Vintage Liverpool China & India Tea Co. Ltd Tin – Empire Landmarks Design | Featuring Taj Mahal, Windsor Castle, Rhodes Memorial & More
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Step back in time with this remarkable vintage tea caddy from The Liverpool China & India Tea Co. Ltd, a rare survivor of Britain's colonial tea trade history. Dating from the early to mid-20th century, this tin is adorned with beautifully illustrated lithographs of iconic landmarks from across the former British Empire — a visual celebration of imperial grandeur and global tea routes.
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Design Highlights:
Each panel of the tin features a historic landmark representing Britain’s global reach:
Taj Mahal, India – Evoking the romance and mystique of the East.
Windsor Castle, Great Britain – The heart of the monarchy, featured on the lid.
Sydney Harbour Bridge, Australia – A feat of modern engineering, completed in 1932.
Château Frontenac, Quebec, Canada – A symbol of North American colonial charm.
Rhodes Memorial, South Africa – A neoclassical tribute to colonial figure Cecil Rhodes, situated on Cape Town’s slopes.
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Each scene is bordered by detailed frames and flanked by national crests or emblems representing India, Great Britain, South Africa, Canada, and Australia.
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Product Details:
Maker: The Liverpool China & India Tea Co. Ltd (name embossed on rim)
Date: Circa 1920s–1940s
Material: Lithographed tinplate
Features: Hinged domed lid with an internal flap for freshness, octagonal shape with bevelled edges
Dimensions: Approx. 16cm x 12cm x 11cm
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Condition:
This tin shows expected age-related wear, with surface scratches, oxidation, and fading commensurate with its age. The inner tin remains intact with patina, and the artwork, while distressed, retains strong visual impact. A true piece of historic packaging design.
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Collectible Appeal:
Perfect for collectors of:
Vintage advertising & ephemera
Tea history and packaging
British Empire memorabilia
Antique kitchenalia & display tins
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This piece tells the story of tea as both a commodity and a cultural symbol — a reminder of how daily rituals were once wrapped in the pageantry of empire.