A Few Facts About Tin Collectables
For ages, food suppliers and other commercial enterprises have used packaging to market themselves. In yesteryear, food processors sold their edibles in tin containers to guarantee the consumer a fresh product. These containers were colorfully designed and featured the company brand. Tins like these were used for various types of food products, such as cookies, crackers, candies and soup. Soon after, many industries followed suit, and it wasn’t long before you could buy almost any type of goods in a tin container. Over the years, these tins became popular collectibles.
Top quality antique tins can cost a good deal of money. However, for a person keen on starting a tin collection, it doesn’t have to be expensive. The amateur collector should seek out tin containers made in the 1950′s. Something that was made at that time is already halfway to “antique” status, and therefore is a good choice. To be considered an actual antique tin however, it has to be at least 100 years old or earlier.
When it comes to pricing tins, 3 factors are taken into consideration: branding, condition and availability. For example, Coca Cola makes have always been expensive, with some of their antique trays costing hundreds of dollars. This is because of the Coca Cola name, and the fact that they were made in limited quantities. Tins that were mass-produced, like some of the old coffee cans, are not expensive and are easy to find. You can pretty much get them at any garage sale or flea market.
If you are serious about tin collecting, then you first need to decide whether you wish to focus on one product or many. Also, do you want to collect vintage tins or will a nice reproduction suffice? Once you make your decision, it’s a good idea to pick up a guide that lists a variety of well-established tins and their present market price. This way, you can assess the value of any tin collectable that might interest you. Let’s briefly review some of the main guidelines for tin collecting.
Condition
To be worth the purchase, an aged tin shouldn’t be dented; the pictures should be clear and any writing legible. The paint should not be chipped or scratched. A dirty container can be cleaned by letting it soak in warm water with a bit of soap. It is not wise to scrub an aged tin or use anything rough like a scouring pad to clean it. Furthermore, do not use bleach!
Branding
This is where your guide pays off. Analyze it and learn the various brand names. For instance, Uneeda Biscuit was the forerunner to Nabisco, one of the world’s largest cookie manufacturers. A tin acquisition like this could be quite valuable. Also, tins that were sold as a seasonal promotion or in celebration of a company’s anniversary, are worth buying.
Availability
Basically, the rule of thumb in this case is that if a tin can was mass-produced, then it won’t have as much value. While a tin that was sold in limited quantities and had a brand name, might sell for quite a bit of money.
Is it Real or a Reproduction?
Back when the tin craze first began, copies of collectible tins began to spring up everywhere. Coca Cola, of course was the first to be copied; and since the quality was very good, some individuals were duped into purchasing them for the cost of an original. Once again, this is where your research or guide can be put to good use.
Collecting aged or antique tins is an enjoyable activity and can add an interesting touch to your home decor. As long as you familiarize yourself with the guidelines, it should be easy for you to find some great bargains. For more information on the subject we welcome you to visit our online store, Fine Tin Collectables.
About the Author
Elena Myskina, Antiques Consultant
http://finetincollectables.com
Old car yard tour,hotrods ,custom,rat rod potential! Welcome to Parry Sound!
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Vintage Tin Cookie Cutter Heart Shaped with Ruffled Edge #2 $5.83 |
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COCA-COLA TIN W/ PLAYING CARDS Vintage $13.99 |
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VINTAGE TIN BADGE. GOD KING COUNTRY. RED TRIANGLE DAY. $10.00 |
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VINTAGE TIN BADGE. ACTIVE SERVICE. AT HOME & ABROAD. $10.00 |
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VINTAGE TIN BADGE. CHILD WELFARE ASSOCIATION. BABY DAY $15.00 |
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VINTAGE TIN BADGE. Y – M – C – A. $10.00 |
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VINTAGE TIN BADGE. HOSPITAL DAY $12.00 |
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VINTAGE TIN BADGE. SOLDIERS, – DEPENDENTS’ – DAY. $15.00 |
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VINTAGE TIN BADGE. O.A.S – 1918. $12.00 |
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VINTAGE 1961 SQUARE BISCUIT TIN, ZAANDAM HOLLAND $14.58 |
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WAR EAGLE VINTAGE TOBACCO TIN ROUND CIGAR 154-N $170.15 |
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VINTAGE TIN BADGE. NAVAL & MILITARY BUILDING FUND YMCA $13.00 |
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Tin box Lebkuchen gingerbread vintage cookie antique $19.44 |
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Vintage Nashco Metal/Tin Black & Gold Musical Instruments Small Serving Trays $9.71 |
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Antique Vintage Wayne Feeds Feed Chicken Farm Fresh Eggs Tin Advertising Sign $378.22 |
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aLtErEd ArT Vintage Americana Images Slide Top Mini Tin $9.24 |
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Vintage Christmas Santa’s Workshop W/Elves Metal Tin, Bucket W/Handle $7.77 |
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Vintage Beacon Feeds Feed Store Chicken Farm Fresh Eggs Tin Advertising Sign $378.22 |
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2 x Henri Wintermans Cigar Tins, Vintage very collectible $4.00 |
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aLtErEd ArT Vintage Americana Images Slide Top Mini Tin $9.24 |
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VINTAGE 1963 WESTCLOX ALARM CLOCK MADE IN SCOTLAND GREEN TIN CASE WORKING ORDER $16.00 |
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VINTAGE TIN SPRING ACTION CANNON $6.99 |
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OLD Vintage RARE TIN CHOCOLATE Easter EGG Kitchen MOULD Mold 1920s Antique $19.99 |
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ALBA LUBE MOTOR OIL Vintage Tin Sign $22.95 |
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VINTAGE TOBACCO VIRGINIA EXTRA DRY PIPE & CIGARETTE SMOKING METAL TIN $3.89 |
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Set 10 Vintage Tin Metal Cookie Sandwich Poker Cutters $29.06 |
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Vintage Baked by Wassell Aluminum Pie Tin Pan Plate Advertising $17.49 |
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Vintage Tintype Photograph Picture Man Woman Couple Nice Hats Bowtie Tin Type $2.91 |
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TEXACO Special Ford Oil Vintage Tin Sign $22.95 |
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TUMBLEWEED HOTEL~VINTAGE~ TIN SIGN $11.62 |
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3 Small Vintage TINS–Coffee and Baking Powder $1.90 |
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VINTAGE TOBACCO TINS: DR PAT (x2) + Capstan $0.99 |
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VINTAGE TOBACCO TIN: 1970′s SOBRANIE RESERVE BLEND No. 7 – FULL & COMPLETE! $0.99 |
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VINTAGE TIN TIN T-SHIRT NEW CONDITION $0.99 |
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Vintage / Antique Metalware Coffee Pot Tin Over Copper ??? Bakelite Handle $38.84 |
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Vintage Biscuit Tin Peek Frean (Aust) Tin $19.99 |
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Vintage Hand Punched Tin Pencil Pen Paint Brush Holder $7.73 |
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Vintage Cookie Cutters Metal or Tin Heart Airplanes Bear 4 pc Set $13.13 |
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VINTAGE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY TIN~2 ANGELS~POINSETTIAS~HOLLY BERRIES~PINE CONES~TLC $14.57 |
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Vintage Rare and Old Tin Tray – MOHROC’S STUD LAGER BEER Mohan Rocky Breweries $121.53 |
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Vintage Collectible Weetbix Tin $2.00 |
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Vintage Metal Tin Opera Drug Store French Soda Pop Metal Advertising Sign Coke $767.14 |
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Vintage 24″ Hand Crafted Tin Man – USA Red White & Blue $48.60 |
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Vintage Mexa Gas Smith Wolf Oil Co. Utica Ohio Arrow Tin Metal Advertising Sign $378.22 |
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VINTAGE TIN ‘HINKS, WELLS & CO.-CONTAINING GRAMOPHONE NEEDLES -.-SELECTED PENS $5.00 |
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4 IDENTICAL Vintage ANODISED ALUMINIUM SPONGE CAKE BAKING TINS ~ MADE in ENGLAND $12.00 |
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BEER~HELPING UGLY PEOPLE~VINTAGE~TIN SIGN $12.59 |
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BEER~HELPING WHITE MEN DANCE~VINTAGE~TIN SIGN $12.59 |
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VINTAGE TIN BADGE. AUSTRALIA DAY 1918 $75.00 |
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Walt Disney World Vintage 1980′s Mickey Mouse Oblong Candy TIN $11.66 |
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Vintage PASCALL Sweets Tin ‘The Shot Tower Tasmania’ $10.00 |
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Vintage DESENEX TIN–3 oz Size–Empty Patent Medicine Tin $2.43 |
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VINTAGE ARNOTTS BISCUIT TINS $25.50 |
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NEW RUSTIC INDUSTRIAL VINTAGE TIN SIGN “WELCOME” AGED BROWN 71cmx24cmx 5cm $24.95 |
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JOHN GOSS CAR VINTAGE TIN SIGN 20x 30cm $22.95 |
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ORIENTAL VINTAGE SET OF 3 NESTED TINS W/ LIDS ENGLAND $12.52 |
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NEW Tin Metal Sign PINK PARIS CHANDELIER Vintage Style $15.95 |
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Tin Metal Sign PARIS CHANDELIER Rustic Vintage Style LH $15.95 |
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VINTAGE ROUND TEXCEL TAPE NEW BRUNSWICK TAPE TIN $2.97 |
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Vintage Retro Tin Sign Chrysler Authorized Dealer $12.63 |
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Vintage Retro Tin Sign MOPAR Parts and Accessories Logo $12.63 |
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Vintage Retro Tin Sign Big Woody’s Surf Garage $12.63 |
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Vintage Retro Tin Sign Route 66 $12.63 |
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Vintage Retro Tin Sign Round Authorized Pontiac Service $12.63 |
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Vintage Retro Tin Sign Superman Graphic $12.63 |
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Vintage Retro Tin Sign Genuine Endless Summer Surf $12.63 |
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Vintage Retro Tin Sign Batman Graphic $12.63 |
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Vintage Retro Tin Sign “WHAT HAPPENS IN THE GARAGE…” $12.63 |
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Vintage Retro Tin Sign Last Chance Gas and Service $12.63 |
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Vintage Retro Tin Sign Round Genuine Chevrolet Parts $12.63 |
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Vintage Retro Tin Sign Historic Route 66 West $12.63 |
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Vintage Retro Tin Sign Union Pacific Logo $12.63 |
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Vintage Retro Tin Sign “FORD GENUINE PARTS USED HERE” $12.63 |
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Vintage Retro Tin Sign Round Coca Cola Logo $12.63 |
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Vintage Retro Tin Sign Round Authorized Buick Service $12.63 |
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Vintage Retro Tin Sign Chevrolet Genuine Parts Chevy $12.63 |
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Vintage Retro Tin Sign John Deere Logo $12.63 |
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Vintage Retro Tin Sign Chrysler Plymouth Sold Here $12.63 |
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Vintage Tin Metal Car Sign Home Decor-”NY TAXI” DT45 $8.70 |
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Vintage butterfly shaped aluminium cake tin . $4.00 |