Vintage early 20th century The Dread nought tacks tin, full of original tacks !!
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Some age related wear
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6 cm round
4 cm tall
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Vintage British “Dreadnought” Household Tacks Tin – Original Contents – c. 1930s–1950s
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A wonderfully evocative original British tacks tin, proudly branded “The Dreadnought – All British Tacks”, complete with a substantial quantity of original mixed steel and brass household tacks still inside.
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This is a genuine working tin, not a decorative reproduction – the honest wear, rubbed typography and softened colours speak to decades of practical domestic use. A superb survivor of Britain’s home-making and DIY past.
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Description & Design
The tin is finished in a bold patriotic red, white and blue colourway, immediately eye-catching and unmistakably British in character. The lid features the strong DREADNOUGHT name in red lettering, framed within a circular border, with the reassuring statement “ALL BRITISH TACKS” beneath.
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Around the body of the tin runs the wording:
> “HOUSEHOLD TACKS – Unequalled in Service – Made by British Labour”
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A powerful piece of social and industrial messaging that firmly places this tin in the inter-war to post-war period, when British manufacturing, self-reliance and national pride were actively promoted on everyday goods.
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Inside, the tin retains a generous quantity of original period tacks, including:
Steel tacks
Brass-coloured upholstery tacks
Mixed head sizes typical of household and light upholstery use
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The fact that the contents remain is increasingly rare and adds both authenticity and display appeal.
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Condition
Original tin with no major splits or repairs
Expected surface wear, scuffs and paint loss consistent with age and use
Lid fits well and displays beautifully
Original tacks present with natural patina and age toning
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Overall, a honest, untouched example – exactly what collectors look for.
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Makers History & the “Dreadnought” Name
The “Dreadnought” name was widely used in Britain during the late 19th and early 20th centuries as a symbol of strength, reliability and modern engineering, inspired by the launch of HMS Dreadnought (1906), which revolutionised naval power worldwide.
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By the 1920s–1950s, the name had become a popular brand identity across British industry, particularly for:
Fasteners
Tools
Hardware
Engineering goods
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Rather than indicating a single manufacturer, “Dreadnought” functioned as a quality marque, commonly adopted by British fastener producers supplying both domestic and industrial markets.
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During this period, Britain had a thriving fastener industry concentrated in areas such as:
Birmingham & the Black Country
Sheffield
The Midlands manufacturing belt
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Firms proudly labelled their goods “Made by British Labour” to reassure buyers of:
Skilled local workmanship
Ethical employment
Independence from imported goods
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This tin reflects a time when even the most ordinary household item carried national, industrial and social meaning.
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Why This Tin Matters
Today, tins like this are prized not just for their design, but for what they represent:
Britain’s domestic repair culture
The era of “make do and mend”
Pride in skilled manual labour
The visual language of early 20th-century advertising
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Perfect for:
Tin & packaging collectors
Industrial & workshop display
Upholstery or haberdashery interest
Rustic interiors, studios or film props
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Summary
✔ Authentic vintage British tacks tin
✔ Original contents present
✔ Strong patriotic design
✔ Excellent display or collection piece
✔ Increasingly hard to find complete
