How to Collect Tins

In the world of tin collecting, one principle rules: It's all about history and scarcity. That said, you can be certain that tin memorabilia will continue to be prized since it's still being used to make cans and other metal containers. Consequently, this is one collectible category that your grandchildren may appreciate as well someday, so choose and protect your vintage artifacts well.

Things You'll Need

• Tin collectibles
• Guidebook
• Display area
• Acquisition journal (optional)
• Appraiser (optional)

Instructions

1. Choose tins by decade of manufacture to develop a chronological collection that tracks the history of tin pieces. Alternately, base your tin acquisitions on subject matter. Consider brand (Pears Soap), design and pattern (Victorian children), food-specific containers (peach tins or spice boxes), era (only WWII tins) or any combination of subjects that suits your collecting fancy.

2. Use a noted authority as your guide to ascertain the dates, styles and estimated value of tins in your possession. Turn to author Fred Dodge, considered the authority on tin collectibles, by sleuthing out one of his landmark books on the subject (see link below). Published by Collector Books (the most recent dated 1999) and bearing ISBN numbers 13:9781574320992 and 1574320998, Dodge's comprehensive guides to all things tin are out of print but can be purchased for less than $5 on the secondary market.

3. Consult appraisers if you think your tin collection might be of high value. Base your suppositions on your research; for example, acquiring rare tin pieces with specific themes could be a solid indicator of a tin's value. A tin used for PAR After Shave Powder that's in good condition can command around $300 while a Jack Sprat food tin will bring between $500 and $600, depending upon its current secondary market value.

4. Follow the advice of people who can't get enough tin: Never clean a vessel after you purchase it because you have no idea what type of cleaner could compromise the art on the tin's exterior, thereby ruining forever fragile art that might be extremely valuable. Dusting is fine, but leave all cleaning to professionals.

5. Search for collectible tins in places known to be antique Meccas, including garage sales, out-of-the-way emporiums, thrift stores, swap meets and estate sales. Check out the Savetz site (below) to read how one collector turned up several Band-Aid boxes while cleaning out a storage area and how his collection of Johnson & Johnson tin boxes became an authoritative library of that company's packaging history.

6. Showcase your collection for safety and satisfaction: Relegate your tins to one area of your home to show the depth and breadth of your collection or scatter them throughout the house in small vignettes. Protect a large and valuable collection of tins by confining it to a glass display case. Be a savvy tin collector by keeping a journal that records the dates, places and prices you paid for new additions to your collection. This information is useful in the event that you choose to sell.

References

• Collector's Quest
• Savetz Band-Aid box collection
• History of tin collectibles

Resources

• Barnes and Noble: Fred Dodge books