Vintage Blue-Green Coffee Tin with Windmill Design – c.1930s–1940s

Vintage Blue-Green Coffee Tin with Windmill Design – c.1930s–1940s

Displayed with other items illustration only not included

19 cm tall

13 cm square

A wonderfully characterful vintage coffee canister, made from lithographed tinplate and decorated in a beautifully faded blue-green colourway.

The design imitates old tiled kitchen walls, with a traditional windmill and waterside landscape printed around the lower section. The front is boldly labelled COFFEE, while the wide circular opening retains its original ridged screw-on metal lid.

Dating approximately from the 1930s to 1940s, this is a substantial piece of early kitchenalia with masses of genuine timeworn charm. Its mellowed colouring, scratches, surface oxidation and areas of paint loss give it just the sort of honest, untouched appearance collectors of primitive and rustic kitchenware love.

The base carries a very faint embossed factory emblem. Unfortunately, it is now too worn to identify with certainty. The construction and lithographed decoration are comparable with British decorative tinware produced by companies such as Barringer, Wallis & Manners of Mansfield, later part of the Metal Box Company. Barringer, Wallis & Manners developed decorative tin production during the late 19th century, installed lithographic printing machinery in 1892 and became especially well known for high-quality printed food, confectionery and household containers. The business was acquired by the Metal Box Company in 1939. However, because the mark on this example cannot be read conclusively, we have not attributed it to a particular manufacturer.

Today it would make a fabulous decorative accessory for a country kitchen, pantry, café display or collection of vintage tins. It could also be repurposed for storing wrapped items, utensils, brushes or dried flowers.

Condition:

In authentic, well-used vintage condition with extensive surface wear, scratches, fading, discolouration, paint loss and areas of oxidation throughout. The interior also shows signs of age and previous use. The original screw lid remains present and fits the opening. Please study all photographs carefully as they form an important part of the description. We recommend using the tin decoratively or for storing wrapped or non-food items rather than placing food directly inside.

Suggested price: £28

Comparable individual vintage coffee tins and canisters are currently offered around the £25 level, with particularly decorative examples sometimes priced higher. The attractive early design and original lid support a £28 asking price despite the heavy wear.

Vintage 1930s Coffee Tin Blue Green Windmill Design Rustic Kitchenalia

Unfortunately we cannot confirm Worcester Ware, B.W. & M. or Metal Box as the confirmed maker unless a clearer close-up of the embossed base mark can be obtained.