_reclame_ introduced by Villemessant in his journal _La
Sylphide_. Thus "Pickwick" was quite "up-to-date." After Jingle had
gone off to Doctors Commons for his license, Sam renewed his efforts,
"burnishing a pair of _painted tops_, worn by a farmer." Then,
interrogated by Perker, he described the tenants of the inn by their
boots--a pair of "Hessians" in 13, two pair of "halves," with six "tops."

In chapter xxxiv. we have another allusion to blacking. "No man," said
Sam, "ever talked in poetry 'cept a beadle on Boxin' Day, _or Warren's
blackin'_." This referred to the rhymes--or verses--with which the firm
filled the newspapers in praise of their article. It will be remembered
that Mrs. Jarley, in the "Old Curiosity Shop," employed "a poet" to
celebrate her waxworks in similar fashion, and who was content with a few
shillings for each effort. We may be certain that this was a boyish
recollection, and that he had seen this blacking "poet" making his calls
in Chandos Street or haggling for his miserable wage. The beadle, also
alluded to, was a prominent figure with Boz; but he has disappeared, with
his huge cocked hat, scarlet waistcoat, and uniform. He is to be seen in
Wilkie's brilliant picture in the National Gallery. It is evident from
the passage that he came round on Boxing Day for his _douceur_, reminding
his patrons, as the dustmen now do sometimes, by a copy of verses. Sam
adds that no one did this sort of thing except the persons mentioned--"and
_Rowland's oil_, or some of them low fellows." The perfumer could only
have been half pleased with this uncomplimentary form. Still, such as it
was, it _was_ an advertisement. Boz also makes several allusions to the
inventor, Bramah, mentioning Bramah locks and keys with plugs, &c. Old
Weller talks of being locked up "in a fireproof chest with a patent
_Bramin_." Bramah's hydraulic press was a scientific novelty then, as
were also his "patent safes." Bramah appears to have advertised in
"Pickwick." These _reclames_ are of a rather elaborate kind, as when
Lowten arrived at the office (lii), we are told, he drew "a Bramah key
from his pocket, with a small plug therein to keep the dust out." Then
"comforting himself with this reflection, Mr. Lowten extricated the plug
from the door key; having opened the door, re-plugged and re-pocketed his
Bramah."

NOTE.--The horrors of the Blacking episode were ever present to Dickens'
recollection, and, as if under a