Historical reference: Do not rely on this information. It is very old. About this collection
Blacking, a polish employed chiefly for boots and shoes; introduced into this country from Paris in the 17th century. Many different varieties of paste and liquid blackings exist, generally consisting of bone black with fatty matters, and frequently some treacle and sulphuric acid added. Liquid blackings for kid shoes, etc., are generally some form of spirit varnish coloured by aniline black.