The first true black-and-white film (as opposed to the sepia Type 40) was Type 41 introduced in 1950. Early Type 41 prints curled and faded and a coater system had to be developed to cope with these problems. The coater liquid contained an acid to mop up excess developer and a polymer to coat and gloss the prints — all in alcohol for quick evaporation.

A glass tube contains the wetted cotton strip held in a plastics grip. This early coater also features a waxed cloth to buff and polish the prints once the coater was dry. This is stuffed into the base of the oversized cardboard tube cover. Click on the picture to see the improved version.