Finding Collectible Vintage Tins for Your Home

Are you interested in finding collectible vintage tins? We share where to find old tins, their estimated value and characteristics to look for.

If you are new to this blog: Welcome! My name is Anna and I share information on collecting antique/vintage items, refurbishing furniture and making small crafts/projects. The purpose of this blog is to show you how to use creativity and antiques to make your home beautiful. In addition to information on the blog, you can also follow me on the following social media accounts Instagram, Facebook or Pinterest.

Thrifted Goodies

This month, I am honored to be a guest member of the Thrifted Goodies series! The Thrifted Goodies series consists of monthly posts where Rachel from the Antiqued Journey and MaryJo from Master “Pieces” of My Life share thrift store goodness. Topics might include particular finds, tips, techniques and general advice about thrift shopping in general.

Back Story

As long as I can remember, my uncle has had a fabulous collection of old tins.  He specializes in older baking related tins.  Most of his antique tins are for varieties of baking baking powder, cocoa, grits, coffee, and oats.  Most of these containers are from the early 1900s-1950s.  I love to look at the different designs and graphics on each tin.   He also has an impressive collection of old spice tins.  The tins in his collection are in excellent condition and have bright colors, including reds and yellows. Below is a photo of some of the old tins from his collection. 

​His collection inspired me to start looking for vintage tins when I was out and about thrifting.  My particular aesthetic is a little different than his but many of the techniques and consideration we use to find these tins are the same.  Today, I am sharing some tips for finding collectible vintage tins for your own home. 

Finding Collectible Vintage Tins

Today, I am sharing information about the types of tins to collect, where to find them, their estimated value, and characteristics to look for. 

Vintage Tins to Collect

Truly, the type of tins to collect is enormous.  There is a huge variety of vintage tins to choose from.  Here is a sample of categories available:

• Coffee tins – the most common
• Tobacco tins – also fairly common
• Automotive related tins such as oil cans
• Paint tins
• Shoe polish tins
• Biscuit tins
• Candy tins
• Marshmallow tins
• Tea tins
• Cookie tins
• Cocoa tins
• Peanut butter tins
• Lard tins
• Potato chip tins
• Olive oil tins

My uncle likes to focus his collection on food related tins with graphics and colors that appeal to him.  I prefer to collect tins that can double as flower vases and that have a particular country charm.  My collection of tin cans is not as neat and orderly as my uncle’s. When a particular tin “strikes my fancy” – colors, graphics, age- I purchase it.

Below are some of the tins I have found thrifting and antiquing over the years. 

The tall robins egg blue tin with Italian writing is an old cookie tin.  While it is not in perfect condition, I love the colors and graphics used.

Similarly, this taffy candy tin was another find that stole my heart. While I don’t believe this tin is particularly old, I loved the graphics.

Where to Find Vintage Tins

Once you know the types of tins you are collecting, it’s much easier to find them when you are antiquing or thrifting.  If you are looking for rare designs or want tins in excellent condition, then your best bet is to look online at sources such as ebay or etsy.  

If, like me. you are less fussy about the exact tin you are collecting, then you can easily find them in the following places:

• Thrift stores
• Antique stores
• Flea markets
• Vintage fairs or Antique fairs
• Auctions (sometimes you can purchase an entire “lot” of tins)
• Church sales
• Yard sales or garage sales

Estimated Value of Vintage Tins

The value of old tins varies considerably. Most vintage tins sell for $15 to $40. Specific old tins are very collectible if they are in good condition and/or if they are rare. The best way to determine the value of a tin is to look on online for the same or similar pieces. Etsy and ebay are two reliable online sources to get a general idea as to the value of antique or vintage pieces.

You should get a range of estimates – particularly if you look at ebay. It’s also worth remembering the price an item is listed for is not the same thing as the price an item sells for.

It helps to filter your search in ebay for “completed listings”. This will tell you the actual price an item sold for or if the item didn’t sell.

Desirable Characteristics  

If you want to start a true collection of old tins, which will have value, there are a number of characteristics to look for.  

First, if possible, old tins should come with their original lids.  Especially tins that functioned as pails, such as peanut butter tins or lard tins. In addition, the lids should be easy to remove.

The white lard tin below still has its original lid.

Another characteristic to look for is overall condition.  Ideally, tins should be free from dents or any disfigurement.  There should be minimal scrapes or missing paint on the exterior. Also, be wary of rust.  If possible, look in the interior of the tin to see if there is any rust.  

I personally like to look for tins from Europe.  So, one of the desirable characteristics I look for is graphics with writing in French, Italian, Polish, or German.  I also look for marks /stamps showing the tin is from a European country. This charming biscuit tin with flowers is from Ireland.

Thrifted Goodies

Be sure to stop by Rachel’s and MaryJo’s sites to read about their thrifted goodies! They both have a wealth of knowledge to share. Rachel is sharing information about using thrifted goodies to decorate for spring. MaryJo is sharing her knowledge and ideas for architectural salvage pieces. Simply click on the images below.

Summary

Regardless as to the type of vintage tins you collect, the most important consideration is whether they make you happy. While my own collection of tins is far from perfect, I love their worn patinas and faded colors. They make me happy when I fill them with flowers.