Vaseline Camphor Ice Tin Value Guide

Vintage Tube of Vaseline Camphor Ice. Advertising, 1940's ...
Vaseline Camphor Ice Tin
Estimated Value
$12 – $14
Period
1930-1945
Origin
United States
Materials
Lithographed tin, metal

The Vaseline Camphor Ice Tin is a significant piece of apothecary history, representing the Chesebrough Manufacturing Company's transition from glass jars to portable lithographed metal. This cylindrical push-up tube served as a functional precursor to modern lip balm packaging, designed specifically to dispense camphor-infused petroleum jelly for medicinal use.

What Is Vaseline Camphor Ice Tin Worth?

The typical price range for Vaseline Camphor Ice Tin is $12 - $14 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

  • The physical condition of the lithographed graphics, specifically the lack of rust or significant scratches.
  • The functionality of the push-up metal base and the presence of the original cap.
  • Rarity of the specific color scheme and branding variations used between 1930 and 1945.
  • Market demand for early 20th-century American apothecary and medicinal tins.

How to Identify Vaseline Camphor Ice Tin?

  • Look for the distinct cylindrical push-up mechanism at the base of the metal tube.
  • Verify the lithographed branding featuring the 'Chesebrough Manufacturing Company' name.
  • Confirm the era by checking for the specific 1930-1945 graphic style and typography on the tin's surface.
  • Ensure the material is lithographed tin rather than a modern reproduction or plastic alternative.

History of Vaseline Camphor Ice Tin

Introduced by the Chesebrough Manufacturing Company, Camphor Ice was a popular medicinal salve in the early 20th century. It combined the soothing properties of Vaseline with camphor to treat chapped skin and cold sores. This specific push-up tube design was a precursor to modern lip balm packaging and represents a transition in apothecary aesthetics from glass jars to portable lithographed tins.

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