Cream of Tartar Canister, 1880-1890

01

Artifact Overview

Before products like coffee, tea, and spices were individually packaged with company labels and logos grocers dispensed them from metal bins and canisters. These large tin containers were not only a convenient storage place that kept products dry, but their colorful painted, printed, and stenciled decorations provided an attractive display on the store's shelves and counters.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Canister

Date Made

1880-1890

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

2017.0.34.250

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Tin (Metal)

Color

Red
Turquoise (Color)
Black (Color)
Gold (Color)

Dimensions

Height: 12.5 in
Width: 9.5 in
Length: 8.25 in

Inscriptions

on top: NORTON BROS / PATENTED / MAY 21ST 78 / APRIL 27TH 80 / CHICAGO on front of lid: CR. TARTAR