Vintage 1930s /40s CWS ( co op wholesale society) lithograph cream cracker tin. A very collectible tin. Some age related wear, mostly to lid, have priced accordingly.
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23 cm wide
8 cm depth
9 cm tall
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We have two which may sell together, please contact us for pricing etc.
 
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The Co-operative Wholesale Society (CWS) was founded in 1863 by independent co-op societies to supply products to their member stores. It was a key part of the UK's co-operative movement, which began with the Rochdale Pioneers in 1844. The CWS expanded into various sectors, eventually merging with other societies, most notably Co-operative Retail Services in 2000 to form The Co-operative Group.
Formation and growth
1844: The Rochdale Society of Equitable Pioneers established the foundation for modern co-operatives by sharing profits among members based on purchases.
1863: Independent co-operative societies in Yorkshire and Lancashire formed the North of England Co-operative Wholesale Industrial and Provident Society, which became known as the Co-operative Wholesale Society (CWS) by 1872.
Purpose: The CWS's primary goal was to provide a wider range of goods at better prices for its member stores.
Expansion: The CWS grew significantly, establishing manufacturing, including furniture and pianos, and later expanding into other service industries like banking and funerals.
Mergers and evolution
1900s: Many of the smaller, independent societies began to merge.
2000: The CWS merged with the Co-operative Retail Services to create The Co-operative Group.
2007: The Co-operative Group merged with United Co-operatives.
Modern day
The Co-operative Group is now one of the largest consumer co-operatives in the world, still based on the principles of ethical trading and member benefit.