10 Rare Advertising Tins Found in Old General Stores

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Hires Root Beer Thermometer Tin

The Hires Root Beer tin is rare because it was part of one of the first widely distributed soda advertising campaigns in general stores. Early 1920s versions featured elaborate illustrations of bottles or root beer floats, and only a few have survived intact. Its rarity comes from its age, delicate tin construction, and limited circulation to select retail locations.

Collectors prize these tins for their connection to early American soda culture. A well-preserved Hires Root Beer tin typically sells for $150 to $400. Tins with unique artwork, bright colors, or special promotions are especially sought after.

Royal Baking Powder Tin

Royal Baking Powder tins are considered rare due to their elaborate early 20th-century designs and the fact that most were discarded after use. These tins often feature ornate typography and detailed artwork, which was uncommon for everyday grocery items at the time. Their scarcity is tied to limited production runs specifically for general store displays.

Collectors look for these tins as they represent an era of home cooking and early branding. Market value ranges from $150 to $400, with rare versions in excellent condition reaching the higher end. Special promotional or embossed tins are especially prized.

Johnson’s Baby Powder Tin

Johnson’s Baby Powder tins from the 1930s to 1950s are rare because most were heavily used and discarded, leaving few in collectible condition. Their rarity is enhanced by the classic baby-themed graphics and pastel colors, which were popular for marketing to general store customers. Early tins with embossed lettering or unique design variations are especially uncommon.

These tins appeal to collectors of vintage beauty and health products. A Johnson’s tin in excellent condition can range from $100 to $300. Tins with original powder or special promotional packaging can fetch higher prices.

Baker’s Cocoa Tin

Baker’s Cocoa tins are rare due to limited production runs and the brand’s use of decorative artwork to stand out in general stores. Early 1900s tins feature intricate typography and illustrations that were often discarded after the Cocoa was used. Surviving examples in good condition are uncommon, which makes them highly collectible.

Collectors value these tins for their connection to early food advertising. Market prices generally range from $150 to $400. Tins with embossed designs or holiday-themed editions are the most sought after.

Vicks VapoRub Tin

Vicks VapoRub tins from the 1920s to 1940s are rare because of their early design and heavy use in households, meaning few survived. The iconic green tin and medicinal branding make it easy to identify, and regional general store distribution adds to its scarcity. Special editions, such as embossed or promotional tins, are extremely rare.

These collectible tins can be worth anywhere from $150 to $300, depending on the condition. Tins from the 1920s to 1940s are particularly valued, especially if they retain their original labels.

Fleischmann’s Yeast Tin

Fleischmann’s Yeast advertising tins are another rare find in old general stores. These tins, which were used to promote the company’s yeast products, often featured artwork with rustic themes. Given that the company has been around since the late 1800s, these vintage tins hold significant historical value. It is rare due to their age, decorative artwork, and limited production for general store advertising.

The price for a Fleischmann’s Yeast tin typically ranges from $100 to $250, depending on its rarity and condition. Tins in near-mint condition or those featuring unique designs or limited edition prints can fetch higher prices.

Colgate Toothpowder Tin

The vintage Colgate Toothpowder tin, used in the early to mid-1900s, is a rare collectible with significant appeal for advertising and historical collectors. Featuring the iconic Colgate logo and often adorned with vintage medical or hygiene-related imagery, these tins were typically used for marketing purposes in general stores. The design, which is sometimes colorful and other times minimalist, reflects the simplicity and trustworthiness of early dental care products.

Collectors are drawn to these tins for their historical significance in dental hygiene marketing. Depending on the condition, these tins can range in value from $150 to $350. Tins that are from special campaigns or feature unique packaging tend to be worth even more, especially those that showcase early marketing from the company.

Postum Cereal Tin

Postum Cereal is another well-known brand that used vintage advertising tins for its products. These collectible tins were designed to market different types of cereals in the 1920s and 1930s and were often stored in old general stores. The tins often include colorful and cheerful designs that reflect the branding of the time. The unique designs on these tins helped the brand stand out in crowded general store aisles, but the delicate nature of the tin meant that few were preserved.

Postum Cereal tins are typically valued between $100 and $300, with rare editions or those in pristine condition sometimes fetching upwards of $400. Limited edition tins, especially those used for promotional purposes, are the most sought after.

Van Houten Cocoa Tin

The vintage Van Houten cocoa tin is a rare piece from the early 20th century. Known for its simple yet elegant design, this tin would have been a staple in general stores in the 1920s and 1930s. The branding typically includes vintage-style typography and charming illustrations, making it an appealing item for collectors of vintage food packaging.

These tins are typically valued between $100 and $300, with higher prices for those in excellent condition or those that feature limited edition artwork or graphics. Tins from special promotional campaigns are particularly prized.

Wheaties Cereal Tin

Wheaties, the breakfast cereal famously known as “The Breakfast of Champions,” has produced rare advertising tins that can be found in old general stores. These vintage tins often featured famous athletes and champions of the time. The bright, bold graphics made them stand out in the store, making them highly collectible today.

The connection between Wheaties and the “Breakfast of Champions” slogan gives these tins a unique place in American sports history. A Wheaties cereal tin is usually worth between $100 and $300, depending on its condition and rarity. Tins that feature rare athletes or those from special marketing campaigns are especially valued, sometimes reaching upwards of $400.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.