Sweet Burley Tobacco Tin Value Guide

Lot - Large Collection of Old Food Canisters
Sweet Burley Tobacco Tin
Estimated Value
$190 – $210
Period
1910-1930
Origin
United States
Materials
Tin, lithographed paint
Category
Tobacco tin

The Sweet Burley Tobacco Tin is a quintessential piece of early 20th-century Americana, serving as a large-scale store bin used in general stores to dispense tobacco by the ounce. Its striking yellow, red, and black lithographed design represents the peak of industrial marketing during the expansion of the American tobacco industry.

What Is Sweet Burley Tobacco Tin Worth?

The typical price range for Sweet Burley Tobacco Tin is $190 - $210 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

  • The preservation of the vibrant yellow paint, as lithographed tins from this era are prone to fading and scratching.
  • The presence of the original lid, which significantly increases the market value toward the $210 range.
  • Structural integrity of the tin, including the absence of major dents or heavy oxidation on the interior.
  • Clarity of the black and red lettering, which must remain legible and sharp for top-tier collector interest.

How to Identify Sweet Burley Tobacco Tin?

  • Look for the distinct cylindrical shape designed for bulk storage behind general store counters.
  • Verify the bold red and black typography set against the signature bright yellow lithographed background.
  • Check for authentic wear patterns consistent with 1910-1930 production, specifically on the lid and base seams.
  • Confirm the 'Sweet Burley' branding which identifies it as a specific product of the early 20th-century Burley tobacco boom.

History of Sweet Burley Tobacco Tin

Burley tobacco became a staple of the American tobacco industry in the mid-19th century. During the late 1800s and early 1900s, manufacturers utilized vibrant, lithographed tins like this one to market their products to a growing consumer base. These large 'store bins' were often used behind counters in general stores to dispense tobacco by the ounce.

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