Funky Retro Mid-Century 1950's Tin Tea Caddy, with a Stylish Embossed Floral Design an Unusual Shape, with a Cushion Lid, by Baret Ware in the Monetery Design

I am continuing my effort to downsize, as I unfortunately have to replace the engine in the family car! I'm making progress but more items need to go!

I have quite the selection of collectable tins of all shapes and sizes which I have collected over the years and used and displayed, but I have too much for my current needs so I have a few that must go!

For sale here is a Funky Retro Mid-Century 1950's Tin Tea Caddy, with a Stylish Embossed Floral Design and an Unusual (Victorian Knife Box) Shape, with a Cushion Lid, by Baret Ware in the Monetery Design.

Originally was an item of giftware which could be filled by the Storekeeper with a number of giftware items. It has also been previously used for the storage of loose tea or coffee, I presume, but I have just had it on display due to it’s interior condition. It has been in my collection for some time, but it’s time for a new owner.

The history bit!:
“Made in England, Baret Ware tins had quite the reputation amongst mid-20th century American gift-givers.
Beloved by consumers for their beautiful designs and equally beloved by retailers for their pretty packaging opportunities, Baret tins held a variety of giftable products that ran the gamut from bath soaps to biscuits, including chocolates, teas, candies, stationery and beauty items. Available in all sorts of shapes and sizes, they were part of the mid-century American gift packaging industry. Upon arrival from England, they were ready to be filled with local shopkeeper delights for consumers around the country. Almost like receiving two gifts in one, these Baret tins were so beautifully designed that shoppers and gift-receivers often held on to them long after the interior "present" was enjoyed.
This Monterey Pattern vintage Baret would have originally filled with stationery (36 notecards and 36 envelopes). Perhaps it was then used to store loose tea or coffee or even got re-gifted with a homemade treat or two after all the paper was put to use. Especially popular in the American South during the 1950s and 1960s, Baret tins are the epitome of gorgeous gifting and good taste. Well made and very stylish, with bright, colourful, and intricate designs it's no wonder they were popular packages back then and still remain favourite collector's items today.

This tin is in an unusual shape reminiscent of a Victorian Wooden Knife Box, taller at the rear, with a slanting lid and an curved undulating front and a flat back.
The pattern is an embossed floral design in cherry red, teal, green apple, lemon, gold, tangerine, and emerald green against an ivory/cream background.

Condition-wise it has some degree of tarnish, patina, rust spots, fading, scuffs and scratches as would be expected of a tin from the 1950’s.
If using to store loose tea or coffee, I would have it sealed in a bag inside the tin due to the age and patina of the tin. The lid is hinged, and when the tin is closed, the shape is correct. When the lid is open, it shifts a bit to one side.

It stands 6 inches/15cm tall at the back, 5 inches/13 cm at the front, and it 4.5 inches/11.5cm wide.
Please see all the photos as they form part of the condition report.

This would be fabulous for display or use or for photo shoots or as a prop for stage or screen.

Perfect for a display of funky shabby chic kitchenalia, in a cafe, pub, or home setting!

I have a number of tins for sale, and I am listing them separately, so keep an eye out!