An unusual Lattice work tobacco tin.

I have been involved with these tins for many years. Rarely does something turn up that gets me to take a closer look. However recently on ebay this rather crude but unusual tin surfaces.

 Originally it was listed as a  Straw work trench art tin. But closer look at the construction of the tin shows it is constructed of matchsticks and wood veneer. The tin itself with its rolled edges to lid and base squarely puts it as post WW2.Like so many of these tins it would date easily into the latter 60's or even as late as the 80's or beyond.

Depending if the tin was varnished or left uncoated they easily pick up dirt from being handled and kept in peoples pockets.They are also prone to rust easily if left somewhere damp even for a couple of weeks. So what looks like age is no guarantee that it is as old as it seems to first appear. Usually the tins themselves can only be dated by the style of the art work used to decorate it. Which in itself can be a big problem as old designs may persist in the tin making community for many years amongst older participants.

So what made me stand up and take notice?

The match work is common to about 95% of these tins. And using coloured matches or the colouring of matches after they have been applied can be seen on about 20% of the tins. Using wood veneer is much rarer as only a few tin artists tend to use it to partly cover tins or totally cover tins with. But this tin has a very unusual wood veneer Lattice work top to it. It may be very crude in construction but it is very unusual and exciting to see something new.

An unusual lattice work tobacco tin lid.

You also have to agree the combination of the colours used is also very striking and makes the tin rather eye catching.



A striking alternating coloured red, white and black base

 

A very striking looking base showing the use of the sunken dip which has not been packed out and the combination of alternating red,white and black match work.

 

The Art Deco inspired side.

 

 

Again the sides have the striking coloured matches ,however an Art Deco look has been achieved by laying some matches in opposite way to the main match work in a circular pattern.

 

 

Inside of the tin showing rolled lips and welded Gasket seal.



 

This inside of the tin showing the rolled lips to the lid and base and a rubber welded Gasket to help keep a good seal between the base and the lid. Also notice dents to the inside of the lid suggesting the tin was already old and battered before it was covered with matches.

The tin itself is too far gone to reuse it, but as an interesting and decorative piece it has a valid place in any collection.

In the end I could not resist the tin and had to buy it.

Many thanks to the photographer for allowing me to use the pictures with permission.