Manufacturer

The Great Atlantic and Pacific Tea Company

Material

tin

Purpose

This canister, with loose tea in it, was sold by the A&P Company. The tin kept moisture from ruining the tea while using the product. However, the tin was meant to be thrown away after use, but because it was ornate and still useful, it was probably re-used for other purposes.

Creation Date

1875 – 1899

Date Details

The Great American Tea Company was founded in 1859, and ten years later changed its name to the Great Atlantic and Pacific Tea Company. The name was later simplified to A&P, as we know it today. According to the website "Advertising Tin Canisters," with the invention of chromo lithography, the late nineteenth century companies began advertising and selling their product in tin cans. Of course, tea had been on of the first items seen in tin cans because it was easy to transport teas from China in such materials. When American tea Companies got word of this storage method, they began putting their product in such tins as well. In fact, the tea canister above is shaped similar to the early Chinese tea tins. Although a specific date for this canister could not be determined, it would appear that this item was probably a Victorian artifact utilized in the late 19th century or early 20th, before the art deco tins were popular in the 1920's.

Marks/Inscription

Great Atlantic and Pacific Tea Company/3537 Vesey Street, New York, New York

Kitchen Artifact ID

K006