How to Collect Tindeco Tins

The Tin Decorating Company of Baltimore made decorative tins for candy, tobacco and other products starting in 1914. The colorful vintage tins are much sought after today with some designs selling for $75 to $95.

Instructions

1. To find the tins at a modest price, check persistently at yard sales, estate sales and flea markets. People often kept the tins after the original contents were used up and filled them with buttons, sewing supplies or other items needing storage. Ask an elderly relative if they have any old tins around.

2. Read all you can find about the tins online to know what to look for. There's a book written by Kristin Helberg called The Tin Decorating Company of Baltimore. It's less than 100 pages and came out in 1986. It's out-of-print, so search Amazon and eBay regularly to catch one when it shows up.

3. Watch for the tins on eBay. They show up regularly, but prices vary quite a bit. Tindeco tins with holiday themes (Easter, Halloween, Christmas) are more expensive as the tin collectors are competing with those who collect vintage holiday items.

4. As your collection grows, refine your Tindeco collecting philosophy. Do you want to specialize in tobacco tins? Maybe you really like the signed tins by artists like Harrison Fisher, a noted illustrator.

5. Pay attention to condition. Since Tindeco tins can be 70 to 95 years old, most show a little wear. The colors usually stay bright unless the tin has been abused or left out in the weather. Scratches are a problem if a tin was used roughly over the years. Tins stored in hot attics may exhibit bare patches as the paint starts to flake off. Rust around the base or the lid can detract from the tin also.
   All these problems reduce the value of the tin.