1965 the product id changed to 3790 and the shape of the soap became round with a compass rose on it.  Note the changes in the outer packaging, especially between 1969 and 1973 when the words "shower soap with cord" moved from the top to the bottom of the box.

In 1985 the product id changed to 37900 and the packaging took on the new 1980s motif. 

Look below for other flavors of the Soap-On-A-Rope!

The item at the bottom is either a European or Canadian product; the label includes both English and French.

1967

circa 1972

Sold from 1967 to 1973 as product id 3190.  For most of this time it sold in a hard lidded cardboard box, replaced around 1972 by the one-piece package with the cellophane window.

1967

1973

1973

Lime was first introduced in 1967 and sold until 1982 (product id 3580).  It was shaped like a lime and weighed 6 oz. until 1976 when it was reduced to 5 oz.

By 1973 or so, it took on the shape and size of the original flavor Old Spice.

An Herbal flavor of soap on a rope was made but only available as far as I can tell in 1976 in one gift set, shown right.

Sold from 1978 to 1982 as product id 3477.  Note the bar in the shape of an "M."

I do not believe Fresh Scent Shower soap was sold in America.  I believe this is either a European or Canadian product (the label includes both English and French).

This bar of soap is made in England and comes in a leather-looking plastic container.

Not sure, but this looks like another English product - perhaps in a travel case.

These bath soaps were aimed at the little shavers - probably dates from the late 1960s or early 1970s. Anybody know??  Send me a note!