George Washington Cut Plug Tin Value Guide

The George Washington Cut Plug Tin is a quintessential piece of early 20th-century Americana, produced by the R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company between 1910 and 1920. Its unique dual-purpose design allowed the lithographed container to be repurposed as a functional lunch pail for workers and students once the tobacco was finished.

What Is George Washington Cut Plug Tin Worth?

The typical price range for George Washington Cut Plug Tin is $75 - $85 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• The vibrancy of the lithographed colors and the lack of significant fading or sun damage.
• The presence of original paint, as rust, scratches, or heavy denting can reduce the $75-$85 market value.
• The structural integrity of the wire handle and the tightness of the lid's hinge and latch.
• The absence of significant oxidation or 'tin pest' on the interior and exterior surfaces.

How to Identify George Washington Cut Plug Tin?

• Look for the detailed lithographed portrait of George Washington centered on the front and back panels.
• Verify the presence of the original steel wire handle and the functional metal latch mechanism.
• Check for the R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company branding and 'Cut Plug' text integrated into the lithography.
• Examine the interior for the characteristic unpainted tin finish typical of 1910s manufacturing.

History of George Washington Cut Plug Tin

Produced by the R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company in the early 20th century, these tins were designed with a double purpose. Once the 'cut plug' tobacco was consumed, the sturdy metal container with a wire handle and latch became a popular lunch pail for workers and schoolchildren, making it a classic piece of Americana advertising.