Got some old vintage tins in your attic that you wanted to throw away but didn’t? If yes, you are lucky! Old antique tins have risen as a highly desirable collectible in the antiques market, with some examples fetching up to $5,000!
In this guide, you will learn how to identify and date vintage tins and which factors impact their worth. There’s also a list of 12 rare and valuable vintage tins you need to spot in your collection right away!
Identifying & Dating Old Vintage Tins (Key Signs to Spot)
Vintage tins are only worth money if they’re significantly old. But how can you know how old your old tin is? The following key signs will help you identify and date your piece:
1. Physical Appearance
It may sound unrealistic, but an old tin’s physical appearance can tell a lot about its age and rarity. There are three major aspects to assess:
Patina and Wear
Authentic vintage tins typically show some degree of rust, scratches, or dents from decades of use. A distinctive patina (brownish layer) is also a sign of a genuine vintage piece.
Construction Methods
The way a tin box/can is constructed can indicate its age. For example, hand-soldered seams indicate a pre-1900s example, and machine-crimped seams indicate an early and late 1900s piece.
Materials
Early tins were typically made of heavier gauge metal, most commonly iron and tin, while modern examples generally feature lightweight materials, such as aluminum and mixed metals.
Closure Types
The type of closure method used on a vintage tin can also speak a lot about its age. Here’s how:
- Simple friction-fit lids and primitive plug-type closures date back to the 1830s-1890s.
- Hinged lids and lever or clasp mechanisms became common in the late 19th to early 20th Century.
- Slip-on lids (common for tobacco tins), Pry-top lids, key-opening mechanisms, and screw caps were widely used in the early to mid-20th century.
2. Typography and Design Elements
While appearance can confirm whether your piece is old or not, it may not help trace the exact age. Here, the design printed on the tin, including its text style and colors, comes into play.
Printing Style
As the printing technology changed over the years, the printing style found on old tins became a vital dating and identification clue. Here’s how:
- Early tins from the late 19th to early 20th century show examples of Chromolithography. It’s an early form of lithography in which multiple stones or plates, each inked with a different color, are used to create images.
- The early to mid-20th-century tins typically feature offset lithography, characterized by transferring the inked image from a plate to a rubber blanket and then to the tin. These tins featured a less textured, colored design than earlier examples.
- Then comes the latest retro tin pieces featuring modern lithography, mostly seen in mid-20th-century and onward examples. You can spot it by the sharp, consistent print quality with smooth color gradients and almost invisible halftone dots.
Text Style
The text style used on tins can also provide dating clues. Here’s a quick list of the most common text styles used on vintage tins and the era they’re associated with:
- Victorian ornate lettering (late 19th century)
- Art Nouveau flowing text (1890s-1910s)
- Block lettering (1930s-1940s)
- Space-age, futuristic fonts (1950s-1960s)
3. Marks, Brand Logos, and Slogans:
Like the design, the company logos and advertising slogans evolved over the years. The changes in logos and marks will help you easily date your tin.
Apart from the slogans, the tins display many other production-related details:
- Copyright Symbol: The copyright symbol (©) was introduced in 1914, but it was typically used on vintage tins in 1954. So, if a tin has a copyright symbol, it’s likely from 1914 or later. More prominent copyright marks indicate post-1954 examples.
- Zip Codes: Zip codes are a crucial sign to look for. Since these codes were introduced in 1963, all the vintage tins bearing a zip code are dated to the post-1964 era.
- Brand Logos: The brand logos and style are prone to change. So, researching the history of a particular brand and its logos and markings can help narrow down the production period.
- Slogans: Brands often modify and update their slogans over time to stay relevant. You can easily determine when certain slogans were used by a specific brand with some quick research.
What Makes Old Tins Valuable?
Generally, vintage tins can sell for $20 to $500 for common examples, whereas rare boxes in excellent condition can reach up to $4,000 or higher. Naturally, the value depends on several factors, as explained below:
Condition
The condition of an antique tin is the most crucial valuation factor, as pristine tins are significantly more valuable than damaged ones. For example,
Here are the common damage signs that can reduce the value of your old tin:
- Dents and creases
- Holes in the sides or the bottom
- Damaged (broken, loose, or rusted) hinges (on hinged tins)
- Missing or damaged lids
- Damaged or missing internal components, like trays, dividers, etc. (if any)
- Chipping/flaking paint or lithography
- Significant, pitting rusting
- Worn-out labels (if originally found)
Rarity and Desirability
Here are the key factors that contribute to the rarity of an old tin:
- Popular Brands: Vintage tins made by renowned, historic brands are the rarest and most sought-after. These tins can fetch high premiums even in average condition.
- Limited Production Runs: Tins produced for short periods or special events are considered rather rare and valuable.
- Novelty Shapes & Designs: Tins featuring unusual or complex shapes (like vehicles, buildings, items, or characters) are highly desirable. Similarly, unconventional and innovative designs are also more collectible.
- Historical Significance: Things that mark historical events or represent significant cultural moments can be especially valuable.
- Advertising Tins: These are special tins used by companies to promote their products while providing practical storage. Such examples can be significantly rare.
Type of the Tin
Among the vast types of tins, certain major categories are particularly popular among collectors today, such as:
Biscuit and Cookie Tins
Common round or flat cookie tins generally sell for $20-50, while novelty shapes can fetch $100-500. Rare examples in pristine condition from well-known brands can fetch $500-$2,500 or more.
One of the most expensive antique tins is a 1920s William Crawford & Sons Sports Coupe biscuit tin sold for over $20,875 at Bonhams in 2007.
Oyster Tins
On average, vintage oyster tins can sell for $50 to $200, with rare and pristine condition examples from reputed brands fetching $500 to $2,500, like this Thomas Oyster tin sold for $1,050 on eBay.
Tobacco Tins
Common tobacco tins, such as Sir Walter Raleigh, Union Leader, Half and Half, typically sell for $5-15 in average condition. Examples with slip lids are also worth $10-15. Rarer brands or unusual designs can fetch $20-100, while antique pre-1900 examples command $100-500+.
Tea and Coffee Tins
The average value of common tea and coffee tins (Maxwell House, Droste Cocoa, etc.) is $10-30. Rare examples can fetch $30-150+.
Candy and Confectionery Tins
Common candy tins with slide-top or hinged lids are generally worth $10-20, but rare examples in good condition can fetch $100-$300, like this 1926 Eline’s Maryland Hard Candies tin sold for almost $200 on eBay.
Medicinal and Toiletry Tins
Popular toiletries tins (e.g., Johnson’s Baby Powder, etc) can fetch $10-40, with extremely rare examples surpassing $100.
12 Rare Antique Tins That Are Worth a Lot of Money
1. 1909 Mother’s Brand Planters Salted Peanut Tin
This is a rare antique 1909 Mother’s Brand’s “The Planters Salted Peanut” tin. It has a cylindrical metal body with the original colorful print of a mother serving peanuts to a child in the central image.
This tin is one of the company’s earliest examples, making it extremely rare, especially in excellent condition. The value can range from $500 to $1,000 in good condition and $500 to $3,500+ in pristine condition with original lids.
2. Vintage Roundup Spice Tin Duo (Turmeric & Cayenne)
This rare spice tin set from Roundup Grocery Co. is a collector’s charm, since very few examples are known, especially in good condition. This set features two matching rectangular tins for Turmeric and Cayenne pepper.
The design is typically a black background with distinctive gold “Roundup” lettering at the top, with a circular red logo featuring a cowboy on horseback with “ROUNDUP GROCERY CO.” text. Lastly, there are bold white labels with black text identifying each spice.
As for value, single tins can be worth $200–$500, while sets can fetch $500 to $1,800 or more.
3. Vintage Seawanhaka Brand One Gallon Oyster Tin
This vintage oyster tin from Seawanhaka Brand is a highly rare piece, sold for $1,128 on eBay. It’s a large one-gallon tin featuring a Native American in a canoe as the central image (likely representing the “Seawanhaka” name, which appears to be of Native American origin).
The original tin has a green and orange/peach color scheme with a white background. The text indicates it was “Grown and Packed by Oyster Bay Oyster Company” in Oyster Bay, NY.
4. Old Abe Pin Pan Style Advertising Tobacco Tin
This rare advertising tobacco pin is from Old Abe, known for its iconic logo featuring the Old Abe bald eagle and a portrait of Abraham Lincoln. It’s a round “pie pan” style tin in burnt orange/rust color. It also features small vignettes of workers or laborers on either side of the portrait.
A truly rare example, this small tin can sell for $80-$150 in good condition and $200-$800+ in excellent condition.
5. Huntley & Palmers Biscuit Trunk Tins (1800s–early 1900s)
Huntley & Palmers is known for its iconic decorative biscuit tins, using them not just for packaging but as a form of marketing. This rare example is designed to promote “Ginger Nuts” biscuits in the form of a blue delivery van with detailed lithographed artwork.
The tin features detailed wheels, windows with a driver figure visible, and a royal coat of arms emblem. The text “HUNTLEY & PALMERS GINGER NUTS” appears on the sides. This rare cookie tin can be worth $100-$800, based on condition.
6. Colman’s Mustard Tins (1800s–early 1900s)
Founded in 1814, Coleman’s is known for its distinctive yellow mustard powder and tins, just like this one. It’s a rectangular metal tin with a decorative lid featuring the iconic “COLMAN’S MUSTARD” banner with coat of arms, flags, and the text “Manufacturers to the Queen.”
The lid also has an ornate border with floral/geometric patterns in orange, black, and cream colors. The sides show a fox hunting scene with riders on horses.
Coleman’s was one of the early adopters of color lithographed tins for marketing, making their tins rare and valuable. Depending on the condition, it can be worth $50-$400.
7. John Player’s Navy Cut Cigarettes Tin
This is a charming vintage John Player’s Cigarettes tin from the 1960s. It has a colorful rectangular design with a hinged lid, featuring the iconic sailor image in a circular medallion in the center surrounded by the text “Player’s Navy Cut/Cigarettes.”
A subtle marking on the border of the lid indicates it was issued by the Imperial Tobacco Co. (of Great Britain and Ireland) Limited. This is an advertising tin from the Player’s to promote their tobacco and cigarettes, making it desirable among collectors.
8. Blanke’s Exposition Brand Advertising Coffee Tin
This rare advertising tin was produced by C.F. Blanke Tea & Coffee Company, a major coffee and tea distributor in the Midwest. It’s a large green store display tin with ornate borders and lettering, “BREAKFAST QUEEN” text at the top of the lid.
The body prominently displays “Blanke’s EXPOSITION BRAND COFFEE” in decorative script and bold lettering. The sides of the tin also feature stylized text and the company’s name. A rare example to find, this green tin can fetch $500-$1,000 in excellent condition.
9. Antique Horlick’s Malted Milk Tin
This classic Horlick’s Malted Milk antique tin is a true collectible, associated with Horlick’s Malted Milk Corporation’s earliest products. It’s a cylindrical metal container with a cream/off-white background and navy blue text and graphics.
The design comprises the iconic cow image in the center with “Horlick’s” written on the cow’s body along with the product name. In excellent condition, this milk powder tin can fetch $150-$400.
10. Mackintosh’s Deluxe Assortment Toffee Tin
This is a vintage toffee tin from Mackintosh, known as “The Inventor of Toffee,” who blended English brittle toffee with American-style caramel to create soft, chewy toffees. This tin is for the Deluxe Assortment toffees, featuring a cylindrical shape with a deep teal/blue background.
The brand name “Mackintosh’s” and its logo appear at the bottom with other golden labels indicating the flavors. The value of common vintage Mackintosh toffee tins ranges from $10-$40, while rare examples can fetch $50-$100.
11. Vintage Bayle Peanut Butter Tin Pail
This unique antique tin is designed as a small pail with a wire handle and lid, making it rare and desirable. This example is from Bayle, one of the significant names in the history of peanut butter, especially selling it as a snack food.
This tin features a light blue/pastel background with illustrated figures (appears to be Boy Scouts or similar youth figures). The central circular logo features the product name “BAYLE PEANUT BUTTER” in orange/red and white. Thanks to its unique design, it can be worth $100-$350 in good condition.
12. Vintage Original Freedom Perfect Motor Oil Tin
This is a rare antique motor oil tin from Freedom Oil of PA. (Freedom Oil Works), identified by its bright yellow and navy blue lithographic theme. You will also see other design elements, such as a bulldog illustration with “THE WATCHDOG OF YOUR MOTOR” text.
It’s a rare example due to the limited number of pieces to exist, making it highly valuable. No wonder it sold for $1,700 on eBay!
