Welcome to Rare Antiques Collectibles and Memorabilia.
Although at first it may seem strange that packaging items should become collectibles. The whole idea becomes more understandable when you consider that packaging is invariably designed to attract to have mass appeal.
The earliest tins that are available are hand made dating from the middle of the 19th century. They had intricately decorated papaer covers and were hardly ever found in good condition, yet they still fetch good prices.
The real price for the tin box collector is a genuine "Huntley and Palmer' this company is best known for its biscuits, but it was Thomas Huntley who really started the ball rolling. The west country stagecoach used to pass his reading shop, and he conceived the bright idea of selling his biscuits in air-tight tins made by his brother joseph. Gradually the designs become more and more elaborated.
The prices of tin boxes are continually rising. beacuse prices are high, it's obviously not a good idea to purchase from shops or stalls. There must simply millions of such boxes lying around in homes and old junk shops. Sometimes they surface at jumble sales or flea markets.
The first shaped tins were produced towards the end of the 19th century. While the really intricate shapes do not date back much further than 1600. But the real heyday of the tin box, for my money, is the period between the wars, when the most unusual shapes were develop.
Remember for all your collecting ideas drop by Rare Antiques Collectibles and Memorabilia.
