Butternut Coffee Tin Value Guide

Vintage May-day Coffee Tin: E.B. Millar & Co. Collectible ...
Estimated Value
$70 – $100
Period
1900-1930
Origin
United States
Materials
Tin

The Butternut Coffee Tin is a premier example of early 20th-century American advertising, produced by the Paxton and Gallagher Co. Its unique oval shape and intricate lithographed bean motifs make it a standout piece for kitchenalia and petroliana collectors alike.

What Is Butternut Coffee Tin Worth?

The typical price range for Butternut Coffee Tin is $70 - $100 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

  • Condition of the lithography, specifically the absence of significant rust, fading, or deep scratches.
  • Presence of the original matching oval lid, which is frequently lost or replaced.
  • Structural integrity, as these tins are prone to denting along the curved oval sides.
  • Clarity of the branding and the vibrancy of the colors used in the bean and text graphics.

How to Identify Butternut Coffee Tin?

  • Look for the distinctive oval-shaped body rather than the standard cylindrical design.
  • Verify the 'Paxton and Gallagher Co.' manufacturer name printed on the base or lower rim.
  • Check for the original lithographed design featuring scattered coffee beans and bold 'Butternut' typography.
  • Confirm the material is authentic tinplate consistent with 1900-1930s manufacturing techniques.

History of Butternut Coffee Tin

Butternut Coffee was a popular brand established by Paxton and Gallagher Co. The brand's distinctive oval tins are highly sought after by collectors, representing an era of elaborate packaging and robust coffee culture in America. These tins are relics of early 20th-century grocery stores, reflecting the design aesthetics and marketing strategies of the time.

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