Pastime Plug Tobacco Tin Value Guide

The Pastime Plug Tobacco Tin is a premier example of late 19th-century lithographed advertising produced by John Finzer & Bros. of Louisville, Kentucky. These tins are highly collectible for their vibrant red aesthetics and detailed hunting scenes, which were designed to capture the attention of sportsmen in general stores.

What affects the value of Pastime Plug Tobacco Tin?

• The clarity and preservation of the red lithographed hunting scenes significantly impact the $200-$240 price range.
• Overall structural integrity, including the presence of the original lid and lack of major dents or rust.
• The vibrancy of the original pigment, as fading from sun exposure can decrease collector interest.
• Market demand for John Finzer & Bros. memorabilia within the tobacco and sporting advertising niches.

How to Identify Pastime Plug Tobacco Tin?

• Look for the 'John Finzer & Bros.' manufacturer name and 'Louisville, KY' location printed on the tin.
• Verify the presence of the signature red background featuring detailed lithographed hunting imagery.
• Check for the specific 'Pastime' brand typography consistent with late 19th-century American advertising.
• Examine the metal construction for authentic age-related wear typical of 1890-1910 production.

History of Pastime Plug Tobacco Tin

Pastime Plug Tobacco was a popular brand manufactured by John Finzer & Bros. in Louisville, Kentucky, during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Tobacco advertising tins like this one were prominently displayed in general stores and tobacconists, serving as both packaging and marketing tools. They often featured colorful lithographed designs reflecting popular themes of the era, such as hunting scenes or idyllic landscapes, to attract consumers.