Vintage 1930s Vincent’s Princess Assortment Chocolate Toffee Tin Harry Vincent

Vintage 1930s Vincent’s Princess Assortment Chocolate & Toffee Tin – Harry Vincent Ltd

A wonderfully decorative vintage Vincent’s “Princess Assortment” confectionery tin, produced for Harry Vincent Ltd of Hunnington, near Birmingham, and dating from around the 1930s.

Originally made to hold an assortment of chocolates and toffees, this substantial hinged tin features a beautifully nostalgic eighteenth-century courtship scene. The lid depicts a gentleman playing a lute or guitar to an elegantly dressed lady, surrounded by flowers and ornamental foliage. Rich shades of red, turquoise, cream and gold stand out against the deep navy-blue ground.

The sides are decorated with gold silhouette scenes showing a sedan chair, attendants and figures in period costume. Its unusual rectangular shape, chamfered corners and raised bevelled lid give the tin a distinctly elegant Art Deco-era appearance, while the romantic Georgian-style imagery reflects the fashionable revival designs used on confectionery packaging during the interwar period.

The inside of the lid retains the original printed wording:

“Vincent’s Princess Assortment of Chocolates and Toffees – Harry Vincent Ltd, Hunnington near Birmingham, England.”

Harry Vincent established his confectionery business in Birmingham during the late nineteenth century. The company later became particularly well known for Blue Bird Toffee, with production moving to its purpose-built factory at Hunnington during the 1920s. Vincent’s decorative tins were designed to be retained and reused after the confectionery had been enjoyed, often serving as sewing boxes, keepsake containers or general household storage.

This is a charming piece of British confectionery advertising history and would make an appealing addition to a collection of vintage tins, chocolate advertising, kitchenalia or Art Deco packaging. It could also be used decoratively for storing letters, photographs, craft supplies or treasured keepsakes.

Measurements

Approximately:

20.3 cm long

12.7 cm wide

8.9 cm high

Equivalent to approximately 8 × 5 × 3½ inches.

Condition

The tin is in authentically worn vintage condition, with rubbing, scratches, fading, surface marks and losses to the printed and gilt decoration. There is oxidation, discolouration and wear to the interior, including considerable deterioration to the original finish inside the lid.

The identifying Vincent’s wording remains visible, the colourful main design is still attractive, and the hinged lid remains attached. The wear gives the tin plenty of genuine character and reflects its age and former use.

Please study all photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the description. The tin is sold empty and is recommended for decorative or collectible use rather than direct food storage.