One lump or two?

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Vintage J & F Bell Three Nuns tobacco tin | H is for Home

We often find these small tobacco tins in the mixed boxes we buy at auction. Usually they’re full of nails, pins, screws or tap washers. But this one contained a more colourful surprise…

Vintage 'Three Nuns' tobacco tin showing 8 different paper-wrapped sugar cubes | H is for Home

…lots of old, paper-wrapped sugar lumps!

They look to date from the 1960s – someone had obviously started a little collection – quite rare survivors probably.

Old paper-wrapped sugar cubes including Harrods, Sunny Southport, Kent and Ravenglass | H is for Home

Some of them have lovely period graphics… very sweet!

Tin tin!

Collection of vintage tins | H is for Home

We just love vintage tins! We have them dotted all over the house. They add a homely, vintage touch to shelves, cupboards & cabinets.

Vintage tin decorated with deer, pottery giraffe from the USSR, wide 60s yellow bangle & green Philippe Stark watch | H is for Home

We store all manner of things in them – buttons, jewellery, loose change, sweets, receipts etc.

Larder shelf with vintage tins and baking ingredients | H is for Home

Tins from the 50s & 60s are our favourites, with their wonderful period designs & motifs.

Vintage 1950s tin depicting 2 ladies having tea | H is for Home

We pick them up in all the usual places – markets, auctions & charity shops. They’re not all that easy to come across, despite the fact that they were often saved & reused once their original contents had been consumed.

Vintage Nestlé Flair chocolate assortment sweet tin | H is for Home

This is a recent find with an unusual snakes & ladders game board on its lid.

Vintage Peek Freans biscuit tin with snakes & ladders game on lid | H is for Home

Detail of vintage biscuit tin with snakes & ladders game on lid | H is for Home

This one depicts the countries of the British Isles on each of its sides.

Mosaic of different sides of vintage tin depicting the British Isles | H is for Home

Stylised flowers are a popular motif…

Trio of vintage tins all decorated with flower motifs | H is for Home

…as are birds & animals.

Vintage tin decorated with colourful birds | H is for Home Vintage tin decorated with orange & brown deer | H is for Home

Brightly coloured food tins, both modern & vintage, look great in the kitchen.

Collection of brightly coloured vintage & new food tins | H is for Home

Then there are tins for herbs & spices and favourite recipes.

Vintage tin box for recipe cards | H is for Home

And what’s better than a lovely vintage cake tin next to the kettle?

Vintage 3 tier cake tin, Briglin mug and chocolate brownie | H is for Home

especially if it’s got home-made cake inside!!

Vintage 3-tier cake tin with Christmas cake inside | H is for Home

We always like to have a few vintage tins on the H is for Home website. They’ve proven very popular – click on the link to see our current available selection.