Antique MacNeill & Magor – Pure Assam Tea Tin
Scottish Tea Merchants | Early 20th Century
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15 cm square
17 cm tall
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This wonderfully characterful vintage tea tin once held Pure Assam Tea, proudly marketed by MacNeill & Magor, and supplied by the esteemed tea firm George Williamson & Co. Limited. With its iconic black elephant emblem, elegant blue scrollwork, and softly aged patina, this is a classic example of early 20th-century British tea packaging.
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The reverse panel still bears its original descriptive text, extolling the virtues of Assam tea from North East India—“strong, full bodied and refreshing”—and advising careful brewing to appreciate its full flavour. These marketing narratives are a lovely survival in themselves and speak to Britain’s deep historical relationship with tea and the Empire trade routes.
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The tin shows honest age-related wear, with mottled surface oxidation and fading consistent with decades of use, lending it real decorative appeal. The hinged lid opens smoothly, and the interior remains clean and presentable, making it ideal for display or practical reuse.
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Maker History
MacNeill & Magor were Glasgow-based tea merchants active in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, supplying premium teas to the British market. Their products were often sourced and packed through George Williamson & Co. Ltd, one of the most influential names in the British tea trade.
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Founded in the mid-19th century, George Williamson & Co. played a significant role in developing and exporting Assam tea, with strong commercial ties to India and a reputation for quality and consistency. Tins like this were designed not only for storage but also to reinforce trust, provenance, and prestige in the home.
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Details
Origin: United Kingdom
Date: c. 1900–1930
Material: Tinplate
Design: Elephant motif, blue and white label, original printed text panel
Condition: Good vintage condition with age-related wear and surface patina (commensurate with age)
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A beautifully worn and evocative tea tin—perfect for collectors of antique packaging, tea ephemera, or as a charming decorative accent in a traditional or eclectic interior.
