A bunny fishing. A duck watching. A swan minding its own business. England, 1930s–40s, and utterly rare.
We have not seen another tin like this one. Made by The Metal Box Company — marked 12MB, a firm whose history traces back to 1810 — this octagonal toffee tin is illustrated with a full-color scene of a bunny rabbit fishing at the water's edge, a duck and swan looking on. Every panel is fully decorated, the colors are still vivid, and the condition is exceptional for a tin of this age. Interior very clean. The Metal Box Company went through many acquisitions and transformations over the decades, eventually becoming Crown Cork & Seal; pieces from their earlier decorative tin era are increasingly difficult to find.
A rare and significant piece for the serious English tin collector. A spring or Easter display that will stop people in their tracks.
Maker: The Metal Box Co (marked 12MB)
Material: Metal tin
Dimensions: 4.75" across (octagonal)
Origin: England
Era: Antique, 1930s–1940s (estimated)
Condition: Antique, used — very good; no dents; minor wear and scratches mostly on bottom, consistent with age; interior very clean; please review all photos
