A large early 20th-century Lipton’s advertising tea tin, dating to circa 1905–1925.
The rectangular tin is extensively decorated with colourful lithographed panels advertising Lipton Limited, Tea, Coffee & Cocoa Planters, Ceylon Tea Merchants, together with the Royal Arms and the wording “By Special Appointment His Majesty the King.”
The side panels depict Ceylon tea plantations and tea production, while the hinged lid opens to reveal a square dispensing or filling aperture. A particularly decorative piece of early Lipton’s advertising and shop display.
Details
- Era: Early 20th century, c.1905–1925
- Brand: Lipton Limited
- Origin: British
- Product: Ceylon Tea
- Materials: Lithographed tinplate
- Type: Large advertising tea storage / dispensing tin
- Decoration: Colour lithographed advertising and Ceylon tea plantation scenes
- Royal Warrant: “By Special Appointment His Majesty the King”
- Dimensions: 23cm W × 27.5cm H × 23cm D
- Condition Notes: Good original antique condition with extensive surface wear, scratching, oxidation, fading and losses to the lithographed decoration consistent with age and commercial use. Wear and oxidation to the lid and interior. Hinged lid remains present. Please refer to photographs.
- Provenance / Story: Lipton developed extensive tea interests in Ceylon during the late 19th century and became one of the best-known names in British tea retailing. This large shop tin combines Lipton branding with pictorial scenes promoting the company’s Ceylon tea plantations.
- Care Tips: Dust gently with a soft dry cloth. Avoid metal polish, abrasive cleaning or excessive moisture as these may damage the surviving printed decoration.