Antique Union Leader Cut Plug Tin Cigar Box / Lunchbox

Firefighter red and gold antique tin tobacco lunchbox.

Manufactured between 1900-1925 this Union Leader tin box features an external friction hinge latch on the box's exterior for opening and securing. The tin opens on the narrow side. It was manufactured with double-seamed tinplate and lithographed in red and gold on all sides with an eagle standing on a Union Leader Cut Plug Smoke and Chew box.

Text on the box includes: Top: UNION LEADER UNION LEADER CUT PLUG SMOKE AND CHEW CUT PLUG Side 1 & 2: UNION LEADER CUT PLUG UNION LEADER CUT PLUG SMOKE AND CHEW PATENT APPLIED FOR Side 3: UNION LEADER CUT PLUG FACTORY No. 10 FIFTH DIST. OF N.J. NOTICE - THE MANUFACTURER OF THIS TOBACCO HAS COMPLIED WITH ALL THE REQUIREMENTS OF LAW EVERY PERSON IS CAUTIONED UNDER PENALTIES OF LAW NOT TO USE THIS PACKAGE FOR TOBACCO AGAIN. Side 4: UNION FOR SMOKING FOR CHEWING LEADER Sealing Band: GENUINE "UNION LEADER" GENUINE, …LEADER bears this band for the protection of the public against imitations.

Very Good antique condition. Minor scratching, denting, and discoloration. No rust. No sun damage to coloring. Latch, hinges, and handle are in good working condition.

DETAILS: • Dimensions: Height: 4", Width: 5", Length: 7.75", Weight: 10oz • Manufacturer: P. Lorillard Company, Inc. • Design: Lithographed Tobacco Tin Lunchbox • Pattern: Eagle and tobacco box • Markings: Partial original sealing tape remains on the tin • Place of Origin: New Jersey • Date of Manufacture: c1900-1925 • Materials: Tin • Color(s): Red and Gold

HISTORY: P. Lorillard Company, Inc. Manufactured UNION LEADER tobacco and other tobacco products (snuff, cigars, plug tobacco and cigarettes). Pierre Lorillard was a French immigrant who came to the United States in 1760. In 1760 he began manufacturing snuff in New York City. Lorillard's UNION LEADER tobacco was one of the leading cut plug tobaccos. Cut Plug Tobacco can be chewed, smoked in a pipe, or rolled into a cigarette.

This company was absorbed by American Tobacco Co. shortly after 1890. P. Lorillard Co. Inc., became independent once again, after 1911 when the United States Government broke up the Tobacco Trust. Lunchbox tobacco cans are most common between 1901 and 1925. UNION LEADER lunchbox tobacco cans were manufactured at least until WWII.

ADDITIONAL SHIPPING INFORMATION: • Items are shipped by USPS Ground Advantage with standard $100 insurance unless otherwise agreed upon. • Multiple purchases will have a combined, lower shipping rate. • Because I primarily use recycled materials to securely package your valuable items, accurately calculating shipping costs in advance is challenging. While I may initially estimate high, any shipping cost overages of $1 or more will be promptly reimbursed. • If an item is broken during the shipping process, the buyer is responsible for submitting a claim to the USPS. Please ensure you keep the label/receipt and all original packaging to demonstrate proof. Refer to the USPS website or your local post office to obtain a claim form.

IMPORTANT DDV SHOP NOTE: • All antique/vintage items in my shop are sold "as-is/as-found" and priced accordingly for their condition. I only complete a light cleaning on items allowing new owners to determine the level of aging and character they wish to preserve. This includes all metal patinas and discolorations. • All antique/vintage items are by definition “used” and usually show signs of age and/or use. Buying vintage items online assumes some risk. Be sure to view all photos as they are part of the description and condition. I do my best to provide descriptions and/or photos of any wear, damage, or manufacturing flaws I find to help you make your purchase decision. I do not accept returns unless the buyer can prove that the items weren't accurately described or photographed. • I personally research each item I sell and do my best to provide accurate information in my listings. I am a hobbyist vintage collector but not an expert, so if I missed something and you would like additional information please contact me before you buy.

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