VINTAGE SCRIBBANS-KEMP BLACK WATCH BISCUIT TIN – EDINBURGH CASTLE – C.1950s/60s

I’d date this to the 1950s–early 1960s, comfortably within the documented 1946–1969 period for Scribbans-Kemp tins. A museum example confirms Scribbans-Kemp decorative biscuit tins were produced in that post-war period, while company history records the Scribbans-Kemp name being adopted in 1946.

20 cm round

4 cm tall

The Black Watch/Edinburgh Castle subject and wonderfully bold tartan sides give this one more appeal than an ordinary biscuit tin. Comparable Scribbans-Kemp tins currently sit broadly in the £28 asking-price range, with decorative examples towards the upper end. ours at £22.00,

VINTAGE SCRIBBANS-KEMP BLACK WATCH BISCUIT TIN – EDINBURGH CASTLE – C.1950s/60s

A wonderfully colourful vintage Scottish biscuit tin produced by Scribbans-Kemp (Bakeries) Limited, featuring a striking image of The Black Watch marching in full Highland dress in front of Edinburgh Castle.

The circular lid is beautifully illustrated with pipers and soldiers in vivid reds, greens and tartans, with the title “The Black Watch at Edinburgh Castle” printed beneath the scene. The Scottish theme continues around the sides with a wonderfully bold patchwork of traditional tartan patterns.

The underside carries the original SK trademark together with:

“Made in Scotland by Scribbans-Kemp (Bakeries) Limited, London and Branches.”

Dating from around the 1950s to early 1960s, this is a lovely example of the decorative biscuit tins produced during the post-war period, when attractive reusable packaging was very much part of the appeal of buying biscuits and confectionery.

ABOUT SCRIBBANS-KEMP

Scribbans-Kemp grew into one of Britain’s substantial bakery businesses during the 20th century. The Scribbans business had roots going back to the late Victorian period, with the Scribbans-Kemp name being adopted in the mid-1940s as the company expanded its bakery and biscuit interests.

The firm operated through a network of bakeries and branches around Britain, including manufacturing interests in Scotland. Decorative tins such as this were designed to be kept and reused long after their original contents had been enjoyed, which is precisely why so many became familiar household storage tins.

Today they have considerable nostalgic appeal, particularly when combined with strong period artwork and recognisable British subjects.

CONDITION

Good vintage condition with plenty of character. There is age-related surface wear including scratches, scuffs, marks, areas of fading and rubbing to the printed decoration, particularly across the lid. There is further age-related wear and spotting to the metal surfaces.

The wear is entirely in keeping with a tin of this age and its years of practical use, and in our view adds considerably to its authentic vintage appearance. Please study the photographs carefully as these form an important part of the condition description.

WHY WE LOVE IT

It is the artwork that really makes this one. The Black Watch marching from Edinburgh Castle, surrounded by wonderfully colourful tartan decoration, turns an everyday biscuit tin into a fabulous piece of mid-century Scottish social and advertising history.

Ideal for a collector of vintage tins, Scottish memorabilia, military-themed collectables or simply as colourful storage in a vintage-inspired interior.

PRICE: £22.00

Our descriptions are provided to the best of our knowledge and research. Vintage and antique items will naturally show signs of age and previous use, which form part of their history and character. Colours may vary slightly depending on screen settings.I particularly like “The Black Watch at Edinburgh Castle” in the title — it gives you much stronger search terms than simply listing it as a Scribbans-Kemp tin.