Prince Albert in a Can

[Scottmi]

My father dug these out of a drawer and passed them along to me last weekend.. the scratched up one is empty, the other one appears to be full. Not sure if the newer one (on the right in each photo) was ever opened. Does anyone know what an unopened vintage tin looks like? is there some kind of seal I should be seeing if never opened? The older tin has no UPC label, then newer one does..

 

[canucklehead]

 

[canucklehead]

They are not sealed, but there is a wax paper wrapper inside the tin, if it is full it should be folded on the end still.

Edit to add: A UPC indicates 1975-1987

 

[didimauw]

I've said this before, but I wish tins were still made like this!

 

[canucklehead]

I have a few full 1960s and a 1970s/80s one. The 60s one I smoked had a few hints of dust and rust on the retrohale but was not too bad.

 

[MCJ]

Really cool old tins!

 

[Scottmi]

They are not sealed, but there is a wax paper wrapper inside the tin, if it is full it should be folded on the end still.

Edit to add: A UPC indicates 1975-1987

thank you!

 

[Scottmi]

View attachment 204701

amazingly helpful image (and this site!) thank you! I figured these were early 70s. Of my two, the old one must be a 1963-64 with 1 5/8 weight and zip code; and the UPC one is the last 1975+ era. Nice to know!

 

[Scottmi]

I had to check... and is 1981 or after...

 

[Streeper541]

Awesome! I've got a few old tins like this, however, mine are empty.

 

[shermnatman]

It's a time-capsule of tobacco treasure!

Love that you opened that badboy up! Now, Smoke it!

After all, Prince Albert IS the National Joy Smoke! - Sherm Natman

 

[yanoJL]

There's a small antique shop near me that has two of those (empty) tins on sale for $10 each. Classics!

 

[kcghost]

Those are some really nice. Great display of all the tins was most appreciated.

 

[Scottmi]

There's a small antique shop near me that has two of those (empty) tins on sale for $10 each. Classics!

If they are still in the shop, and open/close, offer $10 for the both of them...and put them to use! I'm really enjoying using the old PA tin (newly loaded). It's a great container.

 

[augiebd]

I have an empty one, I will have to fashion a liner like you have and start to use it.

 

[Scottmi]

I have an empty one, I will have to fashion a liner like you have and start to use it.

Do it! I got fancy with rounded sides on my form, but a squared 2 1/2" or so x 3/4" board should work great. I believe the original packets were squared bricks.

 

[augiebd]

I went to dig up this old tin and to my surprise it was a Velvet tin! I’ve never smoked Velvet nor does it sound like something I’d enjoy that much, too mild. It’ll still make a good tin to carry some tobacco out and about.

 

[Scottmi]

On a whim, as I like the "Forest and Stream" name, searched to see if there were any of these old tins for sale. Oh boy, some folks really speculate on the worth! I've bought and sold cars for less!

 

[mso489]

I remember when those cans/tins were routinely offered at groceries, drug stores, gas stations, and newsstands.

My dad smoked only Granger in the foil pouch. Occasionally, someone would give him the gift of a tub of Granger, and he'd refill the foil pouches from the tub. He had a couple of leather tobacco pouches, but he liked the foil versions.

I suspect the ancient burly in the PA would keep a long time, if not forever. I think it might be smokeable. Burley doesn't improve with aging like Virginia, but it certainly keeps well. Being a burley buff, I tend to think it can get a little better. Or maybe it is that it couldn't get any better.

 

[Zamora]

I've been to so many antique shops that have old PA tins, I'm not surprised there's still some that are unsmoked.