Vintage 1960s Johnson & Johnson Band-Aid First Aid Tins – Set of Two

These look very much like 1960s examples. The upright tin’s “New Overall Air-Vents” wording was being advertised by Johnson & Johnson in Britain in 1964, while the 3/- pre-decimal price also firmly places it before 1971. 

Large tin

9 cm tall

7 cm wide

3 cm depth

Small tin

8 cm wide

6 cm depth

2 cm tall

Vintage 1960s Johnson & Johnson Band-Aid First Aid Tins – Set of Two

A wonderfully nostalgic pair of original vintage Johnson & Johnson Band-Aid metal first aid tins, dating from approximately the 1960s.

The pair comprises two different period designs. The taller tin was produced for Band-Aid Washproof Plasters – 32 Assorted and retains its original printed 3/- price to the lid. Its bold red, cream and black graphics advertise the then-new “Overall Air-Vents for Faster Healing”, with illustrated plaster designs to the front.

The smaller rectangular tin is marked Band-Aid with Super-Stick – Plastic First Aid Dressings – Waterproof – Air-Vented, carrying the familiar Johnson & Johnson script logo and attractive orange, red and blue mid-century graphics.

Together they make a particularly appealing piece of vintage pharmacy and medical advertising history. Once an everyday bathroom or first-aid cupboard item, surviving tins such as these have become increasingly collectable and look great displayed amongst vintage advertising, chemist's shop pieces, medical curios or social-history collections.

Maker History

Band-Aid was developed by Johnson & Johnson employee Earle Dickson in 1920, originally as a practical way of providing his wife with an easily applied dressing for small cuts. Johnson & Johnson introduced the commercially produced Band-Aid dressing in 1921, creating one of the most recognisable first-aid brands of the 20th century.

Johnson & Johnson established its first overseas operating company in Britain in 1924, and the British company went on to manufacture and distribute a wide range of medical and household healthcare products. These tins are lovely survivors from the period when reusable printed metal packaging was still commonplace.

Condition

Both tins are empty and are offered as collectable/display pieces only.

They show genuine signs of age and use including surface marks, scratches, small areas of paint loss, discolouration and wear around the edges. The printed decoration remains attractive and clearly legible, with particularly strong period graphics. Please study the photographs as these form an important part of the condition description.

A characterful pair with plenty of authentic vintage appeal.

Vintage item – not intended for modern medical use.

Our descriptions are prepared to the best of our knowledge and research. Antique and vintage items will naturally show signs of age and previous use. Johnson & Johnson’s own history confirms that Dickson devised the Band-Aid concept in 1920, commercial sales began in 1921, and the company opened its first overseas operating company in the UK in 1924.