Canadian. 1899 to early 1900s. Lithographed tin. This is a rare and early Canadian tin for the Challenger brand of tea. The tin, with a prominent rooster motif, was produced by the Macdonald Manufacturing Company, an early Canadian maker of lithographic tinware. The designs on the tin nicely reflect the Art Nouveau period (which flourished in Canada between 1890 and 1910), with organic and flowing lines- note the billowing columns and the lettering in "The J.M. Co. Ltd" panels, along with the nature-inspired plant and flower motifs across the entire tin. This is a very early tin, evidenced by the blank spaces or "privilege panels", features the company was famous for (the once blank spaces that now show the Jobin-Marrin factory, the name "Jobin-Marrin Wholesale Grocers", and the two small spaces showing "the J.M Co. Ltd." name). The tin was made for the Jobin-Marrin, a wholesale grocer company in Winnipeg, Manitoba, which manufactured, packaged, and wholesaled the tea to various stores that were selling the "Challenger Tea" brand. Marked, "MACDONALD MFG CO., LIMITED TORONTO", lower edge. Authenticated by The Authentication Company (TAC #501423). All items are guaranteed authentic by Miller & Miller Auctions. From the late Marcel Gallays Collection.

Size
8.75" x 8" x 7".

Condition
Grade: 8.5. Good colour and lustre. Raised areas with surface wear and loss, most notably on the rooster's head. Minor surface nicks. Minor impressions underneath.

Provenance
From the late Marcel Gallays Collection.