Vintage 1970's Mahogany Flake Tobacco Tin - British Tobacco Collectible

This vintage Mahogany Flake Tobacco tin is a striking example of classic British tobacco packaging, featuring its distinctive brown and orange colour palette, bold typography and the traditional sailing‑ship emblem. With its rounded edges and sturdy metal construction, it captures the look and feel of mid‑20th‑century smoking memorabilia, making it an appealing piece for collectors of advertising tins, tobacconist history, and retro packaging design.

The tin displays the original Mahogany Flake Tobacco branding clearly across the front, with age‑related wear that enhances its authenticity and character. Ideal for display on shelves, in man‑caves, vintage shops, or as part of a curated collection of tobacco tins, this piece offers both visual charm and historical interest.

A genuine vintage item with expected signs of age, it remains an attractive and evocative reminder of Britain’s long‑established tobacco trade and the artistry of early product branding.

The History of Mahogany Flake and Tobacco Tins

Tobacco tins like this one became widespread from the late 19th century through the mid‑20th century, when manufacturers invested heavily in distinctive branding to stand out in an increasingly competitive market. 

Metal tins were favoured for their durability and ability to keep tobacco fresh, and they quickly evolved into collectible advertising pieces.
Brands such as Mahogany Flake used bold colours, maritime imagery and strong lettering to appeal to loyal customers and reinforce product identity.

The sailing‑ship motif seen on this tin reflects a common theme in tobacco advertising of the era, symbolising tradition, craftsmanship and the global trade routes that brought tobacco to Britain.

Today, original tobacco tins are valued not only for their nostalgic appeal but also for the insight they offer into early packaging design, printing techniques and the cultural history of smoking in the UK. Collectors often seek out tins with clear graphics, intact lids and distinctive branding—qualities this example proudly retains.

Size  8 x 6.5 x 2cm