Description

Used  at home and in the field as evidenced by numerous camp photos, here is the typical tin storage cannister of the period. Used to store many different things but the most common was tea or coffee. Often japanned and stenciled but left plain as well, sometimes with a paper label affixed. The plain tin ones are actually a bit more difficult to find. Japanning often wears off with use but I see no evidence that this one was ever coated as there is no trace even in the crevices. Looks to me like some residue of having had a paper label at one time. Single folded soldered side seam and earlier style flared soldered base. (bottom of side is flared out and the base is folded/pounded, back down over it flat, as opposed to 90 degrees up the side) Shoulder seam is done the same way. The lid is two pieces with a soldered domed top. Many of these documented period pieces which were commercially manufactured in quantity had drawn lids as the technology and machinery was available and more attainable for large makers. (small vessels, like pill, cap, and watch parts tins were often drawn/stamped during the period with no seams, so were lids for vessels like this cannister) The two piece lid for this cannister suggests either a smaller more local maker or an earlier manufacture. Nice even gray patina and excellent displayable character. Just one little flat ding at the base where it was probably dropped somewhere in it’s long life. Important part of period mess or kitchen furniture.