Hills Bros Coffee Can Value Guide

This antique Hills Bros Coffee tin is a quintessential piece of American advertising history from the 1930s to 1950s. As pioneers of vacuum packaging in San Francisco, Hills Bros revolutionized the industry, making these durable 'Red Can Brand' tins highly sought after by lithograph collectors.

What affects the value of Hills Bros Coffee Can?

• The presence of the original lid and the overall integrity of the vacuum seal mechanism.
• The vibrancy of the red lithograph paint and the lack of significant rusting or 'spidering' in the finish.
• The specific size of the tin, with standard one-pound cans being the most common for the $25-$40 price range.
• Minimal denting or structural deformation to the cylindrical shape of the tin.

How to Identify Hills Bros Coffee Can?

• Look for the iconic 'Arab taster' graphic which has served as the brand's hallmark since its early San Francisco roots.
• Verify the 'Red Can Brand' lithography which should be printed directly onto the tin surface, not a paper label.
• Check for the vacuum-sealed lid style characteristic of the 1930-1950 era production methods.
• Confirm the Hills Bros Coffee Inc. branding and San Francisco origin marks on the base or side panels.

History of Hills Bros Coffee Can

Hills Bros Coffee was founded in San Francisco in 1878 by Austin Herbert Hills and Reuben Wilmarth Hills. They were pioneers in vacuum packaging coffee, which greatly improved the freshness and longevity of their product. The iconic 'Red Can Brand' with the image of the Arab tasters has been a recognizable symbol of the company for decades, reflecting a history rooted in the traditional origins of coffee.