The Tinplate and Specialist sale at Vectis on the 14th November includes The London Decorative Tin Collection – a single private owner collection of 33 lots of unusual and scarce decorative sweet and biscuit tins.
Tins from the collection date back to early 1900s and designs include sentry boxes, a windmill, Grandfather clock, Noah’s Ark, Top Hats and Beehives and from Mabel Lucie Atwell. The tin collection is a great ensemble featuring some amazing tins and unusual tins. It will be interesting to see how the prices achieved compare with the estimates.
Highlights include:
Lot 6001 – Huntley & Palmers “Sentry Box” tinplate Biscuit Tin c.1909 – scarce early example showing to each face of the box a Soldier from England, Russia, France and Germany – hinged lid with comical top. This is a scarce earlier version as from 1913 onwards the German Soldier image was replaced with a Belgium, some age related wear but still a Fair to Good example, 7″/17cm high. Estimate: £80-£120
Lot 6004 – Large tinplate Victory V Grandfather Clock Confectionary Container – produced c.1910 for Fryer & Company of Nelson in Lancashire to promote their famous Victory V Gums & Lozenges Sweets – tinprinted with wood effect detail, includes a windup clock to the face (untested), some age related wear but overall a Good impressive item, 18″/46cm high. Estimate: £80-£100
Lot 6005 – William Crawford’s Biscuits tinplate “Fairy Tree” Biscuit Tin/Money Box, designed by Lucie Atwell – scarce item from 1939 with tinprinted detail, the lower section contained the biscuits while the separate conical upper section was used as Money Box complete with slot – a Good scarce example standing 15″/38cm high. Estimate: £100-£150
Lot 6006 – McVitie and Price tinplate “Bluebird” Biscuit Tin issued in 1911 and also used by the Co-operative Wholesale Society in 1912 and others. Colourfully tinprinted, the removable head acts as a lid. The reference to Bluebird in its name refers to a species of Albatross and was styled after the grotesque earthenware bird produced by Martin Brothers of Southall – some age related wear but overall Good for display standing 9″/23cm tall. Estimate: £100-£150
Lot 6007 – Tinplate “Beehive” Toffee Tin, as issued by Mackintosh’s Toffee Company in the 1930’s, colourful tinprinted detail with some age related wear but still a Good scarce example with a removable lid to top, 7″/18cm in diameter. estimate: £40-£50
For more details of the auction visit Vectis.co.uk
