How Old is Too Old? Prince Albert in a Can!

[rodo]

Stumbled upon an antique shop that has an unopened box of 12 Prince Albert tins (also, of course, unopened). Price seems okay, if the tobacco is still good. Seller says they are from the 1930s. Anyone have experience with tobacco tins this old? Any hope of the tobacco being smokeable?

 

[canucklehead]

1960s-70s Prince Albert smoked just fine for me, with only minor dust/rust flavour notes.

 

[rodo]

So another thirty years of aging ought to make it just right!

 

[cosmicfolklore]

Just keep in mind that those old tins were not air tight. But, honestly, I wonder if we make too much of this air tight crap anyways.
That said... it's Prince Albert, don't expect it to taste like nirvana or anything.

 

[rodo]

Right, I supposed it could always be re-hydrated. And, yeah, Prince Albert, but aged PA...? Would that age well? Just no one really talks about that b/c it is commonplace, I suppose.

 

[PoplarWight]

I know matches860 (rest in peace) had a vid where he smoked Half and Half from the 20s or 30s and it was fine, and in fact, was superior to the current product.
Might be a neat experience.

 

[Ahi Ka]

If anything is gonna last the distance, it’ll be a burley. Can you buy 1 tin to sample before committing?

Edit: just saw you said the box was also unopened. I say buy it.

 

[anotherbob]

to my mind if the containers are worth it and you'd like that novel stuff then buy it and hope the tobacco is good. If not then good chance you'll get mummy dust. No one thought the tobacco would sit on a self for decades. The thing is it's kind of a rare chance no matter the out come. I wouldn't break the bank but if the price is half way decent it seems like it would be cool to have either way.

 

[rodo]

 

[rodo]

She made me a deal. (I think...) $150 for both boxes. So now 24 tins, unopened, waiting a throw of the dice.

 

[Ahi Ka]

She made me a deal. (I think...) $150 for both boxes. So now 24 tins, unopened, waiting a throw of the dice.

I’d be interested to know what pipestud would sell these for.

 

[mso489]

Sure. It's a gamble, but it could be fine. If some has gone to dust, other tins may be good. It's an adventure right there in your smoking chair. If it's wonderful, I don't think you're going to find any more like it, but you have plenty.

 

[rodo]

When I get the nerve up to open one, I'll put the results, both the can view and from the burning bowl, here.

 

[Ahi Ka]

If they need rehydrating you can always just load a bowl and gently breathe through the top of the chamber. Or even mix in some current PA/Velvet with the old stuff to bring into case.

 

[jpberg]

You’ll have to let us know whether or not you prefer it in the can.

 

[condorlover1]

I have had PA from the 1950s. When you open the tin by flipping the inserted lid you will find it is in a waxed paper. Since it was packed dry it will probably be alright. If it says 'Crimp Cut' on the tin then it is really old as that was for either pipes or RYO. I tried rolling it once and I didn't find it really interesting but then I grew up with Nut Brown and Old Holborn!

 

[fireground_piper]

Considering the age, those boxes look to be in great shape!

 

[OverMountain]

Woah! Amazing find and historical piece! Let us know how it goes?

 

[monty55]

Keep the PA and let Pipestud sell the Velvet. You'll probably double or triple your money.
I think they're cool as hell just like they are. Great addition for a smoking room.

 

[jpmcwjr]

Yes, and possibly the PA tins would appeal to some collectors.