Action Industries Brazilian Decorative Tin Canister Red and Gold Floral Design

Vintage Action Industries Brazilian Decorative Tin Canister – Red & Gold Floral Design – c.1960s–70s

A wonderfully decorative vintage tin canister made in Brazil by Action Industries, dating to around the 1960s–1970s.

Finished in a rich ruby red with ornate gold-coloured detailing, the tin is decorated with romantic floral medallions surrounded by scrolling and rope-style borders. The gently domed lid is topped with a decorative brass-tone knob, while the base is raised slightly on three small feet.

Unlike an advertising tin made simply as packaging, this appears to have been produced as a decorative household container in its own right. Pieces of this type were used for everything from tea and biscuits to dressing-table storage, trinkets and general household odds and ends.

The underside is clearly stamped:

ACTION IND.

MADE IN BRAZIL

The combination of bold colour, faux-gilt decoration and slightly theatrical floral styling gives it a lovely late mid-century look, while the accumulated wear has given the surface plenty of genuine vintage character.

Condition

Good vintage condition with considerable age-related surface wear throughout. There are scratches, rubbing and areas of loss to the gold-coloured finish, together with darkened areas, marks and general wear to the printed decoration. The underside also shows scratches and surface wear.

The floral panels remain attractive and the overall design is still strong. The interior is comparatively clean.

Please study the photographs carefully as they form an important part of the condition description.

Dimensions

Approximately:

13 cm diameter at the base

12 cm diameter across the lid

10 cm overall height including knob

Knob approximately 2 cm high

Date: Circa 1960s–1970s

Maker: Action Industries

Origin: Brazil

Material: Decorated tinplate / metal

Why we love it

It is gloriously decorative without taking itself too seriously. The deep red, extravagant gold detailing and faded floral medallions give it an almost Victorian appearance, yet the piece is unmistakably part of the colourful decorative homewares produced during the mid-20th century. A lovely little piece for a vintage kitchen, dressing table, shelf or collection of decorative tins.

Vintage items will naturally show signs of their previous life, which we feel forms part of their charm and history. Our descriptions are given to the best of our knowledge, and colours may vary slightly depending on individual screen settings.