Vintage mid century Benson toffee tin featuring the Queen Mary and other ships. A lovely decorative item with some minor age related wear
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18 cm wide
13 cm depth
7 cm tall
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The RMS Queen Mary was a British ocean liner in service from 1936 to 1967, known for its luxury and speed, and for its role as a World War II troopship. After retirement, it was sold to Long Beach, California, and converted into a hotel, museum, and tourist attraction. The ship was famous for winning the Blue Riband award for the fastest transatlantic crossing and for carrying a record number of soldiers during the war.
 
Bensons toffee originated in Bury, Greater Manchester, starting around 1900 as the Scott & Rose confectionery business, founded by Emanuel Pickles and later joined by Harry Hargreaves. The company, which became Bensons Confectionery, grew significantly over the decades, merging with Barker & Dobson in 1960. Production continued until 1989, when Alma Scotland acquired the company and closed the factory.
Early years: The business began as Scott & Rose around 1900, making jams, sweets, and a product called "Tower Sauce". Harry Hargreaves joined Emanuel Pickles in this enterprise.
Growth and mergers: The company eventually became known as Bensons Confectionery, and by the 1960s, it was a large-scale operation that merged with Barker & Dobson. At its peak, Bensons was exporting millions of sweets to 53 countries.
Decline and closure: After being acquired by Alma Scotland, the decision was made to cease manufacturing, and the factory closed in June 1989. The original factory was later demolished, and a supermarket was built on the site.
Legacy: Despite the closure, the brand remains a nostalgic part of local history for many in Bury, with preserved tins and memories shared through local archives.