The collection dates from the heyday of retail packaging, when tinplate containers doubled as an advertising and branding medium. The graphic possibilities of tinplate containers produced numerous pleasing combinations, with the result that this form of packaging remains a favourite of collectors.

The collection includes some well-known Australian brands, including Bushells and Griffith Bros tea, as well as numerous colourful but extinct tradenames. It forms an excellent addition to the PHM's existing holdings in the domestic history and retailing fields.

Tinplate consists of thinly rolled steel whose surface is treated with a fine coating of tin in order to protect the can from corrosion. Food was first preserved in cans about 1810, and from the 1870s a wide range of meat, dairy and vegetable products were preserved and sold in cans in most industrial societies.

However, by the end of the nineteenth century, most commodities were still unpacked and sold in bulk by grocers. Products such as tea, coffee, sugar, flour, biscuits or dried fruits were weighed out in front of the customer and wrapped in paper or put into a bag. Individual retail packages for these commodities is a twentieth century phenomenon.

A collection of retail packing including:

A set of seven Griffiths Bros containers, embossed with waratahs and other native flowers, labelled for Rice, Tea, Barley, Sago, Tapioca etc.

Two Bushells tea containers and Inglis Goldenia container featuring idealised Sri Lankan tea picking scenes.

An assortment of other tinplate containers, including Edwards 'Ensign', Tea, Outback Tea, Nectar Tea, Griffith Bros Choice Tea, Old Dutch Cocoa, Anchor Custard Powder, Anchor Coffee Chicory, Pyrethro Flykiller.

An Akubra hat box.

Bell's vesta matches

Several packets of 'Gold Flake Cigarettes and one packet of Mills Filter tips.

Made: 1900 - 1940

See part records

2012/31/1

1900 - 1940