How to Collect Vintage Spice Tins
Vintage tins used for spices have a charm of their own. They're a fun item to collect and are easy to display due to their small size. Here's how to find these kitchen collectibles from yesteryear.
- Difficulty:
- Moderate
Instructions
-
-
1
Tins attract people for different reasons. Maybe you like the graphic designs from the turn of the century. Maybe they remind you of your grandmother's kitchen. I collect ginger spice tins since Ginger is my nickname.
-
2
At first one pounces on any spice tin, but with time you'll start to refine your search. Are you mostly interested in 1950s kitchen items? How about the really old tins from the turn of the century?
-
3
If the graphics attract you, then collect across a range of time periods. At first, you don't mind a few dents and scratches as you're so delighted to find a new design. Later you can upgrade when you discover one you have but in better condition. Expect to pay more for pristine tins unless you make a lucky find.
-
4
Sometimes collectors focus on a particular manufacturer. Tindeco tins designed and made in Baltimore have a devoted following of tin collectors.
-
5
Trekking around to flea markets, auctions and yard sales becomes a personal quest. Yes, you'll find spice tins this way, but it's pretty laborious. Most collectors don't mind that and generally relish poking around in boxes of old stuff. Estate sales are good hunting for spice tins. Head for the kitchen and hope that no one else beat you to them. Good luck!
-
6
Antique shops have these, but the price goes up to cover their overhead. Use your bargaining skills to capture the tin you covet.
-
7
Of course, the online auctions like eBay make the searching easy. Figure out your budget for building up your collection, so you don't get carried away. Use keywords to search like vintage tin, spices, Tindeco, and advertising tin. As you collection grows, weed out the less desirable ones and resell them on eBay.
-
8
Search the internet with terms like "vintage spice tins." You'll find them listed for sale on Craig's List, antique shop web pages and other sites.
-
9
Be aware that some reproductions are out there. They are made with no intent to defraud people, but don't let a seller try to sell you an "aged" one.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Show off your spice tins to friends and family. They'll start looking for them too and surprise you with birthday and Christmas gifts of vintage spice tins.
Related Searches
Resources
- Photo Credit Virginia Allain
Comments
-
Upon-Request
Jan 15, 2009
Great article! I've collected a few myself, but I'm nowhere near what you have pictured.
-
Terria Fleming
Jan 14, 2009
Collecting is always fun. I enjoyed the photos and the interesting and informative details you included in this article.
-
Gail Martin
Jan 14, 2009
Well done! I like the way your collection connects with your nickname. I have trouble weeding out the less desirable items in my collection of Mexican feather bird pictures and my miniture elephants. Each has it own story.
