13 Vintage Spice Tins with Prices That Keep Climbing
Vintage spice tins are more than just kitchen relics; they represent a unique blend of nostalgia, design, and history. As time passes, these tins have found their way into the hands of collectors who appreciate their timeless appeal. The bright colors, intricate labels, and craftsmanship make them standout pieces that tell a story of a bygone era. Many collectors are drawn to these tins not just for their aesthetic value but for the way they capture the essence of the 20th-century kitchen. As demand for vintage items continues to rise, so does the value of these once common household containers. The intricate designs and rare variations are now highly sought after, pushing prices higher than ever before.
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Rare Antique The Great Atlantic and Pacific Tea Co. Spice Tin
Description: This vintage spice tin from The Great Atlantic and Pacific Tea Company (A&P) features the company’s distinctive early‑twentieth‑century graphics. The tin was once used to store spices, reflecting the brand’s widespread presence in American homes. As one of the oldest American grocery store chains, A&P was a staple in many kitchens and their packaging was an integral part of the brand’s identity.
Condition is critical when it comes to evaluating the value of these tins. A well‑preserved tin with vivid graphics and minimal wear can command prices of around $300 USD or more. Collectors appreciate the rare survival of these items, as many were discarded after use.
Vintage Advertising Spice 6 Lb Tin McCormick Banquet Schilling
Description: This large spice tin, which combines branding from both McCormick and Schilling, is an interesting piece of advertising history. It was created during a time when spices were sold in bulk and the packaging often doubled as a display for the store shelves. The bold advertising on the front of the tin highlights its use in banquet kitchens, making it a highly desirable item for collectors of both spice and vintage food advertising memorabilia.
Given its size and history, the current market value of these tins typically sits at around $450 USD for a well‑preserved example. Tins with a full, clear label and little to no rust are more valuable, as they represent an era when such large packaging was a rare sight.
Rare Vintage MCM Glutate MSG Spice Tin Advertising Can
Description: This mid‑century modern (MCM) tin was used to advertise monosodium glutamate (MSG), a seasoning that became incredibly popular in the mid‑20th century. With clean lines and vibrant graphics, it captures the design aesthetic of the time. The tin’s branding and its educational function encouraging people to buy and use MSG, make it an appealing collectible for those interested in food history.
Given its distinctive design, the current market value of this MSG tin is around $200 USD, although rare or mint condition versions can fetch up to $250 USD. Collectors of MCM items and food advertisements are especially drawn to the graphic appeal and historical context.
Vintage Schilling Mustard 4 Oz Advertisement Spice Tin Can
Description: This 4‑ounce mustard tin from Schilling is a classic example of vintage spice packaging. Mustard was commonly sold in small quantities, and Schilling’s elegant tin provides insight into how branding helped drive consumer sales. The graphics, still visible on the tin, showcase the company’s dedication to creating packaging that was both functional and visually attractive.
The market value for this piece is around $75 USD for a tin in good condition, with factors like graphic clarity and the presence of any original seals affecting its price. A complete set of vintage mustard tins can also increase the overall value.
Vintage Schilling Spice Tins Oregano Dill Seed Cumin Curry Powder Turmeric
Description: This set of spice tins from Schilling includes popular spices such as oregano, dill seed, cumin, curry powder, and turmeric. Each tin features its own individual design, yet they all share the same branding, creating a cohesive collection that is sought after by spice tin enthusiasts. The tins reflect the brand’s influence in kitchens across the U.S. in the mid‑20th century, when Schilling was one of the leading spice companies.
A complete set of five tins can be worth about $100 USD when in good condition, though individual tins can also fetch anywhere from $20 USD to $30 USD each. Tins with bright, intact labels will command higher prices, especially those from the 1950s or 1960s.
Vintage McCormick Schilling Cream of Tartar Tin
Description: A classic example of McCormick and Schilling collaboration, this tin once housed cream of tartar, a commonly used kitchen ingredient in baking. The brand’s distinctive red, white, and gold color scheme makes this tin stand out as a vintage kitchen item. It was a staple in many American homes and is now valued by collectors for its nostalgic appeal and quality design.
Although small tins like this are less glamorous than larger spice containers, they still hold significant value, typically around $60 USD for a tin in good condition. A sealed tin or one with minimal rust and intact labels may attract a slightly higher price.
Schilling Vintage Spice Tins Red Pepper Caraway Seed Poultry Seasoning
This set of Schilling spice tins includes red pepper, Caraway Seed, and poultry seasoning, each offering a snapshot of the brand’s popular product lineup. These spice containers were once common in kitchens, and their colorful design has allowed them to endure as collectibles. The tins’ popularity stems not only from their age but from their aesthetic appeal, which showcases the 20th century’s penchant for bold, eye‑catching packaging.
A complete set of Schilling spice tins like this can be valued at $90 USD for the group, while individual pieces may range between $20 USD and $30 USD. The most valuable are those with crisp, well‑preserved labels and those from early production runs.
Vintage 1977 Schilling Ground Cloves 1.25 Oz Tin
This vintage tin from Schilling was once used to contain ground cloves, a common spice used in baking and cooking. While empty tins are generally less valuable than their filled counterparts, they still hold significant worth due to their branding and rarity. The graphics on this 1977 tin are still bright and legible, making it an attractive piece for collectors.
The value of this tin is around $40 USD if it retains its original label and shows minimal rust or corrosion. While it is less valuable than a full tin, its historical significance and the Schilling branding keep it in demand.
Vintage McCormick Pure Ground Black Pepper Tin
This small vintage tin from McCormick is a staple in many kitchens from the early-to-mid 20th century. Featuring a classic design with a vibrant red label, it highlights McCormick’s long history as one of the leading spice companies in the U.S. The compact tin was used for storing ground black pepper, which was a household necessity for many.
The current market value of a well-preserved McCormick black pepper tin is around $50 USD, though pristine examples or those with unique design variations can fetch slightly higher prices, especially when they feature full labeling or embossed lids.
Vintage S & W Curry Powder Tin
Description: This vintage tin from the S & W brand stands out for its bold red and yellow color scheme, representing the iconic branding of the spice manufacturer. The curry powder tin was popular in the mid-20th century, a time when curry began to enter American kitchens in more significant quantities. The vibrant colors and sturdy construction make this tin an excellent addition to any collection.
The market value for this vintage curry powder tin is typically around $65 USD, but this can vary depending on condition. Tins with clear, unblemished graphics and fully intact lids may command a premium.
Vintage McCormick Poultry Seasoning Tin
McCormick’s poultry seasoning tin is a piece of culinary history from a company that shaped the spice industry. The tin’s design reflects the mid-20th century’s graphic style, with large, easy-to-read labels. Poultry seasoning, used in preparing Thanksgiving and other festive meals, makes this tin especially relevant for collectors interested in holiday-themed items.
Current market prices for this tin are around $70 USD for an example in good condition. The value can rise if the tin is well-preserved, with minimal wear to the label and no rust or fading on the edges.
Vintage Bee Brand McCormick Nutmeg Tin
Bee Brand McCormick’s nutmeg tin is another example of the company’s long history of creating iconic spice containers. The tin’s classic design reflects McCormick’s focus on providing high-quality, affordable products to American households. Nutmeg was a key ingredient in holiday baking and recipes, making this tin a nostalgic piece for collectors who appreciate its historical significance.
For a tin in good condition, collectors can expect to pay around $50 USD. The market price will increase if the tin has maintained its vibrant graphics, with minimal wear and no visible damage to the label or lid.
Vintage Pure Ground Turmeric Tin from Schilling
Schilling’s turmeric tin is another essential item from the company that made spices accessible to the American home cook. The distinctive yellow color of the tin makes it easily recognizable, and the simple design reflects the practicality of spices that were used frequently but stored in functional containers. As turmeric became popular in cooking and baking, this tin gained a place in American kitchens.
The current value for a well-preserved turmeric tin is around $40 USD. Like other vintage spice tins, the value depends on the condition of the tin, with high-quality examples sometimes selling for slightly more.
This article originally appeared on Avocadu.